Kalen DeBoer talks Keelon Russell after first day of spring practice: ‘He looks good right now’

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Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is intrigued by the talent of true freshman quarterback, Keelon Russell.

Russell’s collegiate tenure started Monday with the opening of Alabama’s spring practices, following a stellar high school career in Texas where he eclipsed 4,177 yards with 55 touchdowns and four interceptions as a senior.

Russell makes his way to Tuscaloosa as one of the highest-rated recruits in program history. 

DeBoer considers Russell to be one of the top young quarterback prospects he has ever worked with. 

“He’s up there. He certainly is,” DeBoer said. “He’s got a long ways to go because I think that’s the way he looks at it. And he’s excited about what this growth is going to be even during the spring. But his ceiling and what he accomplished through what you can see on the high school film, he’s a pretty elite quarterback.”

Russell is listed at 192 pounds on the Tide’s spring 2025 roster. This is considered to be bigger than what many thought he would be heading into the spring. DeBoer feels this is a good sign for the freshman. 

“I saw him last summer,” said DeBoer. “I saw him in person one game last fall. He looks good right now, strong, just a good all-around athlete.”

The former five-star is expected to compete in Alabama’s quarterback battle. 

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