Alabama OC tells what makes Tide quarterbacks different as battle continues

3/31/25 MFB Spring practice Alabama Quarterback Keelon Russell (12) Photo by Kent Gidley

Alabama football’s offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, was asked what makes Austin Mack and Keelon Russell different during his Thursday media availability.

Every quarterback brings his own style of play to the field. Some are athletes who can make plays with both their arm and legs as a true dual-threat signal caller. Others are effective at throwing the football from the pocket, but can make plays when they have to run, and are more dependent on their arm than their legs.

Grubb feels Alabama’s Mack and Russell fit into those categories.

“Obviously, Keelon is a really, really good athlete,” Grubb said while discussing what makes the quarterbacks different. “I think his feet probably come into play. I think you saw in the Rose Bowl, obviously, Austin can run a little bit. He had a scramble touchdown during the season as well. It’s not like Austin can’t run, but there is a piece of athleticism there with Keelon that’s different than some guys.”

The Alabama offensive coordinator went on to say both quarterbacks are talented throwers of the football.

“And then as far as arm talent, they’re both supremely talented as far as pushing the ball over the field,” Grubb said. “There’s not going to be a throw that I have in a game plan that I had [with] one, but I couldn’t do with the other. Both have quick releases. Accuracy is something they’re both working on, but very similar guys. I don’t think other than Keelon’s feet, there’s a massive difference other than size.”

Mack and Russell continue to compete to see who will be QB1 in Tuscaloosa in 2026.