Alabama players and coaches tell Keelon Russell to slide more

Alabama football players and coaches let Keelon Russell know he needs to slide more during his first career start.

Russell led Alabama in rushing in its win over East Carolina Saturday with 86 rushing yards. However, there were several of his runs that ended with him taking tackles that could have been avoided if he slid.

The quarterback was asked what the response was to him not sliding.

“It’s not even just the coaches, it’s the players too,” Russell said. “And they want me to be protected. I gotta do a better job on that, and you’re gonna see a lot of indie drills of sliding this week, and I’m just ready for it.”

Russell will likely continue to make plays with his feet as the Alabama quarterback.

“I’m just here to be a playmaker,” Russell said. “If I got to use my legs, got to use my arms, I’m here to do whatever. You know, my stuff goes bad, like coach said today ‘you know you’re a playmaker too. The whole offense is counting on you to make a play’. So, if I’m in the pocket in a breakdown, of course I’m using my legs. I told you, god blessed me with the attribute that I can use my legs, and why not use it?”

Russell and Alabama will be back in action next Saturday against Kentucky on the road.