Elko tells what challenge Keelon Russell presents Texas A&M

Texas A&M has its eyes set on finding a way to slow down the Alabama offense and Keelon Russell.

Russell is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. He has thrown for 1,746 yards and 12 touchdowns through five games while rushing for 231 yards and five touchdowns.

The Aggies’ head coach Mike Elko gave his thoughts on Russell earlier this week.

“Special player, obviously familiar with him all the way back to recruiting, really talented kid at Duncanville, is having a really, really good year,” Elko said. “Can attack you in a lot of different ways, can make all of the throws, delivers the ball very confidently in a really tight spiral, has ability with his legs to make plays when the play breaks down. I think, obviously, he’s been a really huge weapon for them this year. Someone we obviously are gonna have to try to do our best to slow down as best we can.”

Alabama’s offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb described Russell as ‘the best’ quarterback in the country on Monday, and he is taking it upon himself to make sure the former five-star is put into position to perform better than he did against Tennessee last weekend.

“I think, I mean, I’ll say it, I’ll go on record, I think Keelon Russell is the best quarterback in America, period, and I know that’s not what showed up on Saturday,” Grubb told reporters “And again, I can only take accountability for myself and getting Keelon in a better spot because I know he is that kind of player. So going back to the game plan, what’s easy for Keelon? And it’s not that Keelon is incapable of handling tough things or difficult concepts and things like that.”