Why Grubb feels Keelon Russell is ahead of schedule with his pre-snap reads

Ryan Grubb feels Alabama football’s starting quarterback Keelon Russell has taken a huge step when it comes to his pre-snap reads.

The Alabama offensive coordinator told reporters Russell is ‘way ahead of the schedule’ in the area on Tuesday.

“I think there’s some of those things that you think you know, you hope, you anticipate, for all the quarterbacks, you know, what they’re gonna be able to do and develop and where he’s gonna be pre-snap,” Grubb said. “But I think his mechanics and just having, a lot of time it’s really just having discipline from play to play. Like he knows exactly where your eyes should be, what defender is gonna give you the keys you need, and then being consistent with that process. So for him, I thought over the summer and into camp, he really honed that process down of being trained with his eyes pre-snap. So I think he’s, I’d say ahead of schedule. Is he a 10-year vet? No, not yet, right? You’re still reminding him of stuff, but I think he’s doing a really good job.”

Russell was announced as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback over the weekend. He won the job over Austin Mack, who played three seasons under Kalen DeBoer.

The Texas native will lead the Tide’s offense as a starter for the first time against East Carolina on Sept. 5.