Ad Disclosure
Kalen DeBoer outlines next steps for Keelon Russell in Alabama QB battle
By Mark Kern
Published:
Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide have one of the most highly contested quarterback battles in the country, as the team is having to replace 2-year starter Jalen Milroe.
It is a 3-person race for the starting spot as Keelon Russell is battling it out with Austin Mack and Ty Simpson. On Monday, DeBoer said if they had to play a game right now, Simpson would be the guy. However, he reiterated that there is still a lot of time, and said for Russell it is all about getting more consistent.
“I think consistency,” DeBoer said when asked what he wants to see from Russell moving forward. “He had some really big days. You saw a lot of flashes of what he is capable of, and then you saw some times where just the consistency not [being there], and sometimes that just means not making the big mistakes.
“And so it’s growth. It’s learning. He’s in it. His head’s in it. He’s the same guy every single day. That’s what you love about him. So, just consistency. He’s going to be a guy that you can attack a defense, and I think all our quarterbacks have that ability with their arm to get after the opponent. Just [being] consistent is the biggest thing for him.”
According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Russell was the No. 2 player in the class nationally. During his senior year last season, he led Duncanville (Texas) to a 13-1 record, throwing for 4,177 yards, 55 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions.
Whoever is named the starter will have some elite playmakers to throw the ball to. Sophomore Ryan Williams is as good of receiver as there is in the country, and new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has a proven track record of success alongside DeBoer.
This quarterback conversation in Tuscaloosa could easily find itself going into fall camp, and if it does, that might just be enough time for Russell to become more consistent.
