"I like to pour into him": Alabama QB Jalen Milroe on mentoring Texan signee Keelon Russell

By Kayode Akinwumi

Modified Dec 18, 2024 00:02 GMT

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Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has expressed eagerness to pass on the quarterback leadership role in Tuscaloosa to his designated successor, Keelon Russell. Milroe is in the twilight of his Crimson Tide career, and the new quarterback signee is touted to fill his role by next fall.

Milroe, who is a Texan like Russell, spoke to the press ahead of the ReliaQuest Bowl on Thursday and was asked for his perception of the five-star prospect.

“I enjoy being around him," he said (Timestamp: 4:33). "I’ve been able to meet him a couple of times here at the facility and at the stadium. Every single time I get to talk to him, I like pouring into him because that’s the biggest thing, man. Just being able to talk to a guy that’s been in the process.

"So, that's something I try to do for him is get my knowledge, since I've been here, and just try to pour it into him, but just it helps.”

Who is Alabama's top quarterback signee Keelon Russell?

Keelon Russell is the No. 1 quarterback in the 2025 class per Rivals and ESPN. The Duncanville (Texas) High School star was highly sought after by top programs, with 23 offers received, according to 247Sports.

He was previously committed to the SMU Mustangs before the Crimson Tide launched a rigorous recruiting campaign that saw him flip to Kalen DeBoer’s team. Alabama beat Ole Miss, Baylor and Cal to sign the standout quarterback.

The high school senior had an eventful season, culminating in personal achievements like the Gatorade Texas Football Player of the Year Award.

This was followed by the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year Award earlier this week.

Gatorade Chief Brand Officer Anuj Bhasin commended Russell in a statement:

“Russell’s accomplishments have earned him a spot on the trophy alongside so many iconic athletes, and we can’t wait to see the legacy he will leave behind.”

Russell completed 220 of 316 pass attempts for 3,874 yards and 53 touchdowns in 13 games for Duncanville this season. These figures are a big upgrade from Russell’s numbers from his junior season. As a junior, he threw for 3,267 yards and 35 touchdowns, reaching a 74.1% completion rate.

Keelon Russell has been hailed as Alabama’s biggest recruit in the 2025 class, marking DeBoer’s first recruiting cycle as the Tide coach. He is projected to earn the starting quarterback spot in his first season at Tuscaloosa.