Dallas Mavericks highlight Alabama QB signee Keelon Russell rocking his POY jacket at the Clippers matchup

By Insiya Johar

Modified Dec 21, 2024 12:30 GMT

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Five-star quarterback recruit Keelon Russell signed for the Alabama Crimson Tide earlier this month. Russell, one of the premiere QBs of the Class of 2025, is clearly living the dream, as was seen on Thursday night.

Russell took in the Dallas Mavericks-LA Clippers game, wearing his Gatorade Player of the Year jacket. As the camera panned to him, Russell displayed his jacket with pride, as seen in the clip below.

Last week, the Panthers lost to the North Crowley in a close 36-34 game for the 6A Division I title. But despite this, the five-star quarterback shattered records with one of the most celebrated seasons in Texas high school football history. Keelon capped off his senior year with 238 of 343 passes for 4,177 yards, 55 touchdowns and five interceptions in a span of 14 games.

Keelon Russell already has his share of accolades. He was named MVP of the Elite 11 for 2024, becoming the first Alabama signee to earn the title after Tua Tagovailoa in 2016. With this achievement, he earned consensus five-star status. Now, he has been named the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year 2024.

In a press release, Gatorade Chief Brand Officer Anuj Bhasin spoke highly of Keelon Russell.

"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."

Aside from his high school football performance, Keelon Russell is also a Duncanville's National Honor Society member. Moreover, he does community service and volunteer work with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Keelon Russell signs with Alabama, wins Gatorade Player of the Year

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has hit the jackpot by acquiring Keelon Russell's signature for the Crimson Tide. Originally, Russell was committed to SMU but flipped his commitment in June this year to Alabama.

Keelon Russell credited the Crimson Tide's coaching staff as the cause for his flip (via ESPN):

"They laid out the spot for me on the depth chart -- it's something a quarterback dreams of. I felt like if I took the role that I could do some amazing things at high levels.

"I've been in touch with them almost every day since they began recruiting me. If not every day, then every week. They've been on me; really trying to get me there.

"I think I knew that [Alabama] could do some crazy stuff for me," he said. "I'm going to get there and ball out for sure."

Taking another step forward, Russell signed a NIL deal with Team IFA this week. In a statement given to On3, Russell spoke about his deal.

“Anyone that knows me knows how important family is to me and all the people that make up IFA have quickly become an extension of my family. I am excited to be a part of everything they do and I look forward to working with and growing my relationship with them for many years!”