"Playing quarterback isn't an overnight thing": 5-star Alabama signee Keelon Russell opens up about being a responsible player on the field

By Aman Sharma

Modified Dec 23, 2024 19:04 GMT

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Keelon Russell, a five-star quarterback and Alabama Crimson Tide signee, shared insights about the dedication required to excel as a quarterback in an interview with "SeeHendo" on Monday.

"If you ain't doing your job as a quarterback, it's going to be the quarterback's fault," Russell said. "So we just have to stay humble. Playing quarterback isn't an overnight thing. You got to really build, you got to be the person to do it, and you got to ask yourself every day like, 'Can this be my job forever?'" (2:14)

Russell also shared his Mount Rushmore of quarterbacks.

"I'm gonna have to go with Cam Newton as one," Russell said. ... "Next, I'm gonna have to go with Peyton Manning. That's one of my favorite quarterbacks of all time. Next, I'm going to have to say Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady."

Russell’s journey to Alabama began at Duncanville High School in Texas, where he emerged as a top-tier talent. In his junior season, he completed 72.0% of his passes, amassing 3,483 yards, 38 touchdowns and three interceptions.

His stellar play led Duncanville to consecutive state championships in the 6A Division I category. Now focused on starting for Alabama, Russell emphasizes his commitment to growth.

"I come here to start," Russell said. "I don't want to just come in here and play games. I want to work. I want to work. Make me work."

Keelon Russell: Alabama’s future star QB garners national acclaim

Keelon Russell is the No. 2 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class.

This week, Russell earned national recognition, first being named Gatorade National Player of the Year and later receiving the Maxwell National High School Player of the Year honor.

Alabama’s quarterback room is poised for competition in 2025, with Russell joining Ty Simpson and Austin Mack. If Jalen Milroe enters the NFL after this season, the battle for QB1 will be fierce. Milroe, Alabama's redshirt junior quarterback, had high praise for Russell.

“He’s a really good player, dynamic,” Milroe said (via On3). “He’s a special cat. There’s a reason why he’s the No. 1 quarterback in the state of Texas, in the country. He’s a big-time recruit because of who is as a person. … I enjoy being around him. I’ve been able to meet him a couple of times here at the facility and at the stadium."

In his senior year, Keelon Russell completed 69.4% of his passes for 4,177 yards, 55 touchdowns and four interceptions.