Ryan Grubb reveals detailed scouting report on Keelon Russell: 'The sky's the limit'

The crown jewel of Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class, Keelon Russell is in the midst of the Crimson Tide’s quarterback competition. Up against Ty Simpson and Austin Mack, the former Five Star Plus+ prospect is already making an impression on offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

Grubb provided a detailed scouting report of what Russell brings to the table. The former Duncanville (TX) standout opened eyes during spring practice as the quarterback battle got underway, and Grubb specifically pointed out his ability to see the field and make quick decisions.

Russell is also quickly picking up the offense as he gets ready for his freshman season in Tuscaloosa. Add in his accuracy and dynamic skillset, and Grubb said he has the ability to thrive in the scheme.

“Certainly, as he gets more comfortable in our offense, you can really see the plays when it’s like, ‘Okay, he really understands this concept. This is a grooved play for him, and he’s making decision really, really quickly,'” Grubb told Tide 100.9’s Ryan Fowler on The Game. “He’s making decisions quickly and he’s getting the ball to the right people. So I think as a young player, when you see that, you’re like, wow, this guy’s really got a chance.

“Then, you pair together an elite skillset physically that he has – his God-given ability – that’s where magic happens for guys. You put that with just his disposition as a guy, very calm player, especially for a guy trying to pick up … a system that’s going to take a little bit for most guys to get down. He is absolutely hunkered in and is not intimidated by the process at all. It’s been really impressive to see.”

Ryan Grubb: Alabama ‘really, really excited’ about Keelon Russell

Keelon Russell arrived in Tuscaloosa as a Five Star Plus+ recruit, meaning he was one of the only players ranked by all four major recruiting media companies as a five star. He was the No. 2 overall recruit from the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

When it comes to that ability to translate to the college game, Grubb said Russell’s vision is the most notable trait. If he can see the field, it will open up the rest of his game. But he’s not a finished product – and Grubb said honing in the rest of his skillset will be key.

“I think for him, it starts with the vision because there’s guys you can get to continue to improve and make them better and they can understand things from a more strategic standpoint,” Grubb said. “But if they can’t see it – I’ve worked with guys where they go, they can draw it up for you, they can talk the talk. And then, they get out there and you snap the leather to them and they can’t see it. It just doesn’t happen fast for them. For Keelon, he was able to put those things together very quickly.

“He can drive the ball to all corners of the field. He’s got a great, tight release. The ball can push through wind and all that. He’s got a high spin rate. Super efficient with his upper half. He can get the ball out of his hand fast, make quick decisions. We’re still working on engaging his lower half to generate a little bit more power. He’s still got tons to work on, just like all these guys do. But yeah, we’re really, really excited. I think the sky’s the limit for him.”