Alabama QB signee Keelon Russell wins Gatorade National Player of the Year

On Tuesday, Dallas Cowboys cornerback and former Alabama standout Trevon Diggs surprised Duncanville (Texas) High five-star quarterback and Crimson Tide signee Keelon Russell with the Gatorade National Player of the Year Award.

The top honor in high school sports, Gatorade Player of the Year celebrates the nation’s best high school athletes for their success on the field, in the classroom and in their communities.

The On3 Industry ranks the 6-foot-3 1/2, 185-pound Russell as the No. 1 prospect in Texas, No. 2 quarterback in the land and No. 2 player overall. This weekend he has top-ranked Duncanville playing in the state semifinals, having completed 70 percent of his passes for 3,874 yards and 53 touchdowns to just four interceptions in 13 games. He’s shooting for his third-straight state title.

Russell has maintained a 3.4 GPA in the classroom. A member of Duncanville’s National Honor Society, he has volunteered locally with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, distributing turkeys to the Duncanville community as part of a joint effort with the Dallas Cowboys.

The uber-talented Russell wins the award over the other two finalists in senior running back Alvin Henderson who signed with Auburn and 2026 offensive tackle Jackson Cantwell who is the On3 Industry’s No. 1 ranked prospect overall in the 2026 cycle.

With his selection, Russell joins an all-star alumni lineup that includes Emmitt Smith, Peyton Manning, Kyler Murray and 2023-24 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year DJ Lagway. Former NFL quarterback Jeff George was the first winner back in 1985.

More than a trophy, Gatorade Player of the Year celebrates the next generation unlike anyone else, from one-on-one time with their favorite pros to stylized photoshoots and participation in community initiatives. 

Scouting Keelon Russell

Russell chose Alabama over opportunities from SMU, Oregon and Texas A&M among others. He reminds On3’s Scouting Department of Heisman Trophy Winner and NFL Rookie of the Year front-runner Jayden Daniels.

“Well-rounded, instinctive quarterback prospect with surgical passing ability, good athleticism and a battle-tested resume . Measured at 6-foot-3 ⅛, 181 pounds with a 9 ⅝-inch hand at the On3 Elite Series prior to his senior season. Grew over half an inch as a junior. 

“At the dials of one of the most talented offenses in high school football, leading Duncanville to back-to-back state titles in Texas highest classification as a sophomore and junior. Showed steady improvement over his final year of high school, winning the Elite 11 Finals MVP and taking his game to another level as a senior. 

“Highly effective and efficient as a distributor. Plays with excellent timing and accuracy. Arm strength took a jump as a senior, delivering with outstanding zip to the intermediate area of the field. Shows elite pocket presence at this stage. Unaffected by pressure and shows a willingness to step up and deliver in messy pockets. A good decision-maker who runs Duncanville’s offense at a high level. 

“A good athlete as a runner. More dangerous as a rushing threat than his production would indicate. Effective as a scrambler and has a good feel for when to tuck it and run. Showed more playmaking ability as a senior, making some astounding improvisational plays. Processes the game well and plays quickly mentally.

“Competitive and plays well in big moments. Should not have as big of an adjustment to the speed of the game as some of his peers, given his battle-tested resume. At his best when delivering from a set platform. Plays with a loaded supporting cast featuring multiple Power 4 prospects that maximizes yards after the catch. Has a thin, lean build and will need to continue getting bigger and stronger to hold up in the pocket, particularly at the NFL level. One of the younger top quarterbacks in the 2025 cycle, with a late April birthday. Consistent improvement over the past year in high school points to a favorable upside.”