Kalen DeBoer on 5-star QB Keelon Russell: 'There's a swagger about him'
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama signed one of the nation’s best quarterbacks on Wednesday, as Keelon Russell sent in his national letter of intent on Day 1 of the early signing period.
Now that Russell is officially in the fold, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer shared his thoughts on the Five-Star Plus+ prospect and what he brings to the Crimson Tide’s roster.
“There’s eyes that we have and feelings that we have when you watch the film that are one thing and it jumps out at you,” DeBoer said. “But I think there’s other details that we saw on the film that when we saw him in person were verified when the coaching staff went out in the spring to see him. And it’s like, ‘Wow, this guy is what we think, and these little nuances that we think are special definitely are.’
“As the summer went along, everyone else started to see that, as well. And now, you see the production this fall, it’s on another level.”
Russell was rated the nation’s No. 2 overall recruit and No. 2 quarterback, according to the On3 Industry Rankings. The Duncanville, Texas native was also the No. 1 player from Texas.
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His senior season is still ongoing, but up to this point, Russell has thrown for 3,652 yards and 52 touchdowns compared to just two interceptions in 2024, according to MaxPreps. The 6-foot-3, 182-pound signal-caller completed 71.5 percent of his passes (206-of-288) and averaged 304.3 passing yards per game while leading the Panthers to a 12-0 record thus far.
Russell headlines Alabama’s talented recruiting class, which ranks No. 3 in the nation, per the On3 Industry Rankings, and the 2025 quarterback was one of the Tide’s top leaders.
“There’s a swagger about him,” DeBoer said. “There’s a confidence about him. He’s helped become a major part of bringing and keeping this class together, which is what you want out of any leader, especially these key guys, but especially your quarterback.
“He’s just having a great championship run there with his high school. So excited about what he brings. And he’s got the arm talent, just accurate, can throw with different slots and all that kind of stuff. And then also just the ability as an athlete to make plays with his feet, too. Just an added dimension there.”
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