Keelon Russell named Alabama football starter. Here's a look at his prep career
Alabama football has named Keelon Russell as its starting quarterback. Here's a look back at Russell's high school football career.
Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer made a significant recruiting victory as he introduced Keelon Russell as the starting quarterback for the 2026 college football season. Russell, the 2024 National Gatorade Player of the Year, left SMU for Alabama on June 4, 2024, becoming the first five-star quarterback DeBoer signed. With this move, Russell takes over for 2022 five-star recruit Ty Simpson.
Growing up in Duncanville, Texas, Russell attended Duncanville High School. He stepped into the starting role as a sophomore and led his team to a perfect 15-0 record, culminating in a Texas 6A D-1 state championship. During his sophomore year, Russell tallied 2,377 yards on passes, connecting on 22 touchdown throws while committing just nine interceptions. On the ground, he added 203 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
As a junior in 2023, Russell continued his dominance, leading Duncanville to a second consecutive Texas 6A D-1 state championship and a 14-1 season overall. He threw for an impressive 3,483 yards, with 38 touchdowns and just three interceptions. As a runner, he contributed 361 yards and six touchdowns. Russell's stellar performance earned him the 2024 Gatorade Player of the Year award.
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