Alabama Timely Flip of 2025 Four-Star QB Keelon Russell

© Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK

Class of 2025 four-star QB has committed to The Alabama Crimson Tide after flipping away from Rhett Lashlee's SMU Mustangs.

Who Is Keelon Russell

Russell is a four-star quarterback from Duncanville High School in Duncanville Texas. Standing at 6-foot-3, 175 pounds, Russel is ranked as the 38th-best player in the nation, the 6th-best QB in the nation and the 10th-best overall player in the state of Texas. (ALL RANKINGS VIA 247SPORTS)

Throughout his recruiting journey, twenty-three Division One schools called with an offer, sixteen of which were from Power Four programs. Keelon Russell Ultimately committed to Alabama over Ole Miss, Baylor, Oregon, Texas A&M and Smu, the team he committed to back in September of 2023.

How Quickly Can Keelon Russell Contribute to Alabama

Alabama has quite a recent history with star quarterbacks closing out the Nick Saban era. Coach Saban retired with the last starters (Before current starter Jalen Milroe) being Bryce Young (Heisman Trophy winner and number one overall pick in the NFL draft), Mac Jones (4,500-yard passer and top 15 pick in the NFL draft), Tua Tagovailoa (National Championship Hero).

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Now with first-year head coach of the Tide, Kalen DeBour, the program hopes to continue this line of outstanding success. In 2024 Jalen Milroe comes in as the sixth-highest odds to win the Heisman Trophy according to Sports Betting Expert Kevin Rogers with Vegas Insider.

Behind Sophomore Jalen Milroe, Alabama has five-star recruit Ty Simpson, four-star redshirt freshman Dylan Lonergan, and four-star redshirt freshman Austin Mack who transferred with coach DeBour.

Luckily, the competition stops there since Keelon Russell is the only QB commit going to Alabama in the 2025 class so far.

This is a very talented and very athletic kid, but it is very difficult to earn playing time in the first season at Alabama, especially at his position. Expect the waiting game with this one. a year or probably two before he's ever given a real chance. Just hope he has the patience to wait and learn because if not SMU could be looking like a dream for Russell.

Scouting Keelon Russell

Keelon Russell is a pass-first QB who is more than willing to tuck it and pick up easy yards. He has a strong arm and plenty of speed to get out of distress. He shows plenty of poise while in the pocket and stays away from forcing the ball in bad scenarios. His deep ball is great and he's more than willing to launch it. When on the run he keeps the ball tucked in the outside hand near the sideline which is a small detail that most high school athletes ignore. The only true downside is the arm power isn't as strong as it could be. His throws to the far hash are a little slow getting to the route runner.