Kalen DeBoer discusses Keelon Russell’s playmaking, decision-making
By Andrew Olson
Published:
There is notable excitement surrounding the 2026 Alabama offense with Keelon Russell taking over as quarterback. The former 5-star prospect’s playmaking capability is frequently cited when discussing how Russell won the starting quarterback job over fourth-year QB Austin Mack, a transfer from Washington.
In a recent appearance on McElroy & Cubelic in the Morning, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer opened up on how the coaching staff is approaching Russell. They recognize Russell’s capabilities, but there’s also a need for the quarterback to protect the football and avoid turnovers.
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“Yeah, I think you don’t want to change Keelon, you know, from what he is and what has made him successful,” DeBoer said. “You want to utilize those strengths that he has. But you also just, you’re constantly reminding him that, you know, the ball is pretty important and we can’t do anything without it. So whether it’s decision making, you know, in his reads or just in the pocket and taking care of the football, he’s got to do a good job.
“… [W]hat you can focus on is the things like you said, two hands on the football. He’s shown that in just a few snaps last season, as you saw, that he’s got that in him, and we’re going to need that because he can definitely create. And now you’re trying to find the balance on, you know, just how are you going to move the sticks? Because the key is to keep giving him more snaps to not just have him go make plays, but the other guys around him that are super talented too.”
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.@AlabamaFTBL head coach Kalen DeBoer on the playmaking ability of Keelon Russell and the coaching emphasis for his development as QB1 for the Crimson Tide!@macandcube | #RTR #CFB pic.twitter.com/Ho0bTAUXoY
— Jox 94.5 (@WJOX945) August 28, 2026
Russell appeared in two games for Alabama last season as a backup. He’ll make his first career start on Sept. 5 when the Crimson Tide face East Carolina to open the 2026 season.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
