Alabama Crimson Tide–No. 12 | |
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Position | Quarterback |
Class | Freshman |
Personal information | |
Born: | April 24, 2007 |
Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
Weight | 175 lb (79 kg) |
Career history | |
College |
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High school | Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas) |
Keelon Russell (born April 24, 2007) is an American football quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He was named the 2024 Gatorade High School Football Player of the Year.
Russell was born on April 24, 2007, and attended Duncanville High School in Duncanville, Texas. [1] He is a member of the 2025 college football recruiting class and was rated as a five star recruit by Rivals.com. [2] During his junior season, he completed 72% of his passes for 3,483 yards and 38 touchdowns, while throwing just three interceptions. [3] During that season, he also led Duncanville to its second consecutive 6A Division 1 state title. [4] On September 21, 2023, Russell committed to play college football for the SMU Mustangs. [5] On June 4, 2024, Russell flipped his commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide. [6] [7] When asked about why he flipped his commitment, Russell referenced the relationships he developed with the Crimson Tide's coaching staff and Michael Penix Jr. development under then-Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer. [8] In June 2024, Russell won the Elite 11 Finals and was named the MVP of the competition. [3] [9]
Russell also ran track for Duncanville where he competed in the 200m, 400m, and 4x400m. [10] The team set a school record for the 4x400m. [10]
Russell enrolled at the University of Alabama in January 2025 to play college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. [11]