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Keelon Russell receives major endorsement for Alabama's QB1 job.
The Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback battle will be a heated discussion from now until head coach Kalen DeBoer makes an official announcement. Now, a former Alabama All-American linebacker is weighing in on the competition, and his response may surprise you.
Some believe redshirt freshman Keelon Russell won the job this spring with his head-turning performance in A-Day. While others still believe the veteran Austin Mack could have the upper hand and shouldn’t be counted out just yet.
Reuben Foster, on the other hand, believes the starting job is already decided.
During an appearance on Tide 100.9 FM, Foster made his stance crystal clear after evaluating Alabama’s quarterbacks this spring.
“I got Keelon Russell,” Foster said, praising the young signal-caller’s arm talent and presence. He described the way Russell throws the football as “a thing of beauty,” while also noting the energy he brings to the field stood out immediately.
Foster didn’t dismiss Mack, calling him a talented option, but emphasized that Russell’s playmaking ability separated him in his eyes.
That’s a strong endorsement from someone who has seen elite quarterback play up close during Alabama’s championship runs.
It’s not just Foster who’s noticing.
Russell, a former five-star prospect, turned heads throughout spring practice and especially during Alabama’s spring game. Even star wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams had a glowing review of Russell.
The Texas native has built a reputation for elite accuracy and poise, and his early flashes in Tuscaloosa suggest he could be ahead of schedule in his development.
Foster’s comments only add to the growing belief that Russell is emerging as a serious contender, if not the frontrunner.
Despite the growing buzz around Russell, Austin Mack remains firmly in the mix. That isn’t just an opinion, either; that is coming straight from DeBoer’s mouth.
Mack brings valuable experience in DeBoer’s system and has the physical tools coaches look for, including size and arm strength. Foster himself acknowledged Mack’s talent, making it clear this isn’t a one-sided competition.
It’s still too early to officially name a starter, but one thing is clear: Keelon Russell is no longer just a promising young quarterback; he’s a legitimate contender to lead Alabama.
And if Reuben Foster is right, the Crimson Tide may already have the answer Crimson Tide fans are longing for.
Stacey Blackwood Stacey Blackwood covers college football for Heavy.com with a primary focus on the Alabama Crimson Tide football. A veteran sports writer and podcaster, his work has appeared with the USA TODAY Sports Media Group through both Roll Tide Wire and Buffaloes Wire. In addition to his writing, Blackwood is the host of “Tide Talk Live” on the Bleav Network, where he has several years of experience providing in-depth coverage of Alabama football, including recruiting, roster analysis, game previews, and postgame breakdowns. More about Stacey Blackwood
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