How is Alabama Preparing Russell for Starting Career?

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- For the third consecutive season, the Crimson Tide will roll out a new starting quarterback, with Keelon Russell winning Alabama's competition. Russell will make his first collegiate start this Saturday, when the Crimson Tide hosts East Carolina.

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Peeking behind the curtain a little bit, Alabama will face several road tests this season, including next week when traveling to Lexington, Kentucky for the SEC opener against the Wildcats. How is the Crimson Tide's coaching staff preparing the sophomore, who appeared in just two games last season, for his first season as a full-time starter in college?

"That's where it's nice that he's been here for a year. Keelon having been here last season, being a part of it, there's a little bit of piece of that, but until you're really in it, I think there's always a part that we learn on the run," DeBoer told reporters on Monday. "This is a great way to get him started here playing at home. There's kind of a way with him being familiar with everything - our offense; he obviously knows that in Year 2. His players, his personnel around him. Pretty comfortable with a lot of guys we have returning, and the scheme, and I think his growth there shows up. The next step is the things you're referring to, and that's the environments, the defenses that he's gonna face, and you take those as they come each and every week."

A vital piece to Russell's success as Alabama's quarterback is the offensive line and building chemistry with the five guys who will be tasked with protecting him on Saturdays. Last week, Russell took the offensive line room to dinner, with that being the exact type of leadership that DeBoer wants to see from his young quarterback.

"I think those are the things you do as a quarterback to continue to show that you appreciate them," DeBoer said. "That's what you want your leaders to do. To me, the higher the leadership role, the more you are as a servant to those around you and those you need. The quarterback, really, needs everyone - not just the offensive line - but he doesn't get a completion unless a receiver catches the ball. He doesn't get a chance to throw it unless he has time from the O-line. The quarterback needs all those guys around him, and so for him to do that doesn't surprise me one bit that he took those guys out. Just the type of person he is, and again, just he appreciates what they're doing for him."

A new quarterback can often get jitters in his first start, but Alabama has the benefit of a home opener against a G6 opponent, despite the Pirates being one of the better Group of 6 teams in the country. Russell having a clean performance in his first start will be crucial to building confidence as Alabama faces early tests this season against Power Four teams as early as next week.

"I mean that's what the goal is, right," DeBoer said of Russell having a clean game against ECU. "And I think a lot of the stuff is, you know, after the snap happens, by how he operates before the snap. And the guys again getting in the huddle or getting lined up, they can help him out. And, you know, we stress that all the time, and especially going to stress it, you know, having Keelon making his first start.

"So those guys having some urgency to him, to where they can give him a few more seconds with the play clock, and then, you know, him just not trying to do too much. I think that will help out with him playing a clean game. Just play within himself. He's got the ability. He's got the tools. You know, not trying to force things. The plays will happen because of the ability level that he has, and also the guys around him."

Alabama is scheduled to open the 2026 season hosting the East Carolina Pirates on Saturday, September 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CT.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.