The Craziest Throw Coleman-Williams has Seen From Russell?

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- On Tuesday, third-year Alabama wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams told the story of the moment he knew that new starting quarterback Keelon Russell was special. The moment came early last season in practice, when Russell zipped a ball over the top of a defender and into the hands of fellow freshman Lotzeir Brooks.

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"I ain't gonna lie, it was probably his freshman year. They were going against the one defense, and it was to Lotzeir [Brooks]," Coleman-Williams told reporters on Tuesday. "Lotty was going down the middle of the field, and he was rolling left, and the situation was pretty much the last play, fourth down. And he rolled left and was right on the button; like, the defender was right here (gestures like the receiver is in tight coverage), and the ball went right over the defender's head into Lotty's hands. It was crazy."

If Coleman-Williams' story is any indication, expect to see a lot of those plays from Russell this season.

"But he does that all the time," he said. "But that was probably the first time I was like, 'Oh snap.'"

Russell made plenty of highlight plays during his days at Duncanville High School in Texas, and has already flashed big-play ability in his limited action with the Crimson Tide with two passing touchdowns last season. Russell also made "wow" plays in Alabama's spring game, despite wearing a black non-contact jersey, preventing the defense from having any opportunity to hit 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_.