Alabama Crimson Tide names starter for week one: Get to know Bama quarterback Keelon Russell

As an Alabama football alum, Alexander reacts to the big extension the school just gave head coach Kalen DeBoer. Alexander maintains his confidence that DeBoer is the right guy for the job

With the college football regular season rapidly approaching, many position battles are starting to reach their logical conclusions.

One position battle in particular that has garnered a ton of press is the quarterback competition between Alabama Crimson Tide signal callers Austin Mack and Keelon Russell.

In an article I wrote about the battle last month, I said I wouldn't be shocked if the talented but inexperienced Russell seized the job from the elder statesman in Mack, and that is apparently precisely what happened.

This is a pivotal year for head coach Kalen DeBoer, as he needs to show Bama fans and boosters that he can get the program back to the heights they achieved under the great Nick Saban, so it's interesting he decided to go with the younger of the two quarterbacks.

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer looks on against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La., on Nov. 9, 2024. (Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)

However, I love the idea of picking the signal caller with the higher upside and more long-term potential for the program, and no quarterback in the country has higher upside than Russell.

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The redshirt-freshman hails from the Dallas-Fort Worth area where he played for high school powerhouse Duncanville.

The Panthers have produced an insane amount of Power 4 talent over the past several years, and I expect Russell to continue that trend.

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