Keelon Russell Wins Gatorade National Football Player of the Year Award
Alabama quarterback signee Keelon Russell has added another impressive achievement to his already stellar high school career. On Tuesday, he was named the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year, beating out Auburn running back signee Alvin Hendeson and high school junior offensive lineman Jackson Cantwell.
A Dominant High School Career
Russell, a five-star passer from Duncanville (TX) High School, has had a remarkable high school career. He has completed 220 of 316 pass attempts for 3,874 yards and 53 touchdowns, with just four interceptions. His impressive stats and leadership skills led his team to a Texas UIL 6A state title as a junior. He has continued to build on that momentum, rising up recruiting boards and catching the attention of top college programs.
A Leader and a Game-Changer
Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer praised Russell’s confidence, leadership, and athletic ability. “There’s a swagger about him, a confidence about him,” DeBoer said. “He’s helped become a major part of bringing and keeping this class together… He’s got the arm talent, just accurate, can throw with different arm slots and all that kind of stuff, and then also just the ability as an athlete to make plays with his feet, just an added dimension there.”
Joining the Crimson Tide
Russell will enroll early at Alabama and join a deep quarterback room this winter. He is one of three five-star signees for the Tide, along with offensive lineman Michael Carroll and cornerback Dijon Lee Jr. Before he arrives in Tuscaloosa, Russell will aim to lead his high school team, Duncanville, to another state championship. The Panthers face North Crowley in the Texas UIL 6A Division I semi-finals on Saturday.
A Bright Future Ahead
With his impressive high school career and numerous accolades, Keelon Russell is poised to make a significant impact at the University of Alabama. His leadership skills, athletic ability, and arm talent make him an exciting addition to the Crimson Tide quarterback room. As he prepares to take the next step in his football career, Russell’s future looks bright, and Alabama fans have plenty to be excited about.
