Keelon Russell, the highest-rated recruit in Alabama history, made his first career start in the Crimson Tide’s 48-10 win over East Carolina on Saturday.
Russell finished his much-anticipated debut completing 18-of-30 passes for 256 yards, and added 13 attempts for a team-high 86 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
His 342 total yards are the most by an Alabama quarterback in their debut since Bryce Young in 2021, when he had 343 yards in a 44-13 season-opening win over No. 14 Miami in Atlanta.
Russell used his legs effectively and often, escaping would-be sacks before making either an accurate throw or taking off.
“God blessed me with some legs, so why not use them,” he said.
Russell’s legs were a major factor in Alabama consistently moving the ball, especially during a hot streak when he led four straight touchdown drives.
His first career rushing touchdown came with under 15 seconds to go in the half on a designed QB run.
The young quarterback admitted post-game that he needs to learn to protect his body as a runner, as he took multiple unnecessary hits throughout the game.
“It’s not even just the coaches, it’s the players too,” Russell said. “They just want me to be protected. I’ve got to do a lot better on that.”
Just like his teammates are there for him, Russell was there for his teammates.
Early in the game wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams dropped two accurate passes from Russell, this didn’t deter the young quarterback from looking his way again.
Coleman-Williams finished the day with five receptions for 130 yards, including a 58 yard catch on 3rd and long.
“Ryan’s a phenomenal player. [He’s] not even just a player, he’s an athlete on-and-off the field,” Russell said. “Stuff doesn’t bother him like that. He came to me and was like ‘I’m gonna get you right’.”
The Alabama offense also struggled with penalties in Russell’s first starts, finishing with multiple procedural mishaps and timeout misuses.
“First of all I’m going to blame everything operationally wise on me,” Russell said. “Communication comes from me … I just plan on getting better at those types of things.”
Overall, it was a great start to a promising season for Russell, putting his arm talent and escapability on display all game. However, there is plenty to clean up pre-snap and the chemistry with his receivers needs to improve.
These are mistakes that are expected for a young quarterback making his first career start and should be easy to clean up going into Week 2.
Russell’s second start will come in Lexington next Saturday vs the Kentucky Wildcats, with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. CT.
“I’m excited,” Russell said. “The competition’s going to be amazing, electric.”
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