In perhaps his most challenging test yet, Keelon Russell passed with flying colors. The first-year starting quarterback stepped into Death Valley on Nov. 7 with only eight career starts, a ton of raw talent, and something to prove. Russell's three passing touchdowns were impressive, but his zero in the turnover column was far more crucial for the success of the Tide in this rivalry matchup. Overall, the young star showed poise and composure on a level Alabama fans have yet to see. While Keelon Russell has had far flashier performances in crimson, this performance marks a very important stage in his development as an uber-talented game manager.
Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb specifically brought up Russell's three throwaways as a sign of growth from the quarterback when speaking with the media in his Monday press conference. Despite producing no yards, this is a clear improvement for Russell because earlier in the season he would often hold the ball in the backfield far too long in an attempt to extend plays beyond what was realistically possible. These plays would often result in sacks, fumbles, or even ill-advised thrown balls that end up as interceptions.
Russell is learning that not all plays have to be explosive, but sometimes living to play another down is more important. However, growth is not without mistakes, and Grubb acknowledged that there was a sack Keelon Russell could have avoided against the Tigers.
Keelon Russell isn't close to being a finished product - and that should terrify Alabama opponents
Now, I don't want to suggest that improvement means Russell is finished developing as a quarterback. He is still in his first year with significant playing time in college. There are two major areas Russell could benefit most from further development: pre-snap reads and post-snap decisions.
These two areas often go hand-in-hand. Specifically for pre-snap, Russell could stand to become more comfortable reading defensive alignments and understanding where favorable matchups may be on the field. Of course, it is impossible to be correct 100% of the time, or we wouldn't watch the game. Similarly, especially when his pre-snap reads are not successful, learning to understand when receivers are not open, when coverage looks different than expected, and quickly choosing the safest play are skills he should continue to advance.
This doesn't just mean Russell should study more film or memorize the playbook more. It will get easier with more game experience. There isn't much that can prepare for SEC defenses other than facing them. However, while he is learning, his mobility might just be his most useful tool.
Keelon Russell doesn't always need to wait for a receiver to be open. His athleticism and speed allow him to evade pressure in the backfield by scrambling. However, it is crucial to determine when to scramble and when not to. When the pocket is collapsing, the secondary has good coverage, and Russell can see a lane to pick up positive yards, he should take off. Conversely, when protection holds, a receiver is breaking away from coverage, or the lane to run is not there, he should not scramble. There is also a time when neither passing nor running would be successful. At that point, Keelon Russell should throw the ball to the band, as they say.
While Alabama needs Keelon Russell to play smart, he does not have to abandon all explosive plays. The next step for Russell's development will likely take place in the playoff, should the Tide be one of the 12 teams to be selected for the CFP. While it was already crucial in the regular season, avoiding unnecessary sacks and turnovers becomes paramount in high-stakes playoff games. The LSU game was proof of his progress, but Russell is far from finished with his development. His continued growth may be one of the biggest determining factors in how far Alabama can go in the CFP.
Add us as a preferred source on Google