Alabama football head coach Kalen DeBoer has found success developing quarterbacks throughout his coaching career. Before taking over the Crimson Tide and Jalen Milroe this offseason, he helped put the likes of Jake Haener and Michael Penix Jr. in the NFL through stops at Indiana, Fresno State and Washington.

He’s got a five-star QB prospect committed to Alabama for 2025 in Keelon Russell. On Wednesday, DeBoer was asked what he looks for in a quarterback recruit.

“When it comes to physical pieces, they gotta be able to deliver the ball and get the ball to people efficiently,” DeBoer said during the SEC’s coaches teleconference. “We’re gonna recruit a lot of skill around them, and that skill’s gotta be used. You want a guy that’s poised, got a good head on his shoulders.”

Russell was previously committed to SMU before he flipped to the Crimson Tide. He’s currently the highest-ranked recruit in Alabama’s 2025 class, according to the 247Sports composite.

DeBoer acknowledged that a player coming from a high-level high school or college can be helpful, although it’s not required. He went through some of the non-physical attributes he looks for in recruiting the position.

“The personality is important,” DeBoer said. “This is your leader and a guy that you’re expecting to work hard and lead by example, lead vocally. You want a well-rounded person in all ways, both physically, mentally, personality, all of that.”

Alabama’s current quarterback will lead the Crimson Tide once again on Saturday, when UA travels to Oklahoma. That game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT and will be aired on ABC.