Even before Ryan Grubb declared Ty Simpson the post-spring leader in Alabama football’s quarterback battle on Monday, one thing was clear. True freshman Keelon Russell was sitting behind both Simpson and Mack as spring practice continued.

Russell simply didn’t have the experience in Grubb and Kalen DeBoer’s system that that other two did. That prevented him from getting as many first-team reps.

On Monday, DeBoer was asked what it will take for Russell to take the next step forward for the Tide.

“I think consistency,” DeBoer said. “He had some really big days. You saw a lot of flashes of what he is capable of, and then you saw some times where just the consistency not (being there), and sometimes that just means not making the big mistakes.

“And so it’s growth. It’s learning. He’s in it. His head’s in it. He’s the same guy every single day. That’s what you love about him. Just consistency. He’s going to be a guy that you can attack a defense, and I think all our quarterbacks have that ability with their arm to get after the opponent. Just consistent is the biggest thing for him.”

Russell joined the Crimson Tide as part of the 2025 recruiting class. He was a five star prospect out of Duncanville High School in Texas, and earned Elite 11 MVP honors before arriving on campus.

According to 247Sports, Russell is the highest-rated recruit in Alabama history. He might not be penciled in at starter as a true freshman, but both DeBoer and Grubb remained bullish on his future.

“Honestly, Keelon exceeded my expectations,” Grubb said. “I think, for a young man his age, he never gave into that opportunity. You know, we challenge him with that — don’t give in to ‘I’m a freshman,’ and this and that. And he didn’t. I say this all the time and I mean it as the biggest compliment, he reminds me so much of Michael Penix, just in his demeanor, you know, he has such a calm demeanor. Sometimes, you know, you need to find the other edge of that and put a little bit of rush on it but he did a great job. And he had a couple days at the end that, you know, I wish he played a little bit better, but, man, I thought he made huge strides.”

Alabama’s Saturday A-Day session was the close of spring practice. The Tide will return to the practice field for preseason camp before facing Florida State Aug. 30 to open the 2025 season on the road.