Alabama 5-Star Commit Keelon Russell Exits Under Armour All-America Game with Injury
Jan 2, 2025
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 31: Alabama helmets await the next series during the Sugar Bowl between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Kansas State Wildcats at Caesars Superdome on December 31, 2022 in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The 2025 Under Armour All-American Game was an opportunity for some of the nation's top football prospects to shine under a national spotlight, but there was reason for concern during the third quarter of Thursday's contest.
That is because Alabama quarterback commit Keelon Russell suffered an apparent ankle injury when he took a hard hit while unleashing a pass.
Fortunately for Russell and the Crimson Tide, sideline reports indicated he seemed to be alright even if he didn't return:
5-star QB Keelon Russell (right ankle/foot) is out for the rest of the Under Armour All-America Game. Told sideline he could go, per sideline reports, but obviously no need to risk it.
While the 2024 season was one to forget for Alabama, the future is bright in large part because Russell is arriving.
He is a 5-star prospect and the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2025 recruiting class, per 247Sports' composite rankings. The 2024-25 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year can make plays with his legs as a dual-threat, but it is his passing ability that stands out the most.
Russell's ability to make throws at every level will make him all the more dangerous when he teams up with star receiver Ryan Williams at Alabama.
His arrival is even more important for the Crimson Tide because quarterback Jalen Milroe announced Thursday that he is entering the 2025 NFL draft instead of returning for what would have been his senior season in 2025.
That means Russell will have the opportunity to compete for the starting job as soon as his freshman season, making his health all the more important.
Alabama surely won't be thrilled that he suffered an injury in an exhibition game like Thursday's, but it can at least take solace knowing he seems to have avoided a significant setback.
Alabama's Jalen Milroe Declares for 2025 NFL Draft, Forgoes Senior Season
Jan 2, 2025
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 16: Jalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide puts up his guns prior to kickoff against the Mercer Bears at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 16, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)
Jalen Milroe is off to the NFL.
The Alabama quarterback announced he will forego his senior season and declare for the NFL draft on Thursday:
The 22-year-old had a solid junior season, throwing for 2,844 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 64.3 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 726 yards and an impressive 20 touchdowns on the ground.
He led the Crimson Tide to a 9-4 record, though Alabama was left out of the College Football Playoff. Instead, the Crimson Tide were invited to the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan in a rematch of last season's CFP semifinal, which they lost.
Heading into this year's NFL draft, there arguably isn't a definitive top prospect at the quarterback position like Caleb Williams from a year ago, though Colorado's Shedeur Sanders and Miami's Cam Ward are probably the leaders in the clubhouse.
But Milroe is part of a group that could be off the board in the first two days of the draft, joining players like Georgia's Carson Beck and Texas' Quinn Ewers, among others.
The B/R NFL Scouting Department's Dame Parson called Milroe "the most physically gifted quarterback prospect in the draft class" and "one of the most explosive athletes at any position in college football," comparing him to "shades of Jalen Hurts with a jet pack and a stronger arm."
His dual-threat ability will make him an intriguing prospect for teams in need of a quarterback, though he won't reach his ceiling if he doesn't continue to develop in the pocket, which isn't dissimilar to Hurts, who at times has struggled with his pocket presence and forcing throws.
If Milroe can continue to grow in that area, however, he could be a difference-maker at the next level. He'll be a fascinating player to monitor ahead of April's draft.
Video: Alabama HC Defends Decision to Keep Jalen Milroe in Bowl Game Despite Loss
Dec 31, 2024
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: Jalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball while pressured by TJ Guy #42 of the Michigan Wolverines during the fourth quarter in the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer provided insight into his decision to keep quarterback Jalen Milroe on the field throughout a 19-13 loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Tuesday.
"I thought there were still a lot of good plays that he made too," DeBoer told reporters after the defeat. "I saw, I guess, a fighter, the fight in his eyes. And as long as I see that, I wanna hang in there with the guys that this program means a lot to."
"I saw, I guess, a fighter, the fight in his eyes. And as long as I see that, I wanna hang in there with the guys that this program means a lot to." - Kalen DeBoer on the decision to stick with Jalen Milroe in Alabama's ReliaQuest Bowl loss to Michigan pic.twitter.com/N691Tpd8UP
Milroe dealt with ball security issues during the loss, committing three turnovers.
The 22-year-old finished 16-of-32 for 192 yards and a touchdown to go along with an interception. He picked up just seven rush yards on 16 carries, fumbling the ball twice.
All three of Milroe's turnovers occurred on consecutive drives in the first quarter, causing the Crimson Tide to fall into an early 16-0 deficit that they weren't able to overcome for the duration of the contest.
The defeat dropped Alabama to 9-4 in its inaugural season under DeBoer, marking the first year that the team wasn't able to reach 10 wins since 2007.
The Tide won each of their first four games to open the year but losses to Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Oklahoma throughout the course of the season kept them out of the College Football Playoff.
Milroe performed admirably as Alabama's starter, although he wasn't able to build off an impressive 2023 campaign as a passer.
In 12 appearances entering Tuesday's action, he completed 65.9 percent of his throws for 2,652 yards and 15 touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 719 yards and 20 scores.
Still, his performance was especially disappointing against a Michigan team that dealt with heavy roster turnover following a national championship last season and didn't become bowl-eligible until Nov. 23.
DeBoer wasn't considering a quarterback change at any point during the contest, though.
Jalen Milroe, Alabama Trolled By CFB Fans for Bowl Loss vs. Sherrone Moore, Michigan
Dec 31, 2024
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Michigan Wolverines defensive end TJ Guy (42) and Michigan Wolverines defensive end Derrick Moore (8) heavily pursues Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) during the ReliaQuest Bowl between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines, December 31, 2024 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Ricky Bowden/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The SEC's case that Alabama was snubbed by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee took a hit during Tuesday afternoon's ReliaQuest Bowl loss to Michigan.
The No. 11 Crimson Tide committed three red-zone turnovers in the first quarter on their way to a 19-13 loss.
Alabama has now conceded four losses in a single season for the first time since 2007.
The loss follows program and conference leaders' pitch for Alabama to get a playoff bid despite a three-loss regular season.
Alabama director of athletics Greg Byrne said before the bowl game that the Crimson Tide was "one of the 12 best teams in the country" and deserved a bid.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey told Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger that giving automatic bids to five conference champions had "displaced" teams including Alabama from the playoff.
Some fans believed Tuesday afternoon's loss disproved those claims.
The CFP argument was dumb was because anyone who watched Alabama this year knew it wasn't typical Alabama.
The ceiling was high and the floor was low. Going to bat so hard for *this* Bama team, to tear down other schools having great years, was such a bad look, and here we are.
But neither offense was able to get anything going in the third before Michigan's defense helped the Wolverines close out the win.
The victory gave Michigan fans a positive end to a season without a playoff bid. Thanks to a regular season finale victory over Ohio State, the Wolverines will close out the 2024 campaign with back-to-back wins over rivals.
Michigan literally couldn’t throw a forward pass and demolishes Ohio State and Alabama back to back. Insanity
Both Sherrone Moore and Kalen DeBoer have plenty of work to do during their first offseason since taking over their respective programs as both teams look to rebuild into playoff contenders this winter.
After falling just shy of reaching the College Football Playoff, Alabama is officially headed into the offseason. Kalen DeBoer's first year in Tuscaloosa was…
Report: Deion Sanders, Colorado Lose Nikhai Hill-Green to Alabama in Transfer Portal
Dec 22, 2024
BOULDER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 29: Nikhai Hill-Green #41 of the Colorado Buffaloes walks onto the field during a senior day celebration prior to the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field on November 29, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
Former Colorado linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green committed to Alabama on Saturday, according to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz.
Hill-Green initially entered the transfer portal on Monday. He'll have one year of eligibility remaining with the Crimson Tide.
He started his college career with Michigan in 2020, transferring to Charlotte ahead of the 2023 season and staying with the team for one year before joining head coach Deion Sanders' program prior to the Buffaloes' 2024 campaign.
His latest move doesn't come as a large shock, with Pete Nakos of On3.com reporting on Tuesday that the linebacker was set to visit Alabama.
Hill-Green was also high school teammates with Crimson Tide defensive backs Keon Sabb and Kameron Howard, acknowledging that he's kept up with them throughout the year.
"We always talk," Hill-Green said, via 247Sports' Brett Greenberg. "I've been checking on them all season."
He served as a key piece of the Buffaloes' defensive turnaround in 2024, earning All-Big 12 Second Team recognition. Hill-Green finished with 82 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four passes defensed, two sacks and two interceptions.
The Buffaloes' linebackers will look vastly different in 2025, as Trevor Woods also made the decision to enter the portal on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Hill-Green should immediately provide a boost to Alabama's defense next season. Head coach Kalen DeBoer's program ranks No. 14 in the country in the latest transfer class rankings from 247Sports.
Hill-Green becomes the latest defensive addition to a transfer class that also includes former Florida defensive lineman Kelby Collins as well as former Utah cornerback Cameron Calhoun.
Jihaad Campbell NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Alabama LB
Dec 18, 2024
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 09: Jihaad Campbell #11 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in action against the LSU Tigers during a game at Tiger Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'3"
WEIGHT: 235
HAND: 10½”
ARM: 32½”
WINGSPAN: 80"
40-YARD DASH: 4.52
BROAD: 10'7"
POSITIVES
— Good size for a modern NFL linebacker.
— Pretty good speed and explosion/acceleration to help his range against the run and close in coverage.
— He also shows good eye discipline and can read the quarterback's eyes to tighten windows, combined with his athleticism.
— Moves backward well to drop deep in coverage or recover and get to his landmark against play-action passes.
— Solid at using his athletic ability to make offensive linemen miss on the second level.
— Sure tackler who wraps up and breaks down in space to make open-field tackles, had very few misses in college.
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— Decent motor, bend and long-arm move as a pass-rusher or blitzer, has some position versatility to line up on the edge as well as off-ball.
NEGATIVES
— As a run defender, he falls for the eye candy and can get caught out of position.
— Doesn't take on blocks with his hands consistently, will get swallowed up by offensive linemen in the NFL when he can't make them miss.
— Lacks lower body strength to hold his ground against the run, and has shown struggles against good run-blocking tight ends.
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— Tackles with high pad level, leading to extra yards after contact against physical running backs.
— Lacks discipline in coverage on scramble drills, he will leave his man early and give up explosive plays.
NOTES
— DOB: Feb. 24, 2004
— Injuries: 2025 (Had surgery to repair a torn labrum in left shoulder after NFL Combine), 2023 (Knee, scoped missed 1 game)
— 5-star recruit in the 2022 class as an EDGE, per 247Sports
— 2024: First-Team All-SEC
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OVERALL
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Jihaad Campbell had a highly productive season with over 100 total tackles to generate some NFL Draft buzz this fall. He's a young linebacker—will be just 21 years old when drafted—who has plenty of potential due to his combination of age, size, and athletic ability.
Campbell moves very well to be effective in coverage, especially when playing zone. He shows good eye discipline to locate threats coming into his area and can read the quarterback's eyes to tighten throwing windows. He also has the change of direction and acceleration to break and close on routes to make tackles for short gains or get PBUs.
Against the run, the Alabama product could benefit from some more experience as he still struggles against eye candy. Also, he has issues staying in his gap when taking on blocks from offensive linemen and good blocking tight ends. That's partially due to inconsistencies with his use of hands, but he has long arms to get off blocks when he does get his hands up and showed improvement in this area as the season went on.
Campbell also has some position versatility as the Crimson Tide would have him lineup on the edge and rush the passer. He adds value as a pass-rusher, both on the edge and as a blitzer, and thus would be best playing for a creative defensive coordinator who uses him at multiple spots at the next level.
GRADE: 8.0 (Year 1 Starter — Late 1st - Early 2nd)
Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.
Jalen Milroe to Play Alabama's Bowl Game vs. Michigan, Make NFL Draft Decision After
Dec 12, 2024
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 09: Jalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts against the LSU Tigers during a game at Tiger Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Alabama junior quarterback Jalen Milroe has not yet decided whether he will turn pro after this season, but his college career will continue for at least one more game.
Per Kennington Smith III of The Athletic, Milroe confirmed that he will play in Alabama's ReliaQuest Bowl game against Michigan on Dec. 31 and he will decide whether or not he will enter the 2025 NFL draft after that.
"The mission right now is to complete the season," Milroe said. "We have one more mission ahead, which is attacking Michigan, and that's the thought process right now. That's where my focus is: winning this game, preparing the right way and taking care of my body so we can be the best us. I will be playing."
Smith added that in addition to Milroe committing to Alabama's bowl game, it appears that there won't be any opt-outs for the Crimson Tide against the Wolverines. This year's group seems to be following the precedent set by the 2022 team when star players like Bryce Young and Will Anderson committed to playing in the Sugar Bowl despite missing the College Football Playoff.
"Everyone should be playing," junior cornerback Domani Jackson said.
Like Milroe, Jackson can also choose to opt out of the bowl game and enter the NFL draft. The other players who are mulling draft decisions are offensive lineman Tyler Booker, linebacker Jihaad Campbell, defensive tackle Tim Keenan III, defensive back Malachi Moore and defensive lineman LT Overton.
By playing in the bowl game, the players are hoping to set an example for those who will come after them.
"I think this bowl game can set the tone for the next thing for our program," Campbell said. "Which is offseason workouts, spring ball, etc. Why? This game is another opportunity to showcase our talents, and we can all just come together and play ball."
Cowboys' Trevon Diggs, QB Keelon Russell Talk Alabama CFP Snub, More in B/R Interview
Dec 11, 2024
Alabama fans probably aren't over getting left out of this year's College Football Playoff.
But they might not have to worry about being left out in the future with quarterback prospect Keelon Russell arriving.
Russell is a 5-star prospect and the No. 2 overall quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, per 247Sports' composite rankings. His talent will make him an instant fan favorite in Tuscaloosa, but so will his thoughts on SMU getting the final at-large spot over the Crimson Tide in this year's CFP field.
"I'm very biased about it," Russell told Bleacher Report. "I guess you can say people want to see what SMU is going to do, but I feel like when you have the team we have you have to let them shine. … But we're coming back next year stronger because of it. We're coming back strong for sure."
Alabama shined at times this season, especially when it defeated Georgia, South Carolina, Missouri and LSU. However, it also lost three games compared to SMU's two, with two of those defeats coming to 6-6 Oklahoma and 6-6 Vanderbilt.
The 24-3 loss to the Sooners was surely what stood in the way, as both of the Mustangs' losses came by three points. Clemson stunned SMU with a Nolan Hauser 56-yard field goal as time expired to win the ACC championship, but the committee ultimately chose to keep the conference title game losers in the field.
Russell isn't the only one who wanted to see the Crimson Tide make the CFP instead.
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs played at Alabama before he was a star in the NFL and told Bleacher Report his alma mater "got robbed."
But he knows better than most how bright the future is, as he surprised Russell with the 2024-25 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year award. Diggs made a surprise appearance after the quarterback prospect finished up practice Tuesday and presented him with the award that goes to the nation's best high school athletes who demonstrate success on the field, in the classroom and in their communities.
"For me, it was a great experience seeing how his teammates rally around him and have his back," Diggs said. "It was encouraging to see what type of leader he is for his football team. It shows a lot about how he is on and off the field. That's going to take him a long way, he works hard for it. This is a special award, and in Texas at that. A football state."
As for Russell, he said, "I was surprised. Coach called me up, I was just like, 'Coach, what are we doing?' Seeing him walking up and seeing the trophy, I was blown away. It was an amazing moment. I'm blessed. To have my name printed on this trophy means everything to me."
He is far from the only notable athlete to have his name printed on the trophy.
Former Gatorade Player of the Year winners include Peyton Manning, Jayson Tatum, Paige Bueckers, Emmitt Smith, Mallory Swanson and more. The award has a 40-year history of recognizing the best youth athletes in the country, and Russell is the latest example.
"Peyton Manning is one of my favorite players of all-time," he said. "To be right there alongside him is crazy. I can already see my future from here. Just to be named as a quarterback and have that recognition going into college is amazing. This is not the first trophy I'm going to get. There are many more to come."
That next trophy may very well come during his time with the Crimson Tide.
Alabama is one of the powerhouses of the sport for a reason, and it would not be wise to expect anything other than an impressive bounceback effort moving forward. Head coach Kalen DeBoer took the next step toward just that with the No. 2 overall recruiting class for 2025, per 247Sports' composite rankings.
That group is headlined by three 5-star players in Russell, offensive lineman Michael Carroll and cornerback Dijon Lee, and the quarterback is expected to be the leader.
He has the mobility to make plays with his legs and escape pressure, but it is arm that stands out the most. He can fit throws through tight windows and hit receivers over the top with impressive touch on deep passes.
And that is a scary thing for SEC defenses since he will be throwing to a group that includes arguably the best wide receiver in the country in Ryan Williams.
"I'm very excited to get down there and throw to all those guys," Russell said while showing notable excitement about the prospect of teaming up with Williams. "Being away from my parents and playing football and being in a whole different environment is going to be something new and something fun.
"Growing up, I've always been a huge college fan. Me and my dad would sit there and watch Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma, all those teams. I said, 'Dad, I'm going to be there one day.' So having this opportunity to go out there and ball at the next level is an amazing feeling."
If he does "got out there and ball," there will be no stopping him and Williams after the receiver dazzled the college football world as a freshman with a number of spectacular catches that included the game-winning touchdown over Georgia when he came down with a contested grab and spun past multiple Bulldogs defenders.
It is a combination that might even have defenders of Diggs' caliber thinking twice, although he joked with Russell that he would intercept the quarterback if they faced each other.
"I've definitely been talking to him and giving him advice," Diggs said of Russell. "I see what kind of kid he is, he's going to do really well at Alabama. He fits the culture, he has the drive, he has the hunger. He wants to be great and he knows where he wants to go. So when you have all of that, there's nothing that can stop you."
Diggs is an ideal player to seek out for advice, as he played at Alabama from 2016 to 2019 and won a national championship before he was a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft.
And the success has continued in the NFL, as he was a back-to-back Pro Bowler in 2021 and 2022. He was also a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2021 when he led the league with 11 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
PICKED! Trevon Diggs denies six points AND gets the ball back for the @DallasCowboys 🙌
While Diggs was limited to two games in 2023 because of a torn ACL, he is back on the field again this season with 11 passes defended and two picks in 11 games.
"That was one of the biggest things. When you look at Alabama, it screams NFL," Russell said of seeing players like Diggs find success at the highest level when he was deciding on his future school. "When I picked Alabama, that was definitely one of the reasons I went there."
He wasn't the only one.
"Same, I can say that too," Diggs added. "I was like, 'Alabama is producing all these NFL players. I think my chances of going to the NFL will be higher if I go here.'"
If Russell lives up to his potential, he will be the next Crimson Tide player to star at the sport's highest level.
And this year's CFP snub will be long forgotten.
Alabama AD Greg Byrne Says School Will 'Assess' Future Scheduling After CFP Snub
Dec 8, 2024
TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 28: An Alabama Crimson Tide football helmet sits on the sideline prior to the college football game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide on September 28, 2024, at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL. (Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne said in a statement on Sunday that he was disappointed by his school's team being left out of the 12-team College Football Playoff and said the school would need to reevaluate how it schedules non-conference games in the future.
"We have said that we would need to see how strength of the schedule would be evaluated by the CFP," Byrne wrote. "With this outcome, we will need to asses how many P4 non-conference games make sense in the future to put us in the best position to participate in the CFP. That is not good for college football."
Disappointed with the outcome and felt we were one of the 12 best teams in the country. We had an extremely challenging schedule and recognize there were two games in particular that we did not perform as well as we should have.
The Crimson Tide were left out of the College Football Playoff after the committee favored SMU, which fell to Clemson in the ACC Championship but finished the season 11-2. Alabama, which finished the season 9-3, would have been the only team with three losses to receive an at-large bid had it been selected.
College Football Playoff committee chair Warde Manuel explained that Alabama's upset losses outweighed its wins when the committee made its decision.
"We looked at the number of wins Alabama had against ranked opponents," Manuel said on ESPN's selection show (h/t Sports Illustrated'sKatie Windham). "We looked at SMU's schedule, and they were undefeated in conference. Their losses were to ranked teams. We also looked at Alabama's losses to unranked teams, and it was quite a debate. "
Alabama had some of the most impressive wins of the season, like its victory over Georgia in September and wins over South Carolina and Missouri, but its losses made the difference. The Crimson Tide faced an upset against Vanderbilt in October before losing to Tennessee later in the month. While those two losses didn't ruin their CFP chances, a blowout loss to unranked Oklahoma likely sealed the Crimson Tide's fate.
To Byrne's point, Alabama had the 11th-best strength of record in the country while SMU came in at 15th, according to ESPN.
But Alabama's impressive schedule comes more from its grueling conference matchups than it does from its non-conference games. The Crimson Tide had just one Power 4 non-conference matchup, a 42-10 win over Wisconsin. That road win is somewhat impressive, but the Badgers finished 5-7 with no ranked wins. Alabama's other non-conference wins came against Western Kentucky, South Florida, and Mercer.
Scheduling a lighter non-conference schedule likely wouldn't have made a difference in Alabama's CFP chances this year. Instead, the Crimson Tide's snub was a result of its conference losses. There's nothing Byrne can do about his team's conference schedule as the league decides those games.
