Keelon Russell could be forgiven for getting a little cocky.
The four-star quarterback was heavily pursued by first-year Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer. Consequently, Russell switched his commitment from SMU to Alabama.
He then parlayed that confidence into a jaw-dropping performance at the prestigious Elite 11 camp, winning MVP honors over five-star QB and 247Sports Composite No. 3 signal-caller (No. 14 overall) Tavien St. Clair. (LSU's No. 1 overall five-star QB recruit Bryce Underwood chose not to participate.)
.@Elite11 Finals MVP Keelon Russell put on a show all week in LA 🍿 pic.twitter.com/1fu7MYtLZD
— 247Sports (@247Sports) June 21, 2024
So that’s what makes this anecdote from The Athletic’s college football guru Bruce Feldman so refreshing.
After making a fantastic throw that his wide receiver dropped in the seven-on-seven tournament, Elite 11 coach Justin Hoover glowed with praise about Russell’s leadership.
“Keelon goes to the kid as he’s coming back to the huddle: ‘Hey, it’s all good. Those are the hardest ones to catch when no one’s around you,’” Hoover told Feldman. “He just has this great feel and leadership and ability to calm everyone down. He was so impressive.”
Elite 11 Finals QB Superlatives via @CharlesPower‼️
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) June 21, 2024
Read: https://t.co/8fYfWKGHjq pic.twitter.com/kBiCLeOKEi
Russell said it was the development of Michael Penix Jr. under DeBoer at Washington that convinced him to switch his commitment to the Crimson Tide.
If he keeps this up, the mature-beyond-his-years Duncanville, Texas native could have his name called by Roger Goodell in the first round of the NFL draft much like Penix Jr.
Or maybe Russell wants to be the No. 1 pick overall.
