Alabama QB commit tabbed as an 'elite playmaker' following Elite 11 showing

Down in Manhattan Beach, California are the future star quarterbacks of both college football and the NFL as they look to compete against one another and showcase who is the best of the best. 

In total, there are 20 high school quarterbacks going through drills and competitions that test their arm talent, processing ability, and ability to deal with pressure as there are countless media members there with some of the Elite 11 legends that came before them also in attendance. The Tide have a representative competing, as 2025 four-star Keelon Russell is looking to showcase what the future of Alabama has to offer, while also maybe putting in some recruiting work as some of the nation's top receivers are out there as well. 

To say that Russell had a good showing on the first day (Tuesday) would be an understatement. Rivals ranked him as their top performer following the first day, and 247Sports' Andrew Ivins had him as the No. 2 performer only behind Ohio State commit Tavien St. Clair. Ivins offered some major praise for Russell, calling him an "elite playmaker".

When asked to give one word to describe Russell, Ivins called him a "playmaker". Something he explained further saying:

"And then I can throw another one in front of it? Elite playmaker," Ivins said of Russell. "I've thought that about him regardless of position in this 2025 class. If you are looking for someone to do something exciting it's Keelon Russell."

Ivins raved about Russell's ability to showcase his talent despite the Elite 11 not being an environment where he can run. Ivins also highlighted Russell's ability to be accurate, saying he didn't see him miss a throw all game.

These reviews have to be music to the ears of Alabama fans, who have seen what Kalen DeBoer can do with elite arm talent and are eager to see how the Tide's offense looks under his command.

As for Russell, he will be back in action on Wednesday night.

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