Alabama fans who may have been unsure or unaware of their newest commitment at the quarterback position got a nice introduction this week.
Keelon Russell, a dual threat 4-star 2025 prospect out of high school powerhouse Duncanville in Texas, was named the MVP of the Elite 11 finals.
BREAKING: Four-Star Alabama QB commit Keelon Russell has won the Elite 11 MVP 🏆
The Elite 11 staff accounts film, traits, & camp performance into the rankings
Tua Tagovailoa (2016) is the last Alabama QB to win the prestigious honor #RollTide 🐘https://t.co/yKiqmAnP3x pic.twitter.com/na6sc3yEtF
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 20, 2024
After three days of competition among some of the best quarterback prospects in the country, Russell stood out above the rest, throwing 5 touchdowns in the 7-on-7 portion of the event.
The moment it became officially official!
4⭐️ Duncanville (TX) QB and Alabama commit Keelon Russell is awarded 2024 @Elite11 Finals MVP 🎯 pic.twitter.com/8nSSc3FmRg
— 247Sports (@247Sports) June 20, 2024
Previous quarterbacks to have won the MVP award at the elite competition include former Alabama superstar Tua Tagovailoa, Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud who is currently lighting up the NFL, and Heisman winner Caleb Williams.
Out of the 32 starting quarterbacks in the NFL, 27 of them at least participated in the Elite 11 event.
#Alabama QB commit Keelon Russell throwing at the @Elite11 Night 2 Pro Day 👀
Safe to say he’ll get his fifth star after the event pic.twitter.com/Bl4gdfklw9
— Recruits Bama (@RecruitsBama) June 20, 2024
Russell flipped to Alabama a little two weeks ago after previously being committed to SMU. Last season, he led Duncanville to a 14-1 record and their second straight 6A state title in Texas.
He will now almost assuredly secure a 5-star status after his performance in the event. By all accounts, Kalen DeBoer may have just locked down Alabama’s quarterback of the future.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.