This Alabama QB has ‘pretty rare’ quality, according to his coach

Nick Sheridan, the Alabama co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, had high praise for the youngest player in his position room.This Alabama QB has ‘pretty rare’ quality, according to his coach

Sheridan was asked Monday about Keelon Russell’s approach to the learning curve of college football.

“He loves football, so he loves learning each and every day,” Sheridan said. “I think one of the special qualities he has for a young player is his ability to move onto the next play. He doesn’t get discouraged, if or when mistakes happen. Which they all happen for young players. He’s got a really short term memory in that regard.”

Russell has an overall upbeat demeanor, Sheridan said.

“He certainly has that, and that’s a credit to both of his parents in how he was raised,” Sheridan said. “Just his confidence in himself, he’s got a great balance of confidence and humility that’s pretty rare and pretty special that way. For a young player, that’s been great to see.”

Russell is in competition with Ty Simpson and Austin Mack to be Alabama’s starting quarterback for 2025. Russell was a five-star recruit and the No. 2 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class, per the 247Sports Composite. Sheridan was his primary recruiter.