Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer. Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK

Alabama make move to flip four-star SMU QB commit

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 4/24/24

When the Alabama Crimson Tide want a recruit, they tend to get said recruit.

That was certainly the case in the Nick Saban era, and we've already seen new Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer have significant success on the recruiting trail.

As such, it's going to be worthwhile to keep an eye on the recruitment of four-star quarterback Keelon Russell from Duncanville, Texas.

Russell has been committed to the SMU Mustangs since September of 2023, but a recent offer from DeBoer and the Crimson Tide could really shake things up for him.

He seemed more than excited about the offer on social media.

Wow #AGTG truly blessed to have received an offer from the University of Alabama❤️ @KalenDeBoer @FBCoachSheridan @CoachSanders14 @CoachAro44 @CoachXBrown @CoachSamuels11 @drobalwayzopen @JMitchQB9 @OldSchoolQB pic.twitter.com/Xjrjc1rVIm
— Keelon “Dot em” Russell (@Pres1dential) April 24, 2024

It's also worth noting that while Russell is a longtime SMU commitment, he did recently tell On3 that he's open to all suitors.

“SMU stands very high for me right now, but as of right now, I am very much still open. I am still taking college visits and still talking to other coaches," he said.

Russell has an official visit to SMU coming up and he also has officials scheduled to see the Florida Gators and Ole Miss Rebels.

One has to imagine that the Tide could get an official visit by the time all is said and done as well.

Per 247Sports, Russell is the No. 7 2025 quarterback recruit in the nation. He's helped his high school to back-to-back Texas 6A D-1 state titles, having thrown or 3,483 yards with 38 touchdowns and just three interceptions in 2023.

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