"He definitely starting next year": Alabama fans react to Kalen DeBoer sharing news of Keelon Russell winning the Maxwell POY honor

This year, Christmas came early for five-star quarterback Keelon Russell. He added another achievement to his cabinet this season with the Maxwell National High School Player of the Year Award. The Alabama signee received the message from none other than his coach, Kalen DeBoer, on Friday.

Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan was also present alongside DeBoer and praised the young QB.

"You have earned it all, you earned it," said Sheridian.

With this remarkable feat, Keelon Russell received a stream of compliments and congratulatory from an excited Alabama fan base.

"He definitely starting next year," one fan wrote.

"Man, we have so many good QBs inna future, I'm excited," another fan exclaimed.

"Big QB 1," said another user.

Fans express their delight at Russell's Maxwell POY award via Instagram/@alabamafblll

Fans expressed their delight and cheered on the 6-foot-3 athlete.

"Congratulations and Roll Tide," another fan commented.

"Congratulations KeeKee," another fan elated.

"Man, Congrats on entering the portal," another fan commented.

Fans express their delight at Russell's Maxwell POY award via Instagram/@alabamafblll

Adding to his list of achievements, Keelon Russell also earned the title of Gatorade National Player of the Year and 2024 MVP of the Elite 11. Last Thursday, Russell was seen rocking his Gatorade POY jacket at a game between the Dallas Mavericks and the LA Clippers, understandably proud of his achievements.

Coach Kalen DeBoer on Keelon Russell's HS performances

Keelon Russell is a five-star recruit, the top player in Texas, and ranks second nationally as well as second among quarterbacks, as per On3. His celebrated performances this season have been remarkable in Texas football history. Russell wrapped up his senior year with 238 passes for 4,177 yards, 55 touchdowns and five interceptions over the course of 14 games.

Russell, who plays for Duncanville, initially committed to SMU but later flipped to the Crimson Tide shortly before earning a five-star rating.

In a spring interview with AL.com, coach DeBoer spoke about Russell's competitive edge and the skills he possesses that are essential in a quarterback:

"It’s like, wow, this guy is what we think,” DeBoer said. “And these little nuances we think are special definitely are... Then there’s the leadership piece. And the personality. There’s a swagger about him. There’s a confidence about him."

"Which is what you want out of any leader. Especially these key guys. But especially your quarterback. He’s got the arm talent, is accurate, can throw different arm slots. Then also the ability as an athlete to make plays with his feet too.”

From Duncanville High to the Crimson Tide, Keelon Russell is moving forward in his professional football career and a lot of eyes will be watching his development.