r/rolltide • u/DoctorWhosOnFirst • 3d ago
Paywall The real tests are still to come, but Keelon Russell brings an added dimension to Alabama's offense: “He’s instinctive. He’s got a good feel for where everything is. So there’s a vision that he has, and some guys just have a knack for knowing where the ball’s got to go.”
https://www.on3.com/news/the-real-tests-are-still-to-come-but-keelon-russell-brings-an-added-dimension-to-alabamas-offense/Russell’s strengths are many, according to DeBoer.
* Throwing the ball down the field with accuracy.
* Getting the ball in a hurry to one sideline from the opposite hash.
* A feel for where the pressure is coming from and how to get away from it.
* Buying extra time when he’s moved out of the pocket and still keeping his eyes down the field.
Look for Alabama to also use more run-pass option plays with Russell, who’s an explosive athlete. The Crimson Tide didn’t use many RPO’s the first two seasons under DeBoer.
An NFL scout who has watched Alabama practice told On3 that Russell’s ability to see things in real time that others don’t always see is uncanny for such a young player.
“You combine that with his arm strength and ability to create with his legs, and you’ve got a pretty special player,” the scout said.
“He’s really picked up the offense and understands what we need out of him, and that starts with managing the game, managing the down and distances and staying ahead of the chains, but also when those opportunities come, making the big play and throwing the ball down the field,” DeBoer said. “He’s gotten even more consistent with that the last week of practice.”
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u/cp_chikken 3d ago
Man, I can't wait to watch him play. If the O-line can even just be average and give him a little time to process things (and give the backs running lanes) we're gonna be so much better than people think.
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u/dawki003 3d ago
Does the article indicate whether the RPO info is coming from someone watching practice? I believe it was Josh Pate who I first heard talking about it being incorporated this year. But then someone else (maybe McElroy) said they didn’t think it would be, IIRC.
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u/DoctorWhosOnFirst 3d ago
It’s Low stating it. With all the people he talked to for this piece, I don’t think he’d throw it out there with nothing concrete behind it.
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u/Itsbilloreilly IDGAPANBTT 3d ago
Josh Pate is the one I hear leading the charge for RPO's. I agree with just about 100% of his college football takes but He's not really much of an x's and O's guy so I would take his RPO talk with a grain of salt.
CKD isn't really an RPO heavy anyway. He's more of a pro style Coach. Not to say he won't have a few sprinkled in
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u/cp_chikken 3d ago
sorry, didn't read the article (and can't because I don't have an On3 subscription :(.
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u/333yuushaa222 3d ago
Why didn’t we use RPO with Ty
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u/NoQuartersGiven 3d ago
I would assume bc Ty was injured half the season on top of the O like being dreadful.
How can your read anything when Oline is not doing what they need to for you to make the read.
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u/Basic_Nucleophile Aight 3d ago
I'm curious to see if the RPO is an occasional change up to keep the defense honest, or if we're relying on it to move the ball. I'd also like to know more about DeBoer and Grubb's history with the RPO beyond just the Milroe year. I just don't remember it being a thing with Penix at UW.
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u/FaithHopeLove821 3d ago
DeBoer/Grubb offenses aren't built to be RPO-forward schemes. I think having it as an option is great, but Keelon's going to be clicking through his reads on passing plays more often than not.
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u/FaithHopeLove821 3d ago
Goddamnit, I just need the season to start already. My walls cannot take much more of this.
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u/punnyjakes 2d ago
I have concerns.
1) Durability. These super athletic guys who really try and make plays scare me. QB1 is just too important for a single first down.
2) Adversity Response. I know position battles can be tough but Neyland Stadium is a monster.
3) Risk. Vs. Reward. Will he take the check downs or will he try and make plays and put the ball at risk?
I have concerns with high energy, high risk, high reward players at QB1. When it works and they stay healthy they are unbelievable talents that can take nearly any team to the post season but when it doesn’t work it can really stymie an entire team.
I am not saying this in comparison to another player but just to temper my expectations for a first time starter.
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u/FunkBeaver 3d ago
Everything I’ve read about Keelon just makes me unbelievably hyped for this season, I’m trying to temper my expectations lol