Josh Ford Details Keelon Russell’s Shift Since Winning QB Job

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Following Alabama’s last fall practice on Thursday, members of the media spoke with several players, including junior tight end Josh Ford, a transfer from Oklahoma State who joined the Crimson Tide this past offseason.

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Ford was asked about catching passes from Alabama’s new starting quarterback. He described how Russell’s mentality has shifted since being named the starter, noting that the young quarterback has “taken another step.”

"It feels like he's [Keelon Russell] taken another step. I was just saying this to one of the tight ends. I was like, ‘As soon as he got named the guy, it seems like he just kind of exploded,’" Ford told the media. "It seems like kind of all the fluff and the worry of not being the guy, you know, he doesn't have to worry about that anymore, so it seems like he's extremely locked in right now."

Ford also discussed Russell’s performance during “Crimson Ball,” a team period that pits Alabama’s starting offense against its starting defense.

According to Ford, Russell has consistently led the offense 80 yards downfield to open the period since becoming the starter.

"We always start with 'Crimson Ball,' which is a team period versus us (starting offense) against the first D (defense), and I don't think in the last week and a half or since he was named the guy that we haven't driven the ball 80 yards down the field for the first team period of the day," Ford said. "It's just really cool to see, and I'm really excited. I think he's gonna be just a tremendous player this year."

Russell will soon get his opportunity to show that progress in a game. The redshirt freshman is set to make his first collegiate start Saturday, Sept. 5, at Bryant-Denny Stadium, when Alabama opens its season against East Carolina.

Micah Nichols covers Alabama baseball, football, and basketball for Tide 100.9. Follow @MicahNichols0 on X for in-game updates, highlights, and more Crimson Tide content.