Keelon Russell Praises Josh Ford’s ‘Spider-Man’ TD Catch

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.—Alabama’s redshirt freshman quarterback Keelon Russell spoke to the media following a four-touchdown, 365-yard performance in the Crimson Tide’s dominant 49-18 win over South Carolina on Saturday.

Russell began his press conference by highlighting Alabama’s junior tight end transfer Josh Ford’s mind-boggling one-handed catch for a three-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone at the 2:33 mark of the first half, which put the Crimson Tide ahead 28-3.

Russell compared Ford’s snag to Spider-Man. The Oklahoma State transfer secured the ball with one hand while staying in bounds, an impressive display for the 6-foot-6, 266-pound tight end. The Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback said Ford was his first read and that the two practiced that play several times during the week.

“It’s sick, I mean the guys are showing me the pictures of the grab. It’s like he was Spider-Man, you know, the little webs. I mean it was an amazing catch by him,” Russell added. “Yeah, you know, simple little pop pass, just something that we went over all week and just ready to go. We prepped it, and we executed it.” 

Russell praised his teammates, telling the media how confident he is in his offense. In Saturday’s win, nine Alabama players recorded a catch, with six making at least two receptions. Three Alabama receivers surpassed 50 yards: Ryan Coleman-Williams (98), Lotzier Brooks (78), and Marshal Pritchett (60). Coleman-Williams caught two touchdowns, while Brooks and Ford each added one.

“Everybody that runs a route is a target. Really confident in all those guys, the whole receiving group, the whole tight end group, and the running back group. Every time they get out in the route, they are available for me. I mean y'all have seen it as well; everybody can catch the ball to get positive yards, and that’s why this offense is so special,” Russell told reporters following Alabama's 31-point win against South Carolina.

Russell was asked how the past few weeks have prepared him for returning to SEC road play after a rocky performance against Kentucky to open conference play two weeks ago. In that game, he threw two interceptions and passed for only 188 yards.

Since then, Russell has bounced back with consecutive 300-yard performances. He threw for 320 yards and five touchdowns while completing 76.7% of his passes against Florida State, then followed it by completing 78% of his passes against South Carolina.

“I mean, obviously I got to get better; it’s still a lot of knick-knacks that I can fix. Just gotta keep building, keep growing, and eventually it’s going to come; it’s gonna get better and better each and every week,” Russell said. “But if I can get better, I’m getting the offense better as well, so the more I get better, the more I can build. I can bring my guys with me, you know, we can build together, and that’s what we’re gonna do. We’re going to build as an offense. We’re one, and even the defense. Iron sharpens iron, so I’m going to sharpen them, and they’re gonna sharpen me, and we are going to keep building.” 

Russell and the Crimson Tide will be tested next Saturday, Oct. 3, when Alabama travels to Starkville to face undefeated Mississippi State, led by Kamario Taylor, who has been the talk of college football since the season began, passing for 832 yards and 11 touchdowns and only one interception throughout four games. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT.

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.