**Ryan Grubb Shares Alabama’s Important Message to Quarterbacks Austin Mack and Keelon Russell**

**Ryan Grubb Shares Alabama’s Important Message to Quarterbacks Austin Mack and Keelon Russell**

As Alabama continues to shape its future under new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, the quarterback room remains one of the most crucial areas of focus. With Ty Simpson recently named the starter for the 2025 season, attention has shifted toward the Crimson Tide’s next wave of elite talent: Austin Mack and Keelon Russell.

In a recent interview with local media following fall camp practice, Grubb opened up about the development of the young quarterbacks and shared the core message he’s delivered to both: **“Patience, preparation, and the process matter more now than ever.”**

Grubb, entering his second season in Tuscaloosa after making a name for himself at Washington, emphasized that while neither Mack nor Russell is expected to start this year, both are absolutely vital to Alabama’s long-term vision at the quarterback position.

### On Austin Mack: “He’s a sponge”

Austin Mack, the highly touted transfer from Washington, followed Grubb to Alabama and has drawn attention for his arm strength, maturity, and readiness.

“Austin’s one of the most cerebral young quarterbacks I’ve coached,” Grubb said. “He’s been in my system, and that gives him an advantage in understanding our concepts. But the message to him has been simple: just because you know the playbook doesn’t mean you skip the process.”

Grubb explained that while Mack might be further ahead in terms of mental reps, the key is translating that into consistency during live-action periods.

“I’ve told Austin, the expectation is not just to sit back and wait,” Grubb added. “The expectation is to prepare like you’re the starter, because in this league, you might be one snap away.”

### On Keelon Russell: “The tools are off the charts”

Freshman Keelon Russell, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback and one of the top recruits in the 2025 class, is still adjusting to the college game — but his potential hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“Keelon has all the tools you dream about,” said Grubb. “He’s athletic, he can make throws on the run, and he has that natural playmaker instinct. But like we’ve told him from day one: don’t rush it.”

Grubb said Alabama’s staff is working closely with Russell on refining his mechanics, footwork, and decision-making — all areas where high school stars typically need time to adjust.

“Keelon’s been eager, almost too eager,” Grubb laughed. “That’s a good problem to have. But we’ve reminded him that every rep in practice is just as important as game time. His time will come — we just want him ready when it does.”

### The Bigger Message: Trust the Process

Both Mack and Russell were top-tier recruits with other major offers, but Grubb made it clear that playing quarterback at Alabama comes with a different level of scrutiny — and a different standard of development.

“Every guy in that room has a future,” Grubb said. “We’re not just building for this season. We’re building a legacy. And for Austin and Keelon, that means learning what it takes to be the guy — not just the quarterback, but the leader of this program.”

For now, Simpson is QB1. But if Grubb’s message holds true, Alabama fans won’t have to worry about who’s next — they’ll just need to be patient.

—