**Four-Star Alabama Commit Ignored Auburn’s Plea to Flip**
The Alabama Crimson Tide recently secured four-star quarterback Keelon Russell for their 2025 recruiting class. Previously committed to SMU, Russell switched his pledge to join Alabama’s talent-rich roster.
Russell’s commitment thrilled Kalen DeBoer, who views Russell as the nation’s top passer, according to ESPN. Although Alabama ultimately won Russell over, they faced stiff competition from other programs.
Originally from the Lone Star State, Russell had committed to Southern Methodist in September 2023. In April of the following year, Alabama extended an offer, which led to an official visit. Shortly after, Russell decommitted from SMU and officially joined Alabama in early June.
DeBoer, who succeeded Nick Saban, had identified Russell as a key target early on. Russell shared that DeBoer’s belief in him was unwavering from the start.
“Kalen DeBoer and his staff believed in me from the beginning,” Russell told On3 Sports. “I was the only quarterback they recruited since January. DeBoer told me, ‘You’re going to be the leader of our team, the star, the legs, the eyes, and the heart of our team.'”
Russell chose Alabama because he felt prioritized, unlike with other programs.
**Russell Snubs Auburn**
Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers also pursued Russell, hoping to lure him away from Alabama. However, Russell was not interested.
“Auburn contacted me on Twitter, their QB and offensive coordinator asked for a call, but I didn’t respond,” Russell said. “I didn’t text them back. They texted me, but I was firm on not going to Auburn. They wanted to pull me from one Alabama school to another, but that wasn’t happening.”
Russell’s rejection of Auburn’s overtures might have been influenced by their pursuit of five-star QB JuJu Lewis, currently committed to USC, or simply a stronger connection with the Alabama staff.
Ultimately, Auburn’s messages went unanswered, giving Alabama the upper hand in this recruiting battle.
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