One position battle in particular that has garnered a ton of press is the quarterback competition between Alabama Crimson Tide signal callers Austin Mack and Keelon Russell.In an article I wrote about the battle last month, I said I wouldn't be shocked if the talented but inexperienced Russell seized the job from the elder statesman in Mack, and that is apparently precisely what happened.This is a pivotal year for head coach Kalen DeBoer, as he needs to show Bama fans and boosters that he can get the program back to the heights they achieved under the great Nick Saban, so it's interesting he decided to go with the younger of the two quarterbacks.Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer looks on against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La., on Nov.9, 2024.
(Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)However, I love the idea of picking the signal caller with the higher upside and more long-term potential for the program, and no quarterback in the country has higher upside than Russell.IDENTIFYING THREE BREAKOUT SEC PLAYERS WHO WILL BE HOUSEHOLD NAMES BY SEASON'S END IN 2026The redshirt-freshman hails from the Dallas-Fort Worth area where he played for high school powerhouse Duncanville.The Panthers have produced an insane amount of Power 4 talent over the past several years, and I expect Russell to continue that trend.FIVE IMPACT FRESHMEN FROM THE SEC WHO ARE SURE TO TURN HEADS ON THE FIELD THIS COMING SEASONA former five-star recruit, Russell was the number one player coming out of the state of Texas, which if you know anything about high school ball, is an accomplishment in and of itself.Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell (12) turn to hand off the ball during A-Day at Bryant-Denny Stadium on April 12, 2025.(Gary Cosby/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)He had an uncanny mix of arm talent and accuracy, punctuated by his 67% completion percentage with only four interceptions his senior year, as well as the elite athleticism head coaches drool...