Tag: Alabama

Apr 12, 2025; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russel (12) prior to the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Alabama QB Keelon Russell’s twin sister dies at 18

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Kierston Russell, the twin sister of Alabama freshman quarterback Keelon Russell, died on Wednesday at the age of 18, the Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Unit announced on Thursday.

“The investigation is ongoing … and, at this time, appears to be non-criminal in nature,” Capt. Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Unit said in a statement. “Therefore, at this time, no other information will be released. We ask that the media respect the privacy of the family during this time.”

The family gave police officials permission to confirm Russell’s death. The siblings went through graduation ceremonies last month at Duncanville (Texas) High School. They were to attend the University of Alabama together.

Keelon Russell, who enrolled early and participated in spring practice, reposted a message on his Instagram account which read: “My deepest condolences are with you guys dearly. Losing a twin sister and daughter is a pain no one could ever imagine.”

Kierston Russell was part of Duncanville’s 2024 state-championship-winning girls basketball team.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 192 pounds, Keelon Russell was listed as a five-star prospect by the 247Sports composite rankings, the No. 2 player and quarterback in the country and No. 1 player in Texas for the Class of 2025.

He initially committed to SMU in his native Texas before switching to Alabama and new head coach Kalen DeBoer on June 4, 2024. Duncanville won state 6A Division 1 UIL championships in 2022 and 2023. Russell was the national Gatorade Football Player of the Year in 2024 for athletic excellence, academic achievement and exemplary character.

–Field Level Media

Jan 28, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; Alabama football head coach Kalen DeBoer visits the field during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

5-star CB Jorden Edmonds commits to Alabama

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Five-star cornerback Jorden Edmonds committed to Alabama on Wednesday in the Class of 2026.

Edmonds is considered the top CB in the class, according to the 247Sports composite rankings, and ranked as the 27th best player overall.

The 6-foot-2 Edmonds, out of Sprayberry High School in Marietta, Ga., picked the Crimson Tide over Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas and Auburn among 43 offers.

“The culture is great,” Edmonds told On3. “It feels like family for me at Alabama. The coaches bring their families around, I feel very comfortable around everyone and it makes it easy for me to be there,” adding, “it is a top program, too.”

Edmonds is considered the fourth best player out of the state of Georgia in 2026, according to the 247Sports composite.

–Field Level Media

Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (QB11) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Alabama QB Jalen Milroe blazes 40 at pro day with Steelers front and center

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe posted a 40 time in the 4.5-second range at the Crimson Tide pro day in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday morning.

NFL Network reported some in attendance clocked Milroe as fast as 4.37 seconds on his first of two 40-yard dash attempts.

Milroe flashed a cannon for a throwing arm, another known commodity, but his accuracy and ability to dial in on shorter throws and float the ball between the second and third level remain concerns for NFL evaluators.

He has a second-round grade from Field Level Media. He had 33 TD runs and threw 45 touchdown passes for the Crimson Tide.

Milroe opted to work out with quarterbacks in position drills in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine but did not run the 40. He was clocked Wednesday using handheld timing devices rather than the digital timing system in place at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Perhaps the most significant development on campus was the revelation that projected first-round linebacker Jihaad Campbell, wearing a heavy brace and stabilizing support device to elevate his left arm, had shoulder surgery to repair what he described as a “slight tear” in his labrum. Campbell and offensive guard Tyler Booker are viewed as probable first-rounders in April.

With scouts from all 32 teams in attendance, Milroe’s speed — long known to be an asset — was not a concern for teams evaluating a QB class featuring purported No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward (Miami) and projected first-rounders Shedeur Sanders (Alabama) and Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss).

Milroe ran indoors at the Alabama practice facility before conducting his throwing session. NFL evaluators differ on the value of the heavily scripted and often overly practiced routine with familiar receivers because it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison of those who participate at the combine.

Milroe reportedly met with Steelers general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin before the workout. They were front and center observing the workout as reports percolate about whether Pittsburgh is awaiting a decision from free agent Aaron Rodgers about joining the team.

–Field Level Media

Oct 10, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb watches pregame warmups against the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Reports: Seahawks fire OC Ryan Grubb

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb was fired by the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, according to multiple reports.

The Seahawks finished the 2024 season 28th in rushing (95.7 yards per game) and 18th in points per game (22.1).

First-year head coach Mike Macdonald hired Grubb after also interviewing then-UCLA head coach Chip Kelly and being denied an interview request for Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. Kelly was hired as Ohio State offensive coordinator.

With no NFL playcalling experience, Macdonald shrugged off the risk of hiring Grubb on Feb. 13, 2024.

Grubb spent the previous two seasons at the University of Washington serving as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He initially agreed to join former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer at Alabama before the opportunity arose to stay in Seattle with the Seahawks.

DeBoer helped Grubb climb the ranks as a college coach at University of Sioux Falls, where they team from 2007-2013 to win two NAIA championships, and then at Eastern Michigan, Fresno State and Washington.

–Field Level Media

Mar 6, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Co-defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler works with defensive players during practice of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team Wednesday.

Report: Alabama co-DC Colin Hitschler won’t return

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Alabama is parting ways with co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Colin Hitschler, ESPN and other media outlets reported Friday.

Hitschler, 38, had one year left on his initial two-year contract. He worked primarily with the safeties and shared DC duties with linebackers coach Kane Wommack.

The Crimson Tide finished 9-4 in head coach Kalen DeBoer’s first season, ending with a 19-13 loss to Michigan on Tuesday in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Fla.

The Alabama defense allowed 17.4 points per game. The Crimson Tide are ranked ninth nationally.

Hitschler was previously the co-defensive coordinator at Wisconsin (2023) and Cincinnati (2022).

–Field Level Media

Nov 30, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) celebrates after defeating the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Alabama QB Jalen Milroe declares for 2025 NFL Draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday.

A two-year starter for the Crimson Tide, Milroe had one season of eligibility remaining.

Milroe’s season ended Tuesday with a 19-13 loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

“To my teammates, my brothers, thank you for the blood, sweat and tears we’ve shared,” Milroe posted. “The bonds we’ve built will last a lifetime. To Coach (Nick) Saban, thank you for believing in me and instilling the standard of excellence in me. To Coach (Kalen) DeBoer, thank you for challenging me and helping me grow into the player and leader I am today.”

Milroe completed 64.3 percent of his passes for 2,844 yards with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 13 games in 2024. He also rushed for 726 yards and 20 touchdowns.

He finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting in his first season as the starter in 2023, passing for 2,834 yards and 23 TDs and rushing for 531 yards and 12 scores in 13 games.

Milroe, who backed up 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick Bryce Young during his first two seasons in Tuscaloosa, already earned his undergraduate degree.

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Derrick Moore (8) sacks Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Michigan forces 3 turnovers, tops No. 11 Alabama in ReliaQuest Bowl

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Dominic Zvada kicked four goals and Davis Warren threw a touchdown pass before leaving with a knee injury as Michigan notched a 19-13 victory over No. 11 Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl at Tampa, Fla.

The Wolverines (8-5) took advantage of three Crimson Tide first-quarter turnovers to build a 16-point lead en route to winning their third straight contest.

Jalen Milroe completed 16 of 32 passes for 192 yards, one touchdown and one interception for Alabama (9-4). But Milroe had just 7 yards on 16 rushes and he was mistake-prone in the first quarter with an interception and two lost fumbles.

The Crimson Tide rushed for just 68 yards, well below their season average (182.7).

This contest was a rematch of last season’s College Football semifinals when Michigan beat Alabama 27-20 in overtime. The Wolverines went on to beat Washington in the championship game.

Warren completed 9 of 12 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown before leaving with a right knee injury. He was replaced by Alex Orji, who was 2-of-3 passing for 2 yards with one interception.

Warren limped off the field after being sacked early in the third quarter and soon went to the locker room for evaluation. He returned to the sideline early in the fourth quarter on crutches and sporting a bag of ice on his right knee.

Jordan Marshall rushed for 100 yards on 23 carries for Michigan after its top two backs — Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards — opted out of the game to prepare for the NFL Draft.

Zvada’s fourth field goal, a 37-yarder, gave the Wolverines a 19-10 lead with 7:21 remaining. Alabama trimmed its deficit back to six on Graham Nicholson’s 51-yard field goal with 4:38 left.

The Crimson Tide’s final chance ended with a pressured Milroe throwing a fourth-down incomplete pass from the Wolverines’ 15 with 49 seconds left.

Michigan cashed in three Alabama first-half turnovers into 13 points and led 16-10 at the break.

Zvada opened the scoring with a 45-yard field goal before the Crimson Tide turnovers began.

Milroe’s fumble was recovered at the Alabama 19-yard line by Derrick Moore. That set up Zvada’s 30-yard field goal to make it 6-0 with 5:52 left in the quarter.

Two plays later, Milroe was intercepted by Wesley Walker, who returned the ball three yards to the Crimson Tide 16. Three plays later, Warren tossed a 13-yard touchdown pass to Frederick Moore for a 13-point lead.

On Alabama’s next offensive play, Aamir Hall delivered a strip-sack of Milroe. Cameron Brandt picked up the ball and returned it 5 yards to the Crimson Tide 6, setting up Zvada’s 21-yard field goal to make it 16-0 with 2:04 left in the quarter.

Alabama got on the board when Milroe threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Robbie Ouzts with 4:06 left in the half. Nicholson tacked on a 24-yard field goal with four seconds left in the half.

–Field Level Media

Nov 30, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Malachi Moore (13) tackles Auburn Tigers tight end Rivaldo Fairweather (13) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images

Alabama S Malachi Moore to miss ReliaQuest Bowl with injury

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Alabama All-American safety Malachi Moore will undergo surgery and miss the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan on Dec. 31 in Tampa, Fla.

Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer didn’t reveal the nature of the surgery, but indicated Moore has been playing through it most of the season.

“He’s been going through an injury pretty much a lot of the season, and it just got to the point where he wasn’t going to be able to play,” DeBoer told reporters after Wednesday’s practice. “He wanted to do everything he could to get out there. He was trying to wait it out so he could see if it would be something he possibly could be able to participate in.”

Moore had 70 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles this season.

The Crimson Tide are deeply shorthanded at safety with Keon Sabb also done for the season due to injury and the decision of DeVonta Smith to transfer to Notre Dame.

“It’ll be a mix and match,” DeBoer said. “(Moore’s decision to have surgery) literally just happened, it’s not like we’ve had a week or two to think and work through this. But it’ll be young guys.”

Moore has 214 tackles and seven interceptions in five seasons at Alabama.

–Field Level Media

Mar 21, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe tries to one-hand catch a ball during practice at the University Alabama Thursday.

Another 5-star recruit, freshman CB Jaylen Mbakwe, leaving Alabama

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Alabama freshman cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe plans to transfer after one season with the Crimson Tide.

Mbakwe said he has made a “business decision” after playing in 11 of Alabama’s 12 games in the regular season.

“This was not an easy decision, but I believe it’s the best step for my personal and professional development and the future I’m working towards for myself and my family,” he wrote in an Instagram post.

Wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson, a five-star recruit as a running back in 2022, also entered the portal. He was not a factor offensively but Henderson was the team’s primary punt returner in 2024.

Mbakwe signed with Alabama in 2022 and joined the team last year. He was a five-star recruit and top 15 overall prospect last year, when the 247 composite rankings placed him No. 2 among cornerbacks nationally.

Three Crimson Tide defensive backs have entered the transfer portal as of Tuesday. Safety DeVonta Smith committed to Notre Dame and cornerback Jahlil Hurley joined Kansas as part of the exodus, but cornerback Zabien Brown, also a five-star recruit in 2023, plans to return to Tuscaloosa.

–Field Level Media

Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) celebrates with fans after the Alabama Crimson Tide victory against the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images

Alabama QB Jalen Milroe delays NFL draft decision

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe plans to push back a decision on entering the draft or returning to the Crimson Tide until after the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan on Dec. 31.

Milroe told 247 Sports his focus is on beating the Wolverines, who ended Alabama’s 2023 season in the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff semifinals.

“My thought process right now is finish this game out,” said Milroe, who turned 22 and graduated with a Masters degree last week.

Milroe, who backed up 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young for his first two seasons, is projected as a first-round draft pick if he opts to enter instead of returning to Alabama for his redshirt senior season in 2025.

In 2024, Milroe played for his third different offensive coordinator since landing at Alabama. He racked up 3,371 total yards, 20 rushing touchdowns with 15 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions.

Should first-year coach Kalen DeBoer lose Milroe to the draft, Alabama has Ty Simpson, Austin Mack and Keelon Russell on the QB depth chart.

Milroe edged Simpson for the starting job in 2023 and Mack transferred from Washington to follow DeBoer.

A five-star recruit ranked No. 2 overall in the nation, Russell was named the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year last week.

–Field Level Media