The Alabama Crimson Tide’s football program is renowned for its tradition of excellence, especially at key positions like quarterback. Since Nick Saban’s arrival in 2007, Alabama has consistently produced elite quarterbacks, from stars like Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones to the current leader under center, Jalen Milroe. But in addition to his on-field responsibilities, Milroe has embraced a leadership role that extends beyond the field — one that includes mentoring the next generation of quarterbacks, including Alabama’s newest signee, Texan prospect Keelon Russell.
Milroe, who stepped into the starting quarterback position for the Crimson Tide in 2023, has quickly gained recognition not just for his explosive play and arm strength, but also for his maturity and leadership. Now, as Alabama prepares for another season of championship contention, Milroe is taking the responsibility of guiding younger players seriously. His focus has shifted to developing relationships with his teammates, particularly those who may one day follow in his footsteps.
One of the players Milroe is most excited to mentor is Keelon Russell, the highly-touted quarterback from Texas who committed to Alabama as part of their 2024 recruiting class. Russell, known for his strong arm and athleticism, is widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation. While his future with the Crimson Tide remains a work in progress, Milroe has already started to establish a bond with the young Texan. Through their conversations and interactions, Milroe has made it clear that he takes seriously the responsibility of guiding Russell as he navigates his way through the competitive world of college football.
Jalen Milroe’s Leadership Journey
Before diving into Milroe’s mentoring relationship with Russell, it’s important to understand where the Alabama QB is coming from. Milroe’s rise to the starting role in 2023 was anything but ordinary. After backing up Bryce Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, Milroe had big shoes to fill when Young declared for the NFL Draft. Many fans and analysts were eager to see how Milroe would perform as the leader of the offense, but he quickly proved that he was more than capable of handling the job.
Milroe’s style of play is a blend of arm strength, athleticism, and leadership. His ability to make plays with both his legs and his arm has made him a dual-threat quarterback. Despite being thrust into a highly-pressured position, Milroe showed poise and maturity, helping guide Alabama to a successful season. But what truly set him apart was his leadership. On and off the field, Milroe showed that he understood the importance of fostering trust and camaraderie among his teammates.
Milroe’s leadership was never more evident than in how he handled Alabama’s quarterback competition in 2023. The Crimson Tide had multiple players vying for the starting position, including highly-rated prospect Ty Simpson. Instead of shying away from the challenge, Milroe embraced it. His leadership style wasn’t about dominance but about collaboration. He actively worked with his fellow quarterbacks, sharing insights, advice, and encouragement. It was a mentality that served him well in his journey to become the starter, and it’s a mentality he is now passing on to the next generation of players.
“I Like to Pour Into Him”: Mentoring Keelon Russell
When Alabama signed Keelon Russell, it wasn’t just a win for the program on the recruiting trail; it was a chance for the Crimson Tide to add another future star to the quarterback room. Russell, a four-star prospect from Houston, Texas, is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 class. His physical attributes, including a strong arm and mobility in the pocket, make him an intriguing prospect with a high ceiling. But Russell, like all young quarterbacks, will face a steep learning curve as he transitions from high school football to the collegiate ranks.
This is where Milroe comes in. In an interview shortly after Russell’s commitment, Milroe spoke with admiration about his future teammate and the opportunity to mentor him. “I like to pour into him,” Milroe said, reflecting on the impact he hopes to have on Russell. “I know what it’s like to be the new guy and to learn from older guys. I want to make sure Keelon knows that I’m here for him, that I’ve got his back, and that I want to help him grow.”
Milroe’s words are telling. The phrase “I like to pour into him” reveals a deep understanding of what it means to be a leader. To “pour into” someone is to invest time, energy, and knowledge into their development — something Milroe is clearly committed to doing. He doesn’t just want to help Russell with football-specific skills like reading defenses or improving his mechanics; he wants to ensure Russell feels comfortable in Alabama’s high-pressure environment and understands the responsibility that comes with wearing the Crimson Tide’s uniform.
Milroe has been in Russell’s shoes. He was once a freshman, learning the ropes under the guidance of established quarterbacks like Young. Now, as the starting quarterback, he’s in a position to offer guidance to the next generation. Milroe’s advice to Russell revolves around more than just football — it’s about maturity, mental toughness, and the mindset needed to succeed at Alabama.
“I’ve had my ups and downs,” Milroe said, reflecting on his own journey. “But I’ve learned that it’s all about staying focused, staying positive, and putting in the work every day. I want to help Keelon understand that it’s not just about being physically ready; it’s about being mentally ready, too.”
The Role of Mentorship in Alabama’s Quarterback Room
The relationship between Milroe and Russell is an example of how mentorship can have a profound impact on the development of young quarterbacks. Quarterback rooms at top-tier programs like Alabama are often filled with competition, but that doesn’t mean players don’t support each other. In fact, many of Alabama’s recent quarterbacks have benefited from mentorship relationships. Milroe himself learned a great deal from Bryce Young, and now, he’s passing that knowledge along to Russell.
Mentorship in the quarterback room is about more than just tips and tricks for success on the field; it’s about teaching young quarterbacks how to handle adversity, how to manage expectations, and how to build strong relationships with teammates. For Russell, the value of having Milroe’s guidance cannot be overstated. As Russell adjusts to the speed and intensity of SEC football, having a veteran like Milroe by his side will be invaluable.
Moreover, Milroe’s leadership isn’t just beneficial for Russell — it sets the tone for the entire quarterback room. When younger players see a starter like Milroe pouring into a freshman, it establishes a culture of collaboration and mutual support. This environment encourages all players to work together for the betterment of the team, which is a key element of Alabama’s success.
Looking Toward the Future
While Milroe’s mentoring relationship with Russell is still in its early stages, the potential for growth is significant. As Russell continues to develop his skills at Alabama, Milroe will be there to guide him, providing the support and advice necessary for success. And in the long run, the lessons learned from this mentorship will undoubtedly help Russell become a better player, just as Milroe’s mentorship of younger quarterbacks will help foster future leaders for the program.
Ultimately, Milroe’s dedication to pouring into Russell isn’t just about helping him succeed at Alabama — it’s about ensuring that the tradition of Alabama football remains strong for years to come. By embracing the role of a mentor, Milroe is laying the foundation for continued excellence in the Crimson Tide quarterback room.
As Alabama looks ahead to the 2024 season, there is no doubt that Jalen Milroe’s leadership, both on and off the field, will play a significant role in the team’s success. And with the support of mentors like Milroe, Keelon Russell’s potential is limitless, ensuring that the future of Alabama football remains as bright as ever.