Alabama OC Preaches Sliding for QB Russell

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb spoke with the media on Monday following the Tide's 38-point win against the ECU Pirates on Saturday. One of the main questions and concerns coming out of the game is when quarterback Keelon Russell will begin to slide and protect himself from unnecessary hits.

The answer, according to Grubb, is this week. The Crimson Tide begins preparation for the Kentucky Wildcats this week, and from what it sounds like, we will see star quarterback Keelon Russell protect himself more. Grubb said, "We're working on sliding. I know that question's coming in. You know, any young quarterback that has the ability to move like that, your responsibilities as a coach is that he came here to play quarterback and continue to develop him as a quarterback."

Russell showed his playmaking ability to navigate the pocket and use his legs to escape from pressures but never really tried to slide or protect himself. Both Keelon Russell and Head coach Kalen DeBoer touched on the need to slide after runs in their press conferences following Saturday's win.

Grubb also stated the main reasoning for needing his starting QB to protect himself more, stating that "It's a long season, this is a competitive league, and if he runs around like that every week, it's going to be an even longer year for him. So I think there a couple inspirational plays for him that he's going to remember that hopefully we can continue to develop his idea of when to get the ball out of his hand, when to take care of edge protection, when to get down in the open field. So we'll keep working those things."

Alabama will continue its preparation for the trip to Lexington, Kentucky, to face the Kentucky Wildcats this week on Saturday, September 12th. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 pm CST

Ryan Bond is an intern for Tide 100.9 with an avid interest in college football and college basketball. To keep up with Ryan, follow him on X at @Ryanb5172