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Alabama freshman quarterback Keelon Russell spent a few days of his spring break in Atlanta (Ga.) to formally accept his Maxwell Football Club High School Football Player of the Year Award at the College Football Hall of Fame following his outstanding senior season at Duncanville (TX) High School.
He spoke with Score Atlanta's Max Wolborsky soon after he was called on stage, and among a few other things, was asked who has stood to him through the first few spring practices in Tuscaloosa. Who did Russell single out? Lotzeir Brooks.
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Alabama wide receiver Lotzeir Brooks (17) during practice March 7, 2025 in Tuscaloosa. (Photo: University of Alabama)
"You have probably seen him around a lot," he laughed. "He's phenomenal. He's very acrobatic. He can catch the ball at any place you put it at, which makes the quarterback's job easier. He has that type of talent and that mindset of 'that defensive back in front of me can't guard me' and he's fast. He's an everything. He's like a DeVonta Smith all over again."
Alabama safety Bray Hubbard shared similar thoughts in a media session two weeks ago when talking about some of the younger guys.
"He's doing really great," Hubbard told reporters inside the Mal Moore Athletic Facility. "That dude's fast. He's hard to keep up with, I will say, I am not even going to lie. He's hard to keep up with."
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Russell also offered out a quick thought on the defensive side of the ball mentioning fellow five-star and early enrollee Dijon Lee. The 6-foot-4 cornerback has turned heads simply from a physicality standpoint with his incredible length and athleticism. Lee's playmaking ability and football IQ, which was heavily brought up throughout his recruitment, seems to be on full display as well.
"That man is making a great impact already as a true freshman," Russell explained. "I am excited to be on the field with both of these guys."
Russell, Brooks, Lee and the rest of the Crimson Tide resume spring practice on Tuesday. There will also be practices on Thursday and Saturday this week.
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