Keelon Russell made a strong case for Alabama's starting quarterback job during Saturday's spring game in Tuscaloosa. The five-star recruit who redshirted last season completed 21 of 33 passes for 240 yards with four touchdowns and an interception, leading his unit to seven scores on nine drives despite wearing a noncontact jersey.

Receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams compared playing with Russell to "a video game." Austin Mack, who served as Ty Simpson's backup last season, was limited to five drives due to injury, completing 6 of 12 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown before leaving the scrimmage. Coach Kalen DeBoer said Mack was "dinged up" and that Russell got more reps this week because of what Mack was going through.

Coleman-Williams noted Russell's growth from last year to now was "light years." While two spring practices remain and no Week 1 starter announcement is expected soon, Russell enters summer workouts with clear momentum after outplaying the incumbent backup in the spring showcase.