Saban Compares Russell to Young Before Alabama Georgia Clash

Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell received praise from former coach Nick Saban and current coach Kalen DeBoer before the Crimson Tide played Georgia at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, with both highlighting his rapid development and impact on the offense.

According to 247sports.com, Saban compared Russell's playing style to former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, praising the freshman's decision-making, playmaking ability and maturity after only four or five starts.

"Keelon Russell is -- the maturity he plays with, and he shows for a guy that is a young player that has only started in what, four or five games now is pretty phenomenal to me. His instincts as a player and his ability to make plays -- he is a play maker. I always called Bryce Young a point guard playing quarterback.

This guy is very similar. Knows when to scramble, keeps his eyes downfield, makes plays -- running it, throwing it, extending plays. This is a guy that has special instincts.

I always say processing is the most important thing for the quarterback. This guy can do that very well, and he can extend plays. I think that has helped create a dynamic on this team that is probably Kalen DeBoer's best team he's had in the three years he's been here because this team has really come together in a positive way." said Nick Saban, former Alabama coach.

Saban also discussed Georgia's performance ahead of the matchup, describing the Bulldogs as one of the nation's most complete teams and noting their ability to maintain strong results against opponents.

"I think Georgia is one of the most complete teams in the country. I know they haven't been tested, but they haven't been behind. They've dominated the competition -- which that is hard to do sometimes when you're supposed to win and you go out and win like you're supposed to.

They've been able to do that. How they'll fare against a little better competition? Look, I think teams that have success and have won championships, they're never gonna say die.

They're gonna compete in the game for 60 minutes. There may be some adversity for them in the game, but they're gonna keep playing and whoever is gonna beat them is gonna have to play for 60 minutes to do it with the same kind of temperament and attitude to play a complete game." said Nick Saban, former Alabama coach.

DeBoer credited offensive line coach Adrian Clem for helping Alabama's rushing attack improve. During an appearance on ESPN's College GameDay before the Georgia game, he said Clem's coaching approach had contributed to the team's progress, according to Sports Yahoo.

"Adrian Clem has done an amazing job coming in. It didn't surprise me. I knew about him and what he was capable of.

It's a mindset coming in of a great teacher and motivator. Just a guy the relates real well to the players. That mindset that you continues to develop … he's played a critical role in the that." said Kalen DeBoer, Alabama head coach.

DeBoer said Russell's improvement has been consistent as the quarterback gains experience and confidence in Alabama's offense.

"Everything he's done, he's gotten better." said Kalen DeBoer, Alabama head coach.

DeBoer added that Russell's ability to learn from previous plays has accelerated his growth during the season.

"He doesn't make the same mistake twice. He's growing up fast. He has a great balance of confidence but also an understanding of what it takes to get there and be great." said Kalen DeBoer, Alabama head coach.