Keelon Russell is a true freshman. He drew high praise from Gunner Stockton after Georgia beat Alabama on Saturday.
His attitude was indeed admirable.
In an era of college football where every moment is caught on camera, either by the broadcast or on a phone, it is refreshing to see such high respect among opponents. Stockton made sure to give Russell his flowers during the postgame press conference.
Keelon Russell waited to shake the hand of Gunner Stockton.
Georgia went into Alabama on Saturday and left with a three-point win. The top-ranked Bulldogs stayed undefeated at 6-0 with the win. The Crimson Tide dropped their first game of the season to fall to 5-1. It was a dogfight.
The game was tied at 17 to begin the fourth quarter. Georgia kicked a field goal with just over five minutes remaining, which ultimately proved to be the winner. Alabama did not get bailed out by a missed pass interference penalty on the next possession and went on to lose. There was a lot of frustration with how things ended so angry Crimson Tide fans showered the Bulldogs with beer bottles and trash as they made their way back into the locker room.
Meanwhile, elsewhere on the field, Keelon Russell stood with his head held high. The true freshman quarterback at Alabama waited patiently for Gunner Stockton to finish with his media obligations to show his respect for his opponent.
Stockton was impressed by the gesture.
“He was awesome. I’ve tried to do better with that, trying to go shake the other quarterback’s hand no matter what. seeing that at a younger age is pretty, pretty special.”
Russell did not think anything of it because he was just doing what he always does.
“Win or lose, I have respect for the opponent no matter what. Gunner Stockton is an amazing player. Guy’s a baller. I have respect for everybody that we play, so I wanted to give my dues to him that you’re a great player.”
That speaks to his character. The 19-year-old freshman showed the utmost class in defeat.
Me, not we!
When Alabama wins, Keelon Russell gives credit to his teammates. When Alabama loses Keelon Russel takes full responsibility.
He refused to blame anyone but himself for the loss on Saturday.
“Georgia’s a great defense. They have hella players in the secondary, the front level. All around, they have good guys. Just coming into this game, just knowing that we gotta be on our Ps and Qs and try to play our best game. I gotta execute at a higher level. Did not play my best game tonight. Countless throws that I missed, and just gotta be better.”
Russell was specifically asked whether the Bulldogs did something different on defense than what the Crimson Tide expected. His answer once again placed the blame only on his shoulders.
“No, I didn’t show anything that I didn’t expect. Everything that they did show, we watched film and understood the assignment. Just, like I said, I just gotta play better.”
He also praised his teammates!
“The O-line, they did their job. The running back did an amazing job. The receivers made some tough catches. And me, I just, I made a couple more plays, but at the same time, I’m gonna critique myself at max potential. I gotta play better as an all-around quarterback.”
And when he was asked about the questionable officiating, Russell refused to play into the controversy. It was on him.
“No, there weren’t any questionable calls. I gotta do my best in getting us into a situation and in the opportunities. As an offensive commander, I gotta do my job.”
This is exactly what you look for in a leader. Accountability, maturity and respect. Russell’s attitude and sportsmanship is admirable. For him to be a 19-year-old true freshman makes his behavior and attitude even more impressive.