By Apollo Lundin
The University of Alabama has been one of the, if not the most, consistent schools in the FBS. With 30 SEC titles and 23 national titles (18 claimed national titles), Alabama is the most storied college football program. The team’s history will help new head coach Kalen DeBoer secure his first class for the 2025 recruiting cycle. Headlined by Keelon Russell and two other Top-25 recruits, this group will look to bring a national championship back to Tuscaloosa.
Keelon Russell
Duncanville, TX (Duncanville)
#10 NAT, #3 QB, #4 TX
At 6’3”, 175 lbs., Keelon Russell has the perfect build for a dual-threat QB. Russell has great pocket presence and patience, as he waits for his receivers to get separation. Russell is quick and elusive if they fail to, using this to stretch broken plays into a big gain. In his Junior season, Russell passed for over 3,200 yards, 35 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. On the ground, he added 54 carries for four touchdowns, 304 yards, and a longest rush of 68 yards.
Russell was the quarterback for five-star Oregon commit Dakorien Moore, where both were crucial for each other’s development. He also ran track in high school, which shows on the field.
Russell held 23 offers, but chose the Crimson Tide over schools like Florida, Ole Miss, and Oregon.
Ty Haywood
Denton, TX (Ryan)
#18 NAT, #4 OT, #6 TX
At 6’5”, 285 lbs., Ty Haywood is a force on the offensive line. As a run blocker, he will drive the defender backward and continue to play after the whistle. As a pass blocker, Haywood stays with his assignment and is very reliable. His blocks are textbook, so fans should not worry about holding penalties with him.
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Haywood also threw the shot put and discus, with a 119-3 discus throw. His record in the shot put was 58-6.
With 33 offers, Haywood had his choice of schools but ultimately chose Alabama over schools like Florida State, Oklahoma, and LSU.
Caleb Cunningham
Ackerman, MS (Choctaw County)
#22 NAT, #3 WR, #1 MS
At 6’1”, 190 lbs., Caleb Cunningham is a big target and can rise above multiple defenders to secure the catch. He is quick and can use his speed to round corners and get down the sidelines for big gains. His frame also makes him hard to bring down, making him a threat for explosive plays no matter the situation. Cunningham is a great route runner and should be a similar target as Dakorien Moore was for Keelon Russell at the high school level.
Caleb Cunningham is a three-sport athlete, playing football, and basketball, and participating in track events. In basketball, Cunningham holds an average of 18.4 points per game to go along with 8.6 rebounds per game and 2.4 steals per game. In track, Cunningham holds person bests of 6-0 in the High Jump and 21-7.25 in the long jump.
Caleb Cunningham held 27 offers, but chose the Crimson Tide over schools like Texas, Penn State, and Mississippi State.
