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Why Austin Mack played fewer snaps than Keelon Russell at Alabama football A-Day
TL;DR
Austin Mack played fewer snaps than Keelon Russell during Alabama's A-Day due to coaching decisions rather than performance issues. Mack completed 7 of 13 passes for 111 yards, while Russell excelled with 228 yards and four touchdowns.
Why Austin Mack played fewer snaps than Keelon Russell at Alabama football A-Day
The premier showcase for the Alabama football quarterback battle did not prove to be equal. But it's what was needed, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer clarified after 2026 A-Day.
Alabama redshirt junior Austin Mack was limited to seven completions on 13 pass attempts for 111 yards. He threw an interception to Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. and a touchdown pass to Rico Scott. With Mack limited, redshirt freshman Keelon Russell shined with 228 passing yards, four touchdowns and an interception.
But DeBoer clarified that Mack's snap count wasn't due to performance.
"We just had to limit Austin with some stuff, so that was why," DeBoer said. "This week was a little bit where Keelon got some more reps with some things Austin is going through. Austin's good for the most part. Wasn't able to finish it out, but he'll be fine."
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell rolls out and throws a touchdown pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama offensive linemen Jayvin James and Michael Carroll drop to block at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell hands off to running back Daniel Hill at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Austin Mack throws a pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Austin Mack prepares to take a snap at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell throws a pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell dives forward to cover a loose ball at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell runs the ball at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
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Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell rolls out and throws a touchdown pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
1 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell rolls out and throws a touchdown pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
2 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama offensive linemen Jayvin James and Michael Carroll drop to block at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
3 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell hands off to running back Daniel Hill at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
4 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
5 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Austin Mack throws a pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
6 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Austin Mack prepares to take a snap at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
7 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell throws a pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
8 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell dives forward to cover a loose ball at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
9 / 9
Look at our Alabama football A-Day spring game photo gallery, best images
April 11, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell runs the ball at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the Alabama A Day scrimmage.
When asked if it was an injury Mack was dealing with, DeBoer said Mack is "dinged up" but "will be all right."
Alabama has two more practices next week before the official end of its spring slate. The Crimson Tide will open the 2026 season against East Carolina Saturday, Sept. 5.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Why Austin Mack played fewer snaps than Keelon Russell at Alabama football A-Day
Q&A
Why did Austin Mack have fewer snaps than Keelon Russell at Alabama A-Day?
Austin Mack's reduced snap count was attributed to coaching decisions rather than his performance during the game.
What were Austin Mack's statistics during Alabama A-Day?
Austin Mack completed 7 of 13 passes for 111 yards, including one touchdown and one interception.
How did Keelon Russell perform at Alabama A-Day?
Keelon Russell had an impressive performance, throwing for 228 yards with four touchdowns and one interception.
What did Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer say about Mack's performance?
Kalen DeBoer clarified that Mack's limited snaps were not a reflection of his performance but rather a coaching decision.
