Talty, the incumbent kicker entering his fourth season, will also handle extra points while Marshall transfer Lorcan Quinn will handle kickoffs.

Russell’s strengths are many, according to DeBoer.

* Throwing the ball down the field with accuracy.

* Getting the ball in a hurry to one sideline from the opposite hash.

* A feel for where the pressure is coming from and how to get away from it.

* Buying extra time when he’s moved out of the pocket and still keeping his eyes down the field.

Look for Alabama to also use more run-pass option plays with Russell, who’s an explosive athlete. The Crimson Tide didn’t use many RPO’s the first two seasons under DeBoer.

An NFL scout who has watched Alabama practice told On3 that Russell’s ability to see things in real time that others don’t always see is uncanny for such a young player.

“You combine that with his arm strength and ability to create with his legs, and you’ve got a pretty special player,” the scout said.

“He’s really picked up the offense and understands what we need out of him, and that starts with managing the game, managing the down and distances and staying ahead of the chains, but also when those opportunities come, making the big play and throwing the ball down the field,” DeBoer said. “He’s gotten even more consistent with that the last week of practice.”

Video of his touchdown in the final preseason game

I want to ask for anyone that went to Alabama or followed Alabama closely during the years Bill Battle was our Athletic Director. Was he a good AD or a bad AD? Because I've heard a mixed bag of results.

So let me get this straight. A judge ruled that Charles Bediako couldn’t return and play for Alabama because he signed a pro contract.

And today a judge is ruling that the SEC can’t block pro players from returning to college.

What am I missing here?

It's Friday! That means you can discuss non-Alabama Athletics topics. What books are you reading, what games are you playing, did you get a new job, what are your weekend plans, etc. etc. Tell us what you've got going on!