Ryan Grubb reveals how Alabama players rallied around Keelon Russell after twin sister's death

Earlier this month, Keelon Russell’s twin sister Kierston passed away in Tuscaloosa. Just days later, the Alabama quarterback attended a walk-through, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said.

Russell’s teammates rallied around him as he returned to the field. As things wrapped up, Grubb called the touted freshman into the huddle to break it down.

Grubb saw the players come together to support Russell just a few days after the tragic news. He added it shows the way they look out for one another from a personal standpoint, which is in line with the culture Kalen DeBoer is building at Alabama.

“A couple days had passed after Kierston passed, Keelon came back out for a walk through, and we’re on the field, and we got done. I didn’t say much, but I just said, ‘Hey, can you come in here? We want you to break it down,” Grubb told Ryan Fowler Thursday on Tide 100.9’s The Game. “Just seeing the guys interact with him, just letting him know that they love him, support him as just a guy.

“We talk about person greater than player, and that’s being challenged right now. To make sure that those things are real within the program and the culture in the locker room. Everything I’ve seen in the support he’s had already, you can’t give enough support for a situation like this.”

News of Kierston Russell’s passing came out June 4, although details were scarce. In a statement, the Tuscaloosa County VCU said her death “appears to be non-criminal in nature” as the investigation enters its early stages. The unit also asked for privacy for the family and no further information would be released at this time.

Grubb also said Keelon Russell has the strength to push forward after the tragedy. He also can lean on his teammates, who continue to support him.

“Keelon is a very, very strong young man,” Grubb said, “and his ability to handle this has been humbling. The guys have been there for him at every turn.”

Keelon Russell committed to play football under Kalen DeBoer after attending Duncanville (TX). He arrived in Tuscaloosa alongside his sister, where the two were going to spend their college days at Alabama. Kierston Russell’s death came after graduating from Duncanville, dancing on stage together and enjoying life.

The twins’ mother, April Moore, also released a statement last week. She thanked those who reached out and said the family sees every message, though they can’t respond to them all.