LOS ANGELES — No, Keelon Russell said, he hasn’t thought about entering the transfer portal and leaving Alabama.

Tuscaloosa is “my home,” he explained before adding that, “I’m 100% locked in.”

The freshman quarterback was asked the question about his future on Tuesday as the Crimson Tide prepare to play No. 1 Alabama in the quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoff. 

A former five-star prospect, Russell has sat behind Ty Simpson all season. He and Austin Mack are co-backups with Mack, a redshirt sophomore, having a slight edge in offensive snaps played (40 to 36).

Russell has attempted passes in two games this season. He completed 11 of 15 attempts for 143 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

“I’m 100% here,” Russell said of his future. “I’m worried about the Rose Bowl, going out there and doing my thing, helping out Ty. I’m just worried about the next steps in my journey in this year.”

And it has been a journey.

Russell said he’s learned a lot. Chief among them is patience.

He had to watch as other true freshmen like Dijon Lee and Lotzeir Brooks made immediate impacts. 

“I can name a lot of them,” he said. “I’m so proud of those dudes. But coming in as a freshman, sitting behind Ty that first year, I feel like it’s not gonna hurt you.”

Mack reminded him about learning behind Michael Penix Jr. at Washington.

“Learning, learning, learning,” Russell said. “Being developed is the biggest thing I came to college for. I came to Alabama to be developed. So having that learning experience is the best thing, and that comes from patience.”

It can’t be easy, though, blocking out the noise, whether it’s media speculation about his future or more pointed questions from opposing coaches or agents or other third parties.

Are you happy? Do you want to be at Alabama?

“I kind of really block it out,” Russell said. “I came to win national championships. You know what I’m saying? Like, we got a Rose Bowl coming up. So I don’t really worry about all those aspects. You know, my time’s gonna come. And I believe that for sure. I told Ty the other day, I said, ‘When my time comes, you’re gonna see me having a Heisman Trophy and I’m gonna invite you, man.’ Like this is gonna be a blessing. Like my time is gonna come.”

Russell went on to say that coach Kalen DeBoer, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and quarterback coach Nick Sheridan have done a good job of preparing him so that way he’s ready “when I step foot on that field.”

And what if Simpson turns pro? He’s projected to be a first round pick.

Does Russell feel ready to take the reins next season?

“Man, I’m always ready,” he said. “I’m always ready. I feel like — I know for a fact — I learned the playbook 100%. I know the playbook 100%. I feel very comfortable with everything that’s going on. Coach throws me in today or tomorrow, anytime, I feel like I’m gonna do nothing but just go out there and ball.”