It was a thrilling moment for Alabama fans on National Signing Day, and now they’re witnessing two explosive defenders making an impact.
Qua Russaw and James Smith, former standouts at Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala., had everyone on edge as they decided where to commit for the 2023 recruiting class. When both chose the University of Alabama, Crimson Tide fans celebrated with excitement.
Russaw and Smith arrived as five-star recruits and, after a year of development, are now poised to excel in Kane Wommack’s defensive system.
Russaw, an edge-rushing linebacker, earned the starting spot at the Wolf position in Alabama’s season opener at Bryant-Denny Stadium against Western Kentucky. He was a disruptive force throughout the game, recording four tackles, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hurry. His performance in spring practice and fall camp earned him the nickname “freak of nature” from his teammates.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 251 pounds, Russaw continues to impress Wommack with his physical attributes and football IQ.
“He approaches his work with a serious, methodical attitude,” Wommack said of Russaw on Monday. “He’s not the most vocal guy on the team, but he’s a great teammate. He’s fully embraced the responsibilities of the Wolf position, which requires a lot—playing off the edge, lining up inside, dropping into coverage. Qua is a well-rounded player, physically gifted and versatile, and he handled our scheme against Western Kentucky very well. His first game was impressive.”
Smith, a defensive tackle, contributed three tackles, two pass breakups, and a quarterback hurry.
Wommack is pleased with Smith’s growth within the defensive scheme.
“James has made significant strides in his consistency,” Wommack said. “After spring football, we challenged him to be more consistent, and he responded. He’s always been a special playmaker, but he needed to build consistency. From the end of spring to fall camp, he took ownership of that challenge, and Freddie Roach did an excellent job helping him develop. I’m happy with his progress, and we’re eager to get a playmaker like him on the field.”
Russaw and Smith have always had the mindset, and now they’re delivering on the field.
