It was one of the most exciting moments for Alabama fans on National Signing Day, but now they are seeing two incredibly explosive players take off on defense.
Qua Russaw and James Smith, the bullies of Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala., had everyone buzzing about where they would sign in the 2023 recruiting class. Both chose the University of Alabama and Crimson Tide fans erupted with joy.
RELATED: Why Kane Wommack was not satisfied with Alabama’s defense, regardless of shutting out WKU
Russaw and Smith came in as five stars and after a year of learning, both are set to dominate in Kane Wommack’s system.
The Crimson Tide players and coaches continue working toward the season opener in practice Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Alabama linebacker Qua Russaw (4) takes a break during the practice.
Russaw, an edge-rushing linebacker, earned the starting nod at Wolf last week in the Tide’s season opener at Bryant-Denny Stadium against Western Kentucky. He was disruptive throughout the game, collecting four tackles, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hurry. Russaw was electric in spring practice and fall camp, earning the praise ‘freak of nature’ from teammates.
The 6-foot-2, 251-pounder continues to impress Wommack with his physical tools and football intelligence.
“He is so workmanlike in the way he goes about his business,” Wommack said Monday about Russaw.
“He is not a real vocal guy on the team, but he is a great teammate. He has leaned in to what we are doing from a defensive standpoint with that Wolf position. There is a lot we ask that guy to do. He has to play off the edge, he’s got to play in the box as an inside, stand up, move around ‘backer, he’s got to drop back in coverage, so there is a lot of things we are asking that guy to do. I think Qua is a very well-rounded individual. He is gifted from a physical standpoint, in terms of his ability to run. He can make space tackles, he can also set an edge at the point of attack. I think his versatility, coupled with the way he was able to handle our scheme and all the things we were going to do against Western Kentucky in particular, he was very impressive in the first game.”
Smith, a defensive tackle, assisted on three tackles, but he also had two pass breakups and a quarterback hurry.
The Alabama Crimson Tide football team works out Sunday morning in practice as they prepare for the 2024 season. Alabama defensive lineman James Smith (23) and Alabama defensive lineman Damon Payne Jr. (44) work against each other.
Wommack is pleased that Smith is playing within the framework of the defense.
“I think James has taken some great leaps in terms of his consistency,” Wommack said. “Coming out of spring football, there was too much inconsistency in his game. We really challenged him in the offseason to live within the framework of the defense. He is always going to make plays, he’s a special playmaker, which is what you want to see, but you have to build some consistency with those things. The level of growth from him in that three month window from when we finished A-Day to when we came into fall camp, I thought he took great ownership of that. Freddie Roach did a tremendous job in that regard, so I am pleased with him. I think he is taking steps in the right direction, and when you have a playmaker you want to get those guys on the field.”
Russaw and Smith always had the mentality, but now the Montgomery boys are doing it on the field.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
