Alabama’s defense turned a corner last week versus Missouri.
Kane Wommack had the group for the Crimson Tide play well enough to defeat Tennessee, but it pitched a shutout over the Tigers on Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama has forced 10 takeaways in the last three games, and now it has one of its best pass rushers healthy at the right time. Qua Russaw, a redshirt freshman, suffered a lower body injury against Wisconsin and had been on a pitch count since then. The former five-star came off the pitch count versus the Volunteers; however, he collected his first career interception last week. Russaw, a Montgomery (Ala.) native, is fully healthy and says he is ready to ‘cut it loose’ in the second half of the season. He spoke to reporters on Thursday, stating that he is ready to ‘turn the corner.’
“I feel good,” Russaw said about how he feels health wise.
Nick Saban recruited him from Carver High School in the 2023 signing class, but Russaw is one of many that enjoys playing in Wommack’s 4-2-5 “Swarm Defense.” He said the Wolf position gives him more of an opportunity to roam with his athleticism.
“Saban’s defense was a lot of checks and stuff,” Russaw said.
“Coach Wommack gave us the ability to our feet in the grass and play with the ability we have.”
The 6-foot-2, 251-pounder can rush the quarterback, drop in coverage, and stop the run.
Alabama center feels Crimson Tide is in better position to handle LSU’s atmosphere
He has the freedom to see the play and attack it as he did in high school. Russaw learned a lot from Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell last year in how to be a student of the game. He got stronger in the offseason with David Ballou and now feels he can trust himself to cut it loose. Russaw has a great opportunity next week to harass Garrett Nussmeier and LSU’s offense.
He has 19 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, a quarterback hurry, a forced fumble, and an interception.
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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.
