Alabama player says Tide linebacker can run 22 miles per hour at 243 pounds

Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Qua Russaw (4) causes a fumble by Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck (15) during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images

Alabama football’s linebacker, Qua Russaw has an opportunity to be one of the most impactful players on the Crimson Tide’s roster in 2025.

The Montgomery, Alabama product is set to start at Wolf linebacker for the Tide.

Alabama football’s veteran linebacker, Deontae Lawson is excited to have Russaw on the same team as him with the athleticism and pure speed the edge rusher brings to the table.

“Qua is my guy,” Lawson said. “He’s a freak. To be honest, I think he runs like 22 miles per hour at like 240 pounds. He’s just an animal. You He’s been diving into his game on the pass rushing side a little bit more. He always talks about going to get that sack. I’m excited for him, and I’m sure he’ll have a great year. We’ll see what happens.”

Russaw started in six games during the 2024 season. He finished the year with 36 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and two interceptions.

The former five-star wants to be more impactful as a pass rusher in 2025.

“I’ll say about a six or a seven,” Russaw told reporters when asked to rate his play in 2024 during the spring. “I don’t think my pass rush was there. This offseason, I’ve been working on my pass rush, just being explosive because I know I can do it. I’m fast. I’m explosive…Just being comfortable, just going, just not thinking too much, which I’ve been working on that a lot this spring.”