Alabama LB exploding into backfield ahead of 2025 season

Syndication: Tuscaloosa News The Crimson Tide players and coaches work during practice Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. Alabama linebacker Qua Russaw (4) runs a pass rush drill.

Alabama football’s linebacker, Qua Russaw continues to garner high praise from his teammates ahead of the 2025 football season.

The Crimson Tide are going through summer workouts ahead of fall camp, and Russaw appears to have taken a massive step. The Crimson Tide’s offensive lineman, Kadyn Proctor describes Russaw as a defender, who is hard to get to.

“I remember a play yesterday where he shot off the ball on me outside of the tight end,” Proctor said. “It’s just hard getting to that guy. That’s just how he is. He’s a fast, strong, powerful guy. You never know what he’s going to do. Great hands, great feet. Powerful guy. He’s a strong dude. That’s what I want to highlight about him. He’s about business also.”

Russaw finished the year with 36 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and two interceptions while playing in 13 games and starting in six of them.

The former five-star has an opportunity to be a game changer in 2025 for the Tide with his blend of speed and power. Fellow Tide linebacker, Deontae Lawson also recently spoke highly of Russaw.

“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 will be a player to watch as an NFL prospect in the upcoming season.

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