Alabama redshirt sophomore turns himself into a ‘controlled aggressive’ linebacker

Photo by Brian Pride - Touchdown Alabama Magazine

Alabama football’s linebacker, Qua Russaw grew a lot during the 2024 season and during the offseason, according to Kane Wommack.

Russaw started in six games as a redshirt freshman last season, finishing the year with 36 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and a pair of quarterback hurries.

At 6-foot-2 and 243 pounds, the former five-star is known for his explosiveness and strength.

“I think Qua on a team full of freaky people, Qua is the freakiest,” Wommack said. “He is freaky athletic. And I think he’s a special talent in terms of his strength. You watch him at the point of attack when we start talking about violent hands, which is one of our Bama fundamentals that we continue to stress and harp on, Qua’s ability to destroy blocks and get off and make plays.”

Alabama LB Qua Russaw looking explosive as he displays his ability to bend the edge on Day 1 off fall camp. @TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/x2KJq8cNDa

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) July 30, 2025

The Carver High School product is expected to have a big season in 2025 as the Crimson Tide’s starting Wolf linebacker. Wommack feels Russaw has done a great job capitalizing on his experience from last season.

“He made a play against Auburn and a guy came and pulled against him, and he absolutely obliterated him at the point of attack,” Wommack told reporters on Wednesday. “Those are things right that show up on tape in terms of his strength and physicality, but ultimately it’s about knowing and what I like about Qua is knowing when to and when not to, from a physical standpoint, be too aggressive. I think he’s learned a lot last year with the experience that he had, and I think he’s what I would call, has turned himself into a controlled aggressive player.”

Russaw has the potential to be a game-wrecker in 2025.

Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*