One of the biggest surprises that went against Alabama’s depth chart in its season opener versus Western Kentucky was seeing this former five-star edge rusher start on defense.
Quandarrius “Que'” Robinson was listed as the starter at Wolf, but Qua Russaw was the first player at the position to take the first defensive snap of the game game against the Hilltoppers.
He was all over the field last week, pressuring T.J. Finley, stuffing running backs, and reading his keys well. The 6-foot-2, 251-pounder was exceptional in fall camp — especially in the second scrimmage — and his growth allowed him to earn the starting nod. Russaw, a product from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala., finished with four tackles (tied for third on the team), a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hurry.
His relentless pursuit of Finley forced the former Southeastern Conference quarterback out the game early. The moment was not too big for Russaw.
RELATED: Former All-American safety impressed with Alabama’s “Swarm Defense” after week one
After the game, a couple of his teammates spoke highly of him. Keon Sabb, a transfer safety, called Russaw a ‘freak’ after seeing the redshirt freshman dominate on the field.
Sabb led the team with two interceptions and nearly returned one for a score.
Former 5-star LB Qua Russaw was everywhere for Alabama versus WKU as he got the start at Wolf.
“He’s a freak,” Keon Sabb said about Russaw. “Up and down, his body is a freak. He is mentally there. He is something else.”
The redshirt freshman is taking off.@TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/PJ9sXG6oEW
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) September 1, 2024
“Up and down, his body is a freak,” Sabb said about Russaw. “He is mentally there, and he has that No. 4 … that single digit on the defensive line is something else. It looks good on him, though.”
Deontae Lawson, a fellow Alabama native, called Russaw ‘one of the hardest workers’ he has been around.
Alabama LB Deontae Lawson on Qua Russaw:
“Qua, ever since I have known him, he’s been one of the hardest workers. He’s always flying around. The dude runs 22 mph and he’s 250 pounds. He’s a freak of nature.”@TDAlabamaMag @TouchdownETP pic.twitter.com/h9LkllsqHI
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) September 1, 2024
“He is always flying around,” Lawson said about Russaw.
“I think he runs like 22 miles per hour, maybe, and he’s like 250 pounds. It is crazy, he is a freak of nature.”
Russaw may put Alabama fans back in the minds of having Ryan Anderson and Tim Williams again if he continues to develop with the performance he had against Western Kentucky. He is now set to prepare himself to battle South Florida.
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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.
