A pair of former five-star prospects and Carver High School standouts are beginning to have an impact on Alabama’s defense this season.
Redshirt freshman Qua Russaw and sophomore James Smith have continued to improve and earn more meaningful snaps as a result.
Russaw has played in all eight games this season. He has recorded 19 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one interception.
Smith has played in all eight games this season. Smith has tallied nine tackle and two pass deflections.
Both have seen increased roles on Alabama’s defense this season. They were used sparingly during their first season in Tuscaloosa. There is a very high ceiling for both of them. Russaw can play both inside and outside linebacker. He is versatile, rangy, and provides valuable depth at the WOLF position. Smith is a rotational defensive lineman that is a physical presence along the interior and excels at putting pressure on the quarterback.
Alabama fans should be eager to see how the two of them continue to develop and perform as a part of Kane Wommack’s “SWARM” defense. I would expect both of them to continue to play more and more snaps and eventually become permanent starters for the Crimson Tide. They are too talented to keep off the field, and it has shown through the first eight games of the season.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
