The University of Alabama has two players on defense growing to be potential closers on defense.
Alabama fans were overjoyed to grab the Carver High School connection (Montgomery, Ala.) in the 2023 recruiting class, but both have started making their presence felt in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
James Smith and Qua Russaw were vicious five stars out of high school that wanted nothing more than dominating opponents. They love playing together, feeding off each other, and challenging one another to be better. The duo collaborated for one of three takeaways last week versus Missouri. Smith pressured quarterback Drew Pyne into throwing a pass to Russaw. The talented edge rusher grabbed the ball for his first career interception and celebrated his teammates.
Smith took off his helmet on the sideline and screamed in excitement after Russaw got the pick.
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Smith finished with two quarterback hurries and Russaw collected an interception in Alabama’s 34-0 victory.
Russaw suffered a leg injury against Wisconsin, but he’s 100 percent again.
Aug 31, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Qua Russaw (4) walks onto the field with Alabama’s defense during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-USA TODAY Sports
He has 19 total tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, a quarterback hurry, a forced fumble, and an interception. Smith has nine tackles, a tackle for loss, four quarterback hurries, and two pass breakups. Que Robinson, a fifth-year senior, spoke highly of both players in Thursday’s media availability. The “Wolf” linebacker said Smith is a ‘huge contributor’ to Alabama’s pass rush.
“He has a high motor,” Robinson said about Smith. “He is pretty quick on his feet to be a big guy.”
Aug 31, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman James Smith (23) holds up four fingers on each hand as the games moves to the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Alabama defeated Western Kentucky 63-0. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Robinson and Russaw are in the outside linebacker room together. He called Russaw a ‘know it all’ on defense.
“He knows what to do,” Robinson said about Russaw. “He studies the other teams offense really well and guesses what they are going to do for the next couple of plays.”
Robinson sees a bright future for the Tide with Smith and Russaw. Russaw, a redshirt freshman, got the opportunity to speak to reporters Thursday. He jokingly broke down the moment of how he did not see Smith help him get the interception.
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“When I caught the pick, I did not see him because my eyes were on the quarterback,” Russaw said. “I did not see him until later and he said ‘hey man, I got that.’ I was like, ‘man, I did not see you.’ Then I watched the video and I was like, ‘yeah, man you got that.'”
Russaw said he and Smith have been ‘around each other every day.’ He is thankful they came to Alabama together, and now are getting an opportunity to shine. Both look to have a marquee impact next week in Alabama’s matchup versus LSU.
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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.
