Five-star LB Qua Russaw, Five-star DL James Smith commit to Alabama

Five-star linebacker Qua Russaw and five-star defensive lineman James Smith, teammates at Montgomery (Ala.) Carver, announced their commitments to Alabama on Wednesday.

Russaw and Smith each visited the Crimson Tide numerous times. They give Alabama pledges from six five-stars, the highest mark in the country.

Qua Russaw and James Smith On3 Scouting Summaries

Russaw: “Rugged, athletic EDGE defender who plays with high-level play strength and speed in pursuit. Has adequate size at around 6-foot-3, 230 pounds. Highly active as a high school player on a snap to snap basis. Plays with one of the best effort levels that we’ve seen from a defender in the 2023 cycle. Excels as a pursuit defender, using his speed and motor to track down plays sideline to sideline.

“Very strong with the ability to stack and shed offensive linemen. Also sees some snaps as an off-ball linebacker. Highly productive as a junior with 27.5 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks. Wins primarily due to his athleticism, play strength and effort level. Will need to continue honing his pass rush moves.”

Russaw ranks as the No. 19 overall prospect in the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 2 linebacker and No. 2 player in Alabama.

On3 rates Russaw higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per the 2023 On300, he is the No. 1 linebacker in the country. 

Smith: “Possesses the best combination of first-step quickness and power among interior defensive line prospects in the 2023 cycle. Extremely quick off the ball, often beating opposing offensive linemen out of their stance. Follows up his first step with considerable upper body and hand strength. Stuns offensive linemen with his punch and gets off of blocks at a high rate.

“Has a wide-hipped frame without much bad weight. Plays with high energy and violent physicality. A dominant player as a freshman and sophomore prior to transferring to IMG Academy. Finishes plays behind the line of scrimmage with authority. Is able to yank down ball carriers with one hand. Also shows advanced pass rush ability for an interior defensive lineman.

Smith ranks as the No. 14 overall prospect in the On3 Consensus. He also tabs in as the No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 1 player in Alabama. 

On3 rates Smith higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per the On300, he is the No. 8 overall prospect and No. 1 defensive lineman in the country.