Simmons Scoop: Florida 'one to watch' with five-stars Qua Russaw, James Smith

Montgomery (Ala.) Carver defensive lineman James Smith and EDGE Qua Russaw are among the most sought-after prospects in the entire country as their high school season kicks off.

The duo, which plans to be a package deal at the next level, recent released their top six schools, a list that includes Alabama, Alabama State, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, and Ohio State. The Hornets and Buckeyes were somewhat surprising additions to the list, with most momentum in the recruitment tied to Alabama and Georgia.

Florida making a move for James Smith and Qua Russaw

But according to On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons, there’s another school to watch closely in the coming months in addition to the Bulldogs and Crimson Tide: Florida. The Gators have been on a recruiting heater over the past month, and both Smith and Russaw visited Gainesville at the end of July.

“I think it really comes down to, as of right now, three schools: Alabama, Georgia and Florida is one to watch,” Simmons said. “Auburn will definitely be in this race; I think the key for them staying in this is their season this fall and what happens there on the field.

… With Florida, they were there for the first time in July for Friday Night Lights; they had a great time. Florida has had some success with defensive line as well, Sean Spencer and Co. have done a great job.”

The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) currently has the Crimson Tide as the favorite for Smith and the Bulldogs as the leader for Russaw. However, the two are expected to take an official visit to Florida this fall and likely will make their decision in September on or around the Early Signing Period.

Smith is the No. 12 prospect in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Russaw, meanwhile, checks in at No. 19.