Skip to main content

Five-star duo signs with Alabama

On3 imageby:Andrew Bone12/21/22

AndrewJBone

On3 image
(Photo by Chad Simmons/On3)

Alabama does it again! The Crimson Tide received commitments from James Smith, five-star defensive lineman and Qua Russaw, five-star linebacker from Carver High School in Montgomery, on Wednesday afternoon. The teammates, and top two recruits in the state, announced their decision to sign with the Crimson Tide on ESPNU.

The finalists for the duo also included Auburn, Florida and Georgia. Both took their official visits to each one of the SEC programs. They went on countless trips throughout the process and always maintained their plan to attend the same school.

CLICK HERE to follow the latest Alabama Recruiting Scoop during the Early Signing Period!

Highlights of Alabama DL signee James Smith

Highlights of Crimson Tide signee Qua Russaw

Alabama keeping the best in-state

Qua Russaw
(Photo courtesy of Qua Russaw)

Several members of the Alabama coaching staff were critical in the pursuit of Smith and Russaw. Charles Kelly (who has joined Colorado’s staff as the defensive coordinator) was instrumental in helping the Tide sign the pair of elite targets. Nick Saban, Freddie Roach (defensive line) Coleman Hutzler (outside linebackers) and Pete Golding (defensive coordinator) were also key components in their recruitment down the home stretch.

The additions of Russaw and Smith to class will likely cement the Crimson Tide as the No.1 recruiting class in the country. It currently has the lead according to the On3 Sports Consensus Team Rankings.

Top 10

  1. 1

    RIP Ben

    Kirk Herbstreit announces dog's passing

  2. 2

    Billy Napier

    Florida to retain head coach

    Breaking
  3. 3

    Livvy Dunne - Paul Skenes

    ESPN College GameDay Guest Pickers

  4. 4

    Special visitor

    LSU hosting live tiger vs. Alabama

  5. 5

    Florida fans react

    Gators faithful react to Billy Napier news

    Live
View All

The duo join an in-state class that also features Jahlil Hurley, Top 100 cornerback from Florence, Yhonzae Pierre, Top 100 EDGE from Eufaula, Tony Mitchell, Top 100 safety from Thompson, Wilkin Formby, Top 100 offensive tackle from Northridge (Tuscaloosa), Hunter Osborne, four-star defensive lineman from Hewitt-Trussville, and Ryqueze McElderry, four-star offensive guard from Anniston.

Take a look: Alabama signing class!

Don’t Miss our Signing Day Coverage!

Alabama signee Kadyn Proctor
Alabama signee Kadyn Proctor

Signing Capsules and video highlights on each signee!

Kadyn Proctor flips commitment to Alabama

Tony Mitchell signs with the Crimson Tide

Not a member? Join BamaInsider.com today!

Have you subscribed to BamaInsider.com? You can sign up now for $10.00, which gets you premium access until Aug. 31, 2023! Or, you can also get one month of access for just $4.99 (50 percent off). Get access to premium articles covering the University of Alabama athletics, recruiting content and also join thousands of Crimson Tide fans on the Talk of Champions message board! CLICK HERE!

You may also like