Ohio State makes trimmed list for pair of five-star prospects

COLUMBUS — Ohio State is one step closer to adding more members to its 2023 class.

Five-star EDGE Qua Russaw and five-star defensive lineman James Smith released their top six Friday and the Buckeyes made the cut for both prospects.

Alabama, Alabama State, Auburn, Florida and Georgia rounded out the list for the Carver High (Montgomery, Alabama) products.

Russaw and Smith are the No. 2 and No. 1 rated players in Alabama, respectively, according to the On3 Consensus Rankings. The pair are also top 20 prospects according to the On3 Consensus Rankings and On3.

Despite the Buckeyes making the cut, Russaw and Smith haven’t visited Columbus yet, but the potential for a visit in the fall is strong.

Lettermen Row is breaking down each prospect, highlights their strengths as prospects and what they would bring to Ohio State.

Qua Russaw

Qua Russaw, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound edge rusher, is undoubtedly one of the best overall prospects in the 2023 cycle.

Russaw finished his junior season at Carver with a ridiculous 130 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks. His film tape shows his impressive natural ability to play off the edge, but also his intelligence at linebacker depth.

He would be a unique fit for the Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and defensive line coach Larry Johnson. Russaw has the skill set and strength to play with his hand on the turf, but the speed and quickness to play as a linebacker in Knowles’ base 4-2-5 system.

The most impressive skill in Russaw’s game is his initial reaction and his first step toward the play. He has strong play recognition and knows when to pursue toward the ball, or when to be patient and let the play unfold.

Ohio State would benefit from his versatility and natural high football intelligence.

James Smith

James Smith, a 6-foot-3, 320-pound defensive lineman, isn’t the number one rated defensive lineman by mistake.

The Alabama native spent his junior season in Florida at IMG Academy perfecting his skills but transferred home ahead of his senior campaign.

His official scouting report by On3 gives a detailed look at how talented Smith is in the trenches and what the Buckeyes would get with his commitment.

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.

James Smith official scouting report via On3.

Ohio State would get an immediate difference maker to its interior defensive line with a pledge from Smith. If not a starter, he would be heavily featured in Larry Johnson’s rotation up front.

Smith would be the first five-star defensive tackle to commit to the Buckeyes since Taron Vincent in 2018.