LOOK: 5-star defensive linemen Qua Russaw, James Smith visit Alabama
Alabama has already taken over control of the No. 1 class in the On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings. But the Crimson Tide still have a number of top targets on the board, including five-star Montgomery (Ala.) Carver duo James Smith and Qua Russaw.
Both returned to Tuscaloosa this weekend as Alabama hosted Vanderbilt, and their trainer, Madhouse Training, snapped a pick of the two with head coach Nick Saban.
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Smith ranks as the nation’s No. 12 overall prospect, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also checks in as the No. 2 defensive lineman in the 2023 cycle and the top player in the state of Alabama.
Russaw, meanwhile, is tabbed as the No. 19 prospect in the country, No. 2 EDGE and the second-best player in the Yellowhammer State.
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Both have said on numerous occasions that they are a package deal at the next level, with Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Florida, Ohio State and a handful of others still on their top schools lists. Despite that, On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons said last week that the Crimson Tide are the school with the most buzz around them right now. However, a decision isn’t expected for at least a couple months, if not during the Early Signing Period in December.
Scouting Summaries for James Smith, Qua Russaw
Below are On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power’s takes on both Russaw and Smith as prospects:
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.”
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.