'It's everything I'm looking for': 5-star LB Qua Russaw commits to Alabama

When Qua Russaw started the recruiting process more than two years ago, his eyes weren’t on Alabama.

The five-star linebacker out of Montgomery (Ala.) Carver was looking out of state, but as things went along, he kept coming back to the Crimson Tide. On Wednesday, Russaw committed to Nick Saban and Co. along with his high school teammate and fellow five-star defensive lineman James Smith.

The two never wavered from their plan to play together at the next level, and they’ll add two major pieces to the No. 1 recruiting class in the country.

“It was a long thought process, and I just had to make a decision at the end. And I think I’ll put myself in the best situation by going to Alabama,” Russaw told On3. “Everybody loves Alabama in the state, and I’ve just always come back to Alabama.”

Other schools made it a tough decision for Russaw

Along the way, Russaw picked up offers from nearly every major program in the country. Florida, Georgia, and Auburn were among the schools in his final group. Early on, he thought he wanted to be at Texas A&M or Georgia, but over the summer, Alabama made a move. Two weeks ago after his official visit, he knew for sure where he wanted to go.

“They kind of told me everything I needed to know, and it’s everything I’m looking for in a program,” he said. “I know I’ll have to stay patient, and I’m going to work hard and be the best player I can be.”

Alabama’s coaching staff laid out the plan for Russaw and his development, and he sees an opportunity not only to play for an elite program, but to do it alongside his best friend in their home state.

“It was pretty big, making the decision with your teammate and your brother that you’ve done everything with,” he said. “We’ve been through a lot with each other, and it means a lot. I know I’ve got a lot of support behind me, lot of people going to lift me up. And it’s going to be a hard-working journey.”