Qua Russaw

alabama crimson tide AvatarEnrolled
2023
LB / 6-1.5 / 235

Alabama

Avatar
Recruiting Class of 2023
Natl.
27
LB
3
AL
4
On3 DB / Qua Russaw

As a College Recruit

Rugged, athletic hybrid defender who plays with high-level play strength and speed in pursuit. Initially considered an EDGE prospect but looks more like an off-ball linebacker later in his high school career. Has adequate size at between 6-foot-1 and 6-foot-2 and around 235 pounds. Not overly long with 31.75-inch arms. 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. Highly productive as a pass rusher as a junior with 27.5 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks. Saw increased snaps off-ball as a senior. At his best as a linebacker when allowed to blitz and use his play speed and effort level to run down ball carriers. Remains a projection in coverage. Also participated in track and field, running a personal best of 11.65 seconds in the 100 meters as a junior and throwing the shot put 41-10.5 feet. Did not participate in any neutral settings as a prospect. Younger for the class, not turning 18 years old until June after his senior year.

Reminds Us Of
Rashaan Evans Avatar
Rashaan EvansLB/6-1.9/232
alabama crimson tide Avatar
HS Class of 2014
tennessee titans Avatar
2018Draft: Rnd1 /Pick22

Qua Russaw is a rugged, high-energy edge defender with outstanding play speed, particularly in pursuit. The Montgomery (Ala.) Carver standout is a smaller pass rusher at around 6-foot-2, 235 pounds and looks to be a comparable on-field athlete to fellow Alabama native Rashaan Evans at the same stage. Both were highly productive players at the prep level with the ability to rush the passer or eventually settle in as an off-ball linebacker.

Videos

Highlights

Qua Russaw Senior Season Highlights

Scouting Journal

9/30/22

Qua Russaw shows multiple elements of game vs. Catholic

Sam SpiegelmanNational Recruiting Analyst

Qua Russaw is an elite complement off the edge to interior DLJames Smith on the Montgomery (Ala.) Carver DL. The five-star EDGE is instinctive and takes direct paths to the ball from all over the second level of Carver's defense. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound Russaw was forced to fight off double-teams from a talented Catholic offensive line, but found ways to beat blocks, seal off running lanes to the outside and also close in on rushes up the middle. Russaw was equally as dynamic as a pass rusher, popping opposing QB Daniel Beale and demonstrating that speed and quickness around the corner to collapse the pocket in a hurry.

2/28/22

Qua Russaw rated as a 5-star prospect in overhauled On300

Charles Power

Russaw is a rugged, athletic defender at one of Alabama’s top talent-producing high school programs, Montgomery Carver. He immediately jumps off the screen due to the considerable take-on strength, effort level and speed in pursuit. We watched a few of Russaw’s games during the season and he was among the most impactful defenders we saw on a snap-to-snap basis throughout the fall. The eye test bears out on the stat sheet as well. Russaw finished his senior season with 27.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks in 11 games. He joins fellow Carver teammate defensive lineman James Smith as the second five-star in Alabama’s absolutely loaded cycle.