Roster countdown: 49 Russaw; 48 Hibbett; 47 Smith
Counting down the Alabama roster three players at a time. Next up for the 2023 series: outside linebacker Qua Russaw, long snapper Kneeland Hibbett and defensive end James Smith.
49 OLB Qua Russaw
2022: Capped prep career at Carver High School in Montgomery as the nation’s No. 3 linebacker prospect for the 2023 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Enrolled at Alabama in January and took part in spring drills.
Of note: After some question about where he would land from a positional standpoint, Russaw broke in with the outside linebackers at UA. With projected starters Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell sidelined, Russaw worked with the White (second-team) defense in the A-Day game. The early enrollee posted two tackles in the scrimmage. He wasn’t credited with a hurry, but Russaw was able to force quarterback Ty Simpson from the pocket in the fourth quarter. In addition to situational pass rush reps, Russaw could factor into coverage and return units on special teams.
What we wrote about Russaw upon his signing in December: “Utility backer on the high school level who lined up at multiple spots. Elite closing speed is the one constant when watching Russaw. While capable, this isn’t a guy who needs to spend a lot of time in coverage. Position him in a way that allows him to attack the football, which is why most feel like edge and/or weakside linebacker will be his primary home(s) at UA.”
48 LS Kneeland Hibbett
2022: Hibbett continued in role as top snapping option on punts and field goals and extra points. Recovered a fumble while covering a punt in Alabama’s win over Auburn.
Of note: After a perfect season in 2021, Hibbett was mostly on target as a sophomore. One exception was botched exchange on a punt at Arkansas that saw James Burnip fall on the ensuing loose ball at the Alabama 3. Up to 245 pounds, Hibbett was first up among snappers in April’s A-Day game. Along with Burnip and kicker Will Reichard, the Florence native gives Alabama a multi-year starter at a specialist spot.
47 DE James Smith
2022: A teammate of Russaw’s at Carver High School, Smith checked in as the nation’s No. 3 defensive line prospect for the 2023 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. After enrolling at Alabama in January, Smith participated in spring drills.
Of note: In his first A-Day game, Smith, a recipient of the Ozzie Newsome Most Improved Freshman Award at the close of spring drills, worked in support of projected starters Tim Smith and Justin Eboigbe. Gains in bulk and strength will increase Smith’s viability as an early down option in the base and big nickel looks. Until then, sub packages are where the newcomer figures most likely to show up.
What we wrote about Smith upon his signing in December: “Twitch for a big man along the lines of Quinnen Williams and Daron Payne. Shows a swim move, which he uses to ease his way to the quarterback. Documented effectiveness at end and tackle bodes well for how he’ll be used at UA. Playmaking ability should have him in position to impact rotation early on.”
Previous:
57 Pritchett; 56 McLaughlin; 55 Montgomery
65 Latham; 59 Barnes; 58 Brockermeyer
73 Alinen; 71 Dalcourt; 69 Ferguson
77 Roberts; 75 Formby; 74 Proctor
82 Hale; 81 Dippre; 80 Prentice
87 Lewis; 86 Burnip; 84 Niblack
90 Renaud; 89 Lockwood; 88 Kitsleman
93 Latham; 92 Eboigbe; 91 Oatis
96 Keenan; 95 Goodwine; 94 Hill
99 Hastings; 98 Burroughs; 97 Perry
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