Alabama football has guys returning on defense that can shut opponents down, but who will serve as the ultimate closer?
Christian Robinson, the Crimson Tide’s outside linebackers coach, knows he has the guy in his room that will bring fear to quarterbacks. Qua Russaw, a redshirt sophomore, was one of the most highly-touted in-state prospects in the 2023 recruiting cycle from Montgomery, Ala.
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After dominating at Carver High School, the former five-star redshirted his freshman season — watching Jalen Milroe lead the team to a Southeastern Conference Championship.
He started playing last year under first-year head coach, Kalen DeBoer. Russaw played in 13 games — including six starts — totaling 36 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and two quarterback hurries. He came in at 251 pounds, but Russaw dropped weight in spring — firming up to 241 pounds on his 6-foot-2 frame.
He is moving faster at “Wolf” or outside linebacker and is ready to drill quarterbacks into the ground. Russaw shared a video on social media of him working with Madhouse Training from Montgomery. He has been with Madhouse since high school, and the relationship has grown.
Alabama Wolf LB Qua Russaw looks ready to do damage in 2025 working with @Madhousefit.
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) May 22, 2025
*Video originally comes from Russaw’s social media
Alabama fans are looking forward to watching Russaw put up massive numbers.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and writer for The Bama Standard. You can follow him on X via @CoachingMSmith.
