James Smith and Qua Russaw, 5-star DL teammates in Alabama, announce SEC commitments
James Smith and Qua Russaw are rare high school teammates as 5-stars on the defensive line. They’ll continue their play together in the SEC.
At a signing day ceremony that was broadcast on ESPN2’s “College Football Live” as part of its signing day special, Smith and Russaw committed to Alabama. The Crimson Tide’s class now includes 6 prospects who are listed as 5-stars. Alabama’s class was already ranked No. 1 before this announcement.
“With the tradition over the years, we just know we’re going to go there, going to get pushed hard and hopefully be a legend,” Russaw said.
Added Smith, “Had a great relationship with the coaches and it felt like home to me. Just go be great and win.”
The 6-foot-3, 310-pound Smith, a defensive lineman, is listed as the No. 1 recruit in the state of Alabama, according to the 247 composite rankings. Russaw (6-2, 230) is No. 2. He plays on the edge.
Alabama has done well with in-state recruiting in this class, and before Smith and Russaw, the Tide had commitments on the defensive line from Hewitt-Trussville’s Hunter Osborne and Eufaula’s Yhonzae Pierre.
“That is my brother…It is really easy for us to click on the same level.”
5-Star recruits, James Smith @BigKong57 and Qua Russaw @QuaRussaw have confirmed they plan to play ‘together’ at the next level.
Their relationship is deeper than football.
READ: https://t.co/HTqejZ6IGF pic.twitter.com/k71PYbKg4x
— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) September 8, 2022