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USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Kane Wommack labels this player as Alabama's 'freakiest' athlete
A returning starter on the Alabama Crimson Tide defense, Qua Russaw is a player who could certainly take an even bigger step forward this fall. Entering year three at Alabama, Russaw is a former top recruit from the Crimson Tide's 2023 recruiting class who originally redshirted his initial season in Tuscaloosa, but eventually enjoyed a breakout campaign a year ago. As to what it included, Russaw emerged as the starting "wolf" in Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack's defense, posting a combined stat line of 36 tackles, three TFL, one sack, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. Wommack also recently commented on Alabama's starting wolf following a recent fall camp practice as well, with the Crimson Tide defensive coordinator speaking highly of the now redshirt sophomore. "On a team full of freaky people, Qua is the freakiest," Wommack said. "He's freaky athletic. I think he's a special talent in terms of his strength. You watch him at the point of attack, when we started talking about violent hands, which is one of our Bama fundamentals that we continue to stress and harp on, Qua's ability to destroy blocks and get off and make plays. There was a play against Auburn, a guy came and pulled against him, and he absolutely obliterated him at the point of attack. Those are things that show up on tape in terms of his strength and physicality." "Ultimately, what I like about Qua, it's knowing when to and when not to, from a physical standpoint, be too-aggressive. I think he learned a lot last year with the experience he had, and he's what I would call, has turned himself into, a controlled, aggressive player." A key area of need, Alabama will likely be counting on a breakout season from Russaw when it comes to rushing the passer, and if that were to in fact happen for the redshirt sophomore, then it will make what is expected to be one of college football's top defenses even that much scarier. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Qua Russaw shared list of Alabama football leaders this spring. And a Crimson Tide QB made the cut
Qua Russaw couldn't wait to share his news. When the Alabama football linebacker stepped up for an interview, Russaw said he was one of a handful of players voted by Crimson Tide teammates as a "leader" this spring, a role he said he's "stepping into." Advertisement "As a team, we had voting," Russaw said. "And I was one of the guys they selected. So I'm working on my talking skills, talking to some of the younger guys and trying to get going." While the list may not be exhaustive, and the role itself may not be defined, Russaw did give an idea of the other Alabama players voted as "leaders." On defense, Russaw said he's joined by defensive linemen Tim Keenan III and LT Overton, while on offense, Russaw named quarterback Ty Simpson and offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. In March, Alabama offensive lineman Geno VanDeMark named Simpson as a member of his Alabama football "starting five" in basketball, crediting his experience and his comfort with the offense as a whole. Advertisement "For Ty, I think it's his veteran aspect. He's relaxed out there — so is (Austin) Mack too," VanDeMark said. "You can tell it's not really getting to him in terms of getting all nervous or anything." Alabama will hold its annual A Day spring game at Bryant-Denny Stadium at noon April 12. Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@ or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Ty Simpson makes Qua Russaw list for Alabama football leaders this spring
