Alabama Football: Crimson Tide land 5-star duo James Smith, Qua Russaw

TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 24: A general view of Bryant-Denny Stadium during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers on October 24, 2015 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 24: A general view of Bryant-Denny Stadium during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers on October 24, 2015 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Two of the nation’s biggest recruiting dominoes of 2022 Early Signing Day have officially fallen, as Alabama football has landed the five-star defensive duo of James Smith and Qua Russaw. Two in-state prospects for the Crimson Tide, Smith and Russaw are teammates at Carver-Montgomery High School in Alabama, the same school that has also produced former Alabama linebackers such as Mack Wilson and Shaun Dion Hamilton.

Both Smith and Russaw also had the same list of finalists that included Alabama, Alabama State, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, and Ohio State.

Alabama Football lands 5-star duo James Smith, Qua Russaw

Beginning with Smith, the five-star was considered as the nation’s top uncommitted defensive lineman entering Early Signing Day, as well as just one of the top players at the position in the 2023 class overall. According to the 247Sports Composite, Smith is also considered as the No. 1 player in the state of Alabama in the 2023 class as well, along with the No. 2 overall defensive lineman in the country.

Russaw is also considered as a five-star prospect, as well as one of the nation’s top uncommitted edge rushers entering Early Signing Day. A versatile player at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Russaw is rated right behind Smith as the No. 2 overall player in the state of Alabama according to the 247Sports Composite, as well as the No. 3 EDGE nationally.

Both Smith and Russaw were also ASWA First Team All-State selections this past season for Carver-Montgomery, with both also named Under Armour All-Americans as well.

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The additions of Smith and Russaw now bring Alabama football’s top ranked 2023 class to a total of six five-star commitments, as the duo joins Caleb Downs, Keon Keeley, Kadyn Proctor, and Justice Haynes. As is the same with each of those four, both Smith and Russaw are names to watch for from the Crimson Tide’s 2023 class who could make an instant impact in Tuscaloosa next season.