Bruce Feldman's annual freaks list featured three worthy members from Alabama football, all along the offensive line. LT Kadyn Proctor, C Parker Brailsford, and RG Jaeden Roberts all made the cut. Feldman tries to spread the wealth and not let one team dominate the list too much, but there is one glaring omission from the Tide's 2025 team.
Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack didn't directly mention Feldman's recent list when he spoke to reporters after Wednesday's practice, but it was hard to ignore his choice of words in regards to third-year Wolf LB Qua Russaw.
"In a room full of freaky people, Qua is the freakiest," Wommack said. "He is freaky athletic, and I think he is a special talent in terms of his strength. You watch him at the point of attack, when we start 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 I mean he absolutely obliterated him at the point of attack."
Wommack is referencing the below play:
Play of the Day No. 160: Qua Russaw detonates the pulling guard before collapsing on the quarterback. Russaw plays much stronger than his listed weight suggests (Alabama vs. Auburn, 2024). #POTD #NFLDraft2026 #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/YNBOLNxN3m
— Sam Teets (@Sam_Teets33) August 3, 2025
Watching that play over, it's also fun to see James Smith, a high school teammate of Russaw's, make a nice swim move to get into the backfield there, too. Those two are going to break out in a major way this season.
Qua Russaw's strength stands out, but combining it with his speed can make him special
The biggest step forward Russaw needs to make this season is as a pass rusher. Alabama has to get more production rushing the passer from the Wolf LB spot, and Russaw has all the tools in his bag to become one of the most feared edge rushers in the country.
What makes Russaw a "freak" isn't just his strength, however. It's his speed. Deontae Lawson said at SEC Media Days that they've clocked Russaw at 22 miles per hour. He's listed at 243 pounds. I imagine getting hit by Russaw feels like getting hit by a Volkswagen.
Russaw should be more technically refined after a year of starting experience under his belt. He's one of the leaders in the room now, and with his athletic profile and raw strength, Russaw might not only make Feldman regret omitting him from his "freaks" list, but he might make all those pundits who didn't include him on All-SEC and All-American teams look foolish, too.