Time for 5-star edge rushers to play like 5-stars
Since 2020, no one has recruited and developed the edge position like Alabama Football. Former 5-star recruits such as Will Anderson, Dallas Turner, and Chris Braswell all lived up to their rankings and eventually became priority NFL draft picks. The room was so loaded at one point that another 5-star and eventual draft choice, Drew Sanders, transferred out of the program.
Alabama’s recruiting success continued in the class of 2022, landing two of the top edge prospects in the nation in Jihaad Campbell and Jeremiah Alexander. However, both players eventually transitioned to inside linebacker.
The Tide didn’t slow down in 2023, signing three of the top 10 edge prospects in the cycle in Keon Keeley, Qua Russaw, and Yhonzae Pierre. It seems inevitable that this group will one day produce the next great Alabama pass rusher, perhaps as soon as this season.
It became apparent last season that there wasn’t a Will Anderson or Dallas Turner among this group; both of those players were ready to contribute and harass opposing quarterbacks as true freshmen. Of course, there wasn't much of an opportunity for snaps behind two of the best veteran pass rushers in the SEC in Turner and Braswell. Heading into year two, Keeley, Russaw, and Pierre could begin to wreak havoc.
Qua Russaw seems best positioned to make his presence felt this fall. He is an explosive pass rusher at the Wolf position and is right in the mix with veterans Quandarrius Robinson and Keanu Koht as fall camp opens. If he can carve out a role like Dallas Turner did late in the 2021 season, it will make the Alabama defense much more disruptive as a unit. Turner recorded 8.5 sacks as a true freshman, all coming in the last seven games of the season. Russaw could have a similar impact this fall and become the leader of the room heading into 2025.
Meanwhile, Keeley and Pierre could both need a little more time to develop. Pierre is coming along nicely at the Wolf spot according to defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. Keon Keeley is in the process of adding weight and adjusting to the new Bandit position. As a true defensive lineman with edge-like twitchiness, I expect the former no. 3 overall player in the 2023 cycle to eventually develop into a dominant player.