As the 2025 season approaches, Qua Russaw is becoming one of the most buzzed-about players on Alabama's defense. The Crimson Tide defense has always been known for producing NFL-ready talent, and Russaw, who is entering his sophomore year, has quickly risen through the ranks to establish himself as one of the most promising linebackers in the nation. Let’s take a deeper look at Russaw’s game, his growth in 2024, and what Alabama fans should expect from him in 2025.
A Quick Recap: Qua Russaw’s Freshman Year (2024)
Russaw’s debut season in 2024 was nothing short of impressive. He was part of a talented linebacker group, but his natural instincts, athleticism, and ability to make plays stood out early on. While he didn’t start every game from the beginning, Russaw quickly earned a regular spot in the rotation, becoming a key contributor by the mid-point of the season.
2024 Stats:
Tackles: 48 (Tied for 4th on the team)
Tackles for Loss: 7
Sacks: 4.5
Pass Breakups: 3
Forced Fumbles: 2
Interceptions: 1
Why Russaw’s Freshman Year Was Impressive
Versatility: Russaw demonstrated his ability to impact games in various ways. Whether he was playing in coverage, coming off the edge to rush the quarterback, or providing stout run defense, Russaw proved he could contribute to nearly every aspect of the defense. This versatility is key in the modern game, where linebackers are expected to be multi-dimensional athletes capable of influencing different phases of the game.
Football IQ: Even as a freshman, Russaw's ability to read the game was evident. His awareness of offensive schemes, his knack for diagnosing plays, and his ability to adjust on the fly allowed him to thrive in multiple roles, whether as a traditional linebacker or when asked to cover the occasional receiver or tight end.
Impact Plays: His stats show not just solid production, but also a flair for the big moment. The forced fumbles, interceptions, and pass breakups speak to his instinctive nature and ability to make plays when his team needs it most.
What to Expect from Qua Russaw in 2025: A More Refined Player
As we look to the 2025 season, expect Qua Russaw to take the next step in his development. After a full year of experience and a spring of practice under his belt, he will be ready to take on a larger role and become one of the cornerstone players for Alabama’s defense. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what fans can expect from him:
1. Increased Leadership and Defensive Command
In 2025, Russaw will likely be one of the most experienced players in Alabama’s linebacker room, and with that comes a significant leadership role. While the team will return several upperclassmen on defense, it is clear that Russaw has the potential to emerge as one of the leaders of the unit.
Mentoring Young Talent: With Alabama continuing to recruit top-tier talent, especially in the linebacker and defensive front seven positions, Russaw will be looked upon to mentor the incoming freshmen and the younger players. He will need to take on a leadership role both vocally and through example, especially as Nick Saban places more responsibility on his upperclassmen to drive the culture.
Talent and Experience: Russaw has all the tools to be a high caliber linebacker in the SEC. As a second-year player, he's gained experience that is valuable and with his physical tools, that will make him an integral part of Alabama’s defensive success.
2. A More Refined Pass Rusher
Russaw’s ability to rush the passer in 2024 was one of his most valuable assets. With 4.5 sacks and 7 tackles for loss as a freshman, he already demonstrated his ability to disrupt offensive schemes in the backfield. In 2025, expect him to further refine his pass-rushing technique, become a more reliable presence on third downs, and potentially lead Alabama’s linebackers in sack totals.
Increased Snap Counts: As a freshman, Russaw was still working his way into the starting rotation, but with more experience, he'll likely see a larger share of snaps, particularly in passing situations. His speed and ability to close on quarterbacks could make him a key player on obvious passing downs.
More Power Moves: As Russaw continues to add strength and develop his pass-rushing moves, expect him to get better at using his power and leverage to defeat blockers. His combination of quickness and strength could make him a nightmare for offensive linemen, especially in one-on-one situations.
3. Improved Coverage Skills
One area where Russaw has already shown promise is in coverage, especially for a linebacker. He was able to break up several passes in 2024 and even grabbed an interception. Heading into 2025, fans can expect Russaw to continue to grow as a pass defender.
Coverage Against Tight Ends and Running Backs: The evolution of the passing game in college football means that linebackers are expected to cover everything from fast-running backs to towering tight ends. Russaw’s athleticism allows him to be a versatile defender in the middle of the field, and in 2025, expect to see him matched up more frequently against the opposition’s best pass-catching threats.
Blending Pass Rush and Coverage: One of the best traits of a linebacker like Russaw is his ability to disguise his intentions. In 2025, we may see him switch seamlessly between pass-rushing and dropping into coverage, confusing quarterbacks with his unpredictability. Expect to see more “green dog” blitzes, where Russaw may initially drop back into coverage but then quickly attack the quarterback if he sees an opportunity.
4. Consistent Run Defense and Tackling Ability
As a linebacker, being able to stop the run is foundational to a player’s success. Russaw’s ability to diagnose plays and attack the line of scrimmage was a key part of his game in 2024, and this will only improve as he gains more experience. With 48 tackles and 7 tackles for loss as a freshman, Russaw showed that he could be effective at stopping the run, shedding blockers, and finishing plays.
Filling Gaps and Tackling in Space: Russaw’s speed and awareness allow him to fill gaps quickly and cover ground efficiently. Whether it’s moving laterally to stop a running back from reaching the edge or coming downhill to meet a ball carrier in the hole, Russaw’s ability to tackle in space will be a critical part of his game in 2025.
Run Blitzing: With his agility and strength, Russaw could also be utilized as a run-blitzer, coming from different angles to disrupt running plays. His quickness off the snap and ability to anticipate the flow of the play will make him a valuable tool in Alabama's pursuit of stopping the run.
5. Continued Physical Development and Durability
One of the areas where Russaw is already ahead of many of his peers is in his physical development. Standing at 6'2" and weighing around 230 pounds, he has the ideal frame for an SEC linebacker. However, he will continue to get stronger in the weight room and develop his durability as he progresses through his career.
Added Muscle and Strength: As Russaw matures physically, his added strength will allow him to better take on blockers and continue to develop into a more complete player. His ability to shed blocks will only get better as he gains more experience in the weight room and fine-tunes his technique.
Conclusion: A Breakout Season Ahead
Qua Russaw has all the tools to be one of the top linebackers in the country in 2025. With his combination of athleticism, versatility, and football IQ, he is on track to have a breakout sophomore season. Expect him to become a household name by the end of the year, with his contributions not only in tackling and pass coverage but also as a leader on the field.
The stage is set for Russaw to emerge as one of the cornerstones of Alabama’s defense, and fans can expect big things from him this fall. Whether it's leading the team in tackles, wreaking havoc as a pass rusher, or being the linebacker who makes key adjustments on the field, Qua Russaw is poised to take the next step in his development and prove that he is one of the elite players in college football.