Two former high school teammates are gearing up for breakout years at Alabama

Qua Russaw and James Smith were high school teammates at Carver High School in Alabama, committing to play for the Crimson Tide together in a dual ceremony at their school back in December of 2022. Fast forward nearly three years later, and both are projected starters on Alabama's defense, and both could be in line for star turns as juniors.

Russaw was a starter for the Crimson Tide last year at Wolf LB. He had a solid year overall, but didn't provide much in the way of pass-rushing ability. He finished the year with one sack and was typically just a two-down player with senior Que Robison taking over on the edge on third downs and obvious passing situations. After Robinson's injury, LB Jihaad Campbell started spending time on the edge.

Russaw has worked hard to get himself to a point where he can be a three-down player. Alabama needs more from its pass rush in 2025 in order for the defense to reach the heights it has the potential to.

So far, fall camp has shown a more explosive and quicker version of Russaw, a player who looks like he could be an absolute terror for quarterbacks.

Smith wasn't a starter last season, but he worked his way into the defensive line rotation with steady improvement throughout the year. By season's end, Smith was a key piece in the middle. He had his coming-out party in Alabama's ReliaQuest Bowl loss to Michigan, where he finished with a sack and two tackles for loss.

Smith can be a game-breaker in the middle, potentially providing a legitimate interior pass rush, something that has been missing from the Tide defense in recent seasons.

James Smith and Qua Russaw could be All-SEC or All-American performers in 2025

Neither player got any preseason love from the media for preseason All-SEC or All-American teams. But both look poised for potential breakout seasons.

They were former 5-star recruits, and with two years of experience under their belts, they both should be ready for large roles. The talent has always been there, but now they should have more technical refinement.

Smith will start at DT next to NT Tim Keenan III. It's been a few years since Alabama has had that game-wrecker at DT. The last consistent threat from that position was Quinnen Williams in 2018. Christian Barmore took a star turn down the stretch in 2020, but he wasn't consistently dominant.

For Russaw, the sky is truly the limit off the edge. Deontae Lawson called him an "animal" at SEC Media Days for a reason.