Alabama linebacker Qua Russaw has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, as reported by On3. The talented athlete has spent three seasons with the Crimson Tide, making a notable impact on the team’s performance during his time there.
In his first year, Russaw redshirted, but he made significant strides over the following two seasons. He has accumulated 50 total tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and one forced fumble, participating in a total of 22 games. His involvement was pivotal in the team’s defensive strategies, contributing to Alabama’s success.
A standout player from Montgomery’s Carver High School, Russaw was ranked as a five-star recruit in the Class of 2023 and listed as the No. 4 overall prospect in Alabama, as well as the No. 3 linebacker nationally. Notable accolades from his high school career include being a finalist for Alabama’s Class 6A lineman of the year award during his junior year, where he showcased impressive statistics with 130 tackles and over 27 tackles for loss.
Russaw’s recruitment journey was filled with milestones, as he received his first significant SEC offers shortly after his freshman year. He described these offers as “badges of honor,” emphasizing the hard work he put into reaching this level of play. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 230 pounds, he also excelled in track, clocking an impressive time of 11.70 seconds during his sophomore season.
This year, Alabama has made waves in college football under coach Kalen DeBoer, marking their first entry into the College Football Playoff. The Crimson Tide secured a victory over Oklahoma in the first round, although they faced a setback against Indiana in the Rose Bowl quarterfinals.
As Russaw embarks on his next chapter, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where he lands, given his impressive high school pedigree and performance at Alabama. The transfer portal continues to be a dynamic aspect of college football, with players like Russaw representing the shifting landscape of opportunity in collegiate athletics.