Alabama Lands Double 5-Star Defensive Lineman

It's been an explosive National Early Signing Day for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Head coach Nick Saban has secured 25 signatures but his biggest move came in securing the commitment of the final two 5-star prospects in the state of Alabama.

Defensive lineman from Carver Montgomery High School James Smith and Qua Russaw stretched their recruitment all the way through their senior years. On Wednesday the pair joined together to commit to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Both prospects are considered 5-stars by 247Sports, Smith as a defensive lineman and Russaw as an edge rusher.

Smith, in fact, is considered the top player in the state of Alabama and Russaw the second best player in the state according to the 247Sports Composite.

Their additions give the Tide six 5-star prospects in the 2023 class and bolster the defensive side of the football which boasts four of the six 5-stars.

Carver finished the 2022 season with an 8-2 record but was eliminated by St. Paul's in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs.

Both prospects were heavily recruited by new Colorado defensive coordinator Charles Kelly and defensive line coach Freddie Roach.

The pair made it clear all along that they would be going to college as a package deal and Alabama was able to edge out Auburn, Georgia and Florida for their services.