Jim Knowles and the Ohio State defense got some good news recently. A pair of five-star recruits have put the Buckeyes on their shortlist of destinations. While there are no guarantees, most believe Qua Russaw and James Smith are a package deal and will land at the same school.
Both young men are from the state of Alabama and attend Carver High School which may mean a tough sell to get them to come north. As a matter of fact, Ohio State was the only school north of the Mason Dixon line to make the cut. Other schools to make the list were Alabama, Alabama State, Auburn, Florida, and Georgia.
Russaw is the No. 3 edge rusher in the nation and the No. 26 overall player according to 247Sports composite rankings. In his junior year at Carver, Russaw tallied 130 tackles and 16 sacks. He is a versatile player that could line up in multiple positions on the defensive side of the ball.
Smith is the No. 2 defensive tackle and the No. 13 overall player in the country according to 247Sports composite rankings. Smith spent his junior season at IMG Academy in Florida but decided to come home for his senior year. The last five-star defensive tackle to land in Columbus was Taron Vincent in 2018.
🚨BREAKING🚨 5-star recruits Qua Russaw and James Smith are down to 6 schools. The defensive duo is considering Alabama, Auburn, Alabama State, Florida, Ohio State, and Georgia⭐️@ChadSimmons_ with details (On3+): https://t.co/GfmJr1m3eg pic.twitter.com/1n2OpRMKpT
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) August 12, 2022
Neither Russaw nor Smith have been to campus as of yet. But that could all change with a visit this fall. And what better way to show recruits what you have to offer than a Saturday afternoon in the ‘Shoe?
Who knows how this plays out, but it goes without saying that getting this dynamic defensive duo would be a huge win for Knowles and the Bucks.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.
