The Auburn football coaching staff is still working to solidify the recruiting class of 2023, and there is a lot of work still left to do. After the tumultuous offseason the Tigers’ program endured, from the investigation into head coach Bryan Harsin to the departures of staff members and players, there is a lot of negative talk being filtered into recruits’ ears.
Still on the recruiting board are a pair of top recruits from the state of Alabama who have said that they will be a “package deal” and choose to attend the same school. 5-star edge Qua Russaw and 5-star defensive lineman James Smith will ultimately choose between Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Ohio State, and Alabama State.
Both athletes attend Carver High in Montgomery, and have visited the Plains several times throughout their recruitment. Russaw is ranked as the #4 edge in the recruiting class of 2023 and the #5 recruit out of Alabama, while Smith is the #2 defensive lineman in the class of 2023 and is the #1 recruit out of the state.
TOP6❗️ pic.twitter.com/oqauzETfd8
— James Smith (@BigKong57) August 12, 2022
Going up against Georgia and Alabama, what does Auburn football need to do to lock down the two 5-stars? First of all, they need to win games this fall. The pair are not likely to announce a commit until later in the fall, and will be watching the Tigers closely for signs of success and improvements from last season. Both plan to visit campus for the Penn State game in September.
So far, the message to the pair has been to come to Auburn and “be different,” and a lot of the coaching staff– including Bryan Harsin– have been remaining in consistent contact with both Russaw in Smith. This is key, and Russaw told Auburn Live that for the Tigers to earn his commitment they need to, “stay on me.”
If the Tigers can put on a show during the season this fall, create a competitive NIL package, and maintain close contact with Qua Russaw and James Smith, Auburn football has a chance to land two very talented athletes.