The Auburn football coaching staff is using the much-needed bye week to hit the road this weekend and travel around the country to get a closer look at both high school and junior college prospects. However, one of the highest-priority targets for the Tigers is much closer to home.
5-star edge Qua Russaw is still uncommitted, and Auburn is not backing down despite facing formidable opponents, including Alabama, in his recruitment. The edge is part of a package deal with his teammate, 4-star defensive lineman James Smith. The pair play for Carver High School in Montgomery, just a short drive away from the Plains.
Russaw’s grandfather was an Auburn fan, so the edge grew up around the culture of Tiger fans, and he continues to insist that the uncertainty revolving around head coach Bryan Harsin is not negatively impacting his Auburn recruitment.
In fact, according to Auburn Live, both Russaw and Smith talk to Bryan Harsin once a week, and the pair have a great relationship with the coaching staff on the Plains:
"“Yeah, I talk–me and James talk to Coach (Bryan) Harsin every Monday,” Russaw said. “We just talk about the week and talk about life and football.”"
The edge has been to three games at Jordan-Hare Stadium so far, giving Auburn football more visits than any other program he is considering, so far. With extremely limited depth at the edge position, even more so now with the injury to Eku Leota, the Tigers have a big need for Russaw, who is strongly considering the early playing time he will likely get should he choose the Tigers.
Russaw noted that the whole experience of Auburn football is what keeps him coming back to visit–from the fans to the in-game experience to the fight and grit of the current team. Although many big programs are chasing after Qua Russaw, the edge would be a major asset to the Tigers next season.