One of the most high priority targets for Auburn football’s recruiting class of 2023 is 5-star edge Qua Russaw, who will commit to a program in a package deal with the #1 recruit out of the state of Alabama, defensive lineman James Smith.
The Montgomery, AL pair are some of the most wanted recruits in the state, and despite the disastrous season the Tigers are enduring so far, the pair have not ruled out committing to Auburn football. In fact, they’ve been to at least three games in Jordan-Hare this season, attending more games on the Plains than any other school they’ve been considering.
Now, with the announcement that the Tigers are parting ways with head coach Bryan Harsin over halfway through the 2022 season and his second year at Auburn, have things changed for edge Qua Russaw? According to Auburn Live, he isn’t counting out Auburn:
"“They’re still one of my top schools. I wish the best of luck to coach Harsin and his family,” Russaw said. “He was always nice to me and my family. We had a great relationship. I wish him the best of luck in the future. But this doesn’t change anything with Auburn.”"
As far as Russaw is concerned, Auburn is still one of his top programs, and a little chaos surrounding the coaching situation is not deterring from his recruitment.
Currently, Alabama is in the lead to land Russaw, but following close behind is Auburn. The Tigers have told Russaw that he could come in, earn early playing time, and make an immediate difference for the program, and clearly the young edge rusher is listening.
Both Russaw and Smith spent this past weekend in Tuscaloosa for an unofficial visit, and will spend next weekend in Athens with the Georgia Bulldogs. Depending on who the Tigers’ next head coach will be, Auburn football may still have a good chance to land the pair.