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Qua Russaw’s rise to prominence within Alabama’s defensive unit has been a story of persistence, power, and promise, and as the 2025 season approaches, the sophomore edge rusher is poised to be the centerpiece of the Crimson Tide’s “wolf” position under new defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. A term Wommack has imported from his previous schemes, the “wolf” is a hybrid role that blends ferocity at the line of scrimmage with the agility to drop into coverage when needed, demanding versatility, intelligence, and explosiveness. Russaw, with his elite athletic profile and emerging football IQ, has emerged as the most capable leader of the pack, setting the tone for a defense aiming to reestablish its dominance in the SEC and beyond.

Coming out of high school, Russaw was widely considered one of the most physically gifted edge defenders in the country. A product of Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama, he arrived in Tuscaloosa with expectations as heavy as the weights he routinely tosses around in the team’s weight room. At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Russaw blends strength, speed, and motor in ways that evoke comparisons to some of Alabama’s legendary pass rushers. But what has elevated his game entering this fall camp isn’t just the physical tools—it’s the mental maturation and understanding of Wommack’s complex, aggressive defensive philosophy.

Wommack, who joined Alabama’s staff following the coaching transition that saw Kalen DeBoer take the reins from Nick Saban, has been open about the kind of impact player he needs at the “wolf” position. He wants disruptors, players who live in the offensive backfield, bend the edge with violence, and create chaos on early downs and third-and-longs alike. In Russaw, Wommack believes he has exactly that. Through the early stages of camp, the new defensive coordinator has lauded Russaw for his work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to adapt on the fly—traits that make him a natural fit for such a demanding role.

But while Russaw is expected to be the cornerstone of the position group, Wommack has also made it clear that depth will be a key factor in sustaining defensive intensity over the course of a grueling season. And on that front, Alabama is quietly building one of the more intriguing and competitive rotations in the conference. Several players have stepped up in camp, flashing the kind of playmaking ability and motor that fits seamlessly into Wommack’s vision.

Among the standouts has been Keon Keeley, the highly touted sophomore who arrived in Tuscaloosa as a five-star recruit and has steadily progressed through the offseason. Keeley has begun to shed the rawness that marked his freshman year and is now playing with greater confidence and explosiveness. His long frame, elite get-off, and advanced hand technique give him the tools to be a force in the second unit, with the potential to earn significant reps if he continues to ascend.

Another name to watch is senior Chris Braswell, who brings valuable experience and leadership to the edge room. While Braswell may not have the same ceiling as some of his younger counterparts, his consistency, reliability, and situational awareness make him a trusted option in high-leverage moments. Wommack has praised Braswell’s professionalism and noted that his understanding of offensive tendencies gives him a unique edge when setting the tone on early downs.

True freshman Zion Grady has also turned heads. Though still developing physically, the former in-state star has wasted little time making an impression with his relentless motor and fearless approach. Coaches have noted his willingness to learn and his sponge-like ability to absorb coaching points, suggesting he may be ahead of schedule in terms of his development. While it remains to be seen how large a role Grady will play in 2025, his performance thus far has made it difficult for the staff to ignore his potential as a rotational piece.

This burgeoning depth at the “wolf” position offers Wommack options—he can rotate players more freely to keep legs fresh, tailor matchups based on opponent tendencies, and implement more creative pressure packages. In previous stops, Wommack has built his defenses around pressure and confusion, frequently deploying stunts, simulated pressures, and disguised coverages that hinge on the ability of edge rushers to execute quickly and precisely. Having a player like Russaw at the forefront—and a deep stable of talent behind him—opens up a new realm of possibilities for Alabama’s defensive playbook.

But none of this means the job is done or that roles are set in stone. Wommack and his staff have emphasized that competition remains fierce throughout camp, and every rep is a chance to gain ground on the depth chart. For Russaw, that means staying hungry and building upon the momentum he’s already generated. For the rest of the edge group, it’s about showing that they can maintain the standard when called upon and even push for a larger slice of the snap count.

What’s also noteworthy is how the players have embraced the “wolf” mentality—not just as a position, but as a mindset. It’s a role that demands leadership, aggression, and a certain level of swagger, and Russaw seems to be embracing that leadership opportunity. Reports out of camp suggest he’s become more vocal with teammates, more demanding of himself in the film room, and more focused on mastering every nuance of the position. That level of buy-in is infectious and bodes well for a defense undergoing a philosophical transformation under Wommack’s direction.

Russaw’s emergence also speaks to the broader narrative of Alabama’s defensive evolution. For years, the Crimson Tide were defined by suffocating, pro-style defensive fronts under Saban’s tutelage. But in today’s college football landscape, where spread offenses, mobile quarterbacks, and tempo dominate the conversation, adaptability is key. Wommack’s scheme is designed for that modern reality—aggressive, multiple, and willing to take calculated risks. To run it effectively, he needs wolves who can hunt from all angles and at all times.

If Russaw continues on his current trajectory, he could not only lead Alabama in sacks and pressures but also play his way into national recognition and early-round NFL Draft conversations. But his impact won’t be measured solely in stats. His ability to galvanize the group around him, to set a physical and emotional tone every Saturday, and to execute in critical moments will be just as important as any highlight-reel sack. And for Wommack, having a tone-setter at that position is invaluable.

As camp progresses and the season opener inches closer, all eyes will remain on Russaw and the edge-rusher group. They are, in many ways, the hinge upon which Alabama’s defensive success may swing. Whether it’s getting off the field on third down, forcing turnovers, or flipping field position with momentum-shifting plays, the “wolf” position holds the potential to be a game-changer.

That’s why Wommack’s excitement is so palpable—not just because of the talent at his disposal, but because of the buy-in, the competition, and the hunger radiating from the group. Russaw may be the alpha, but the pack behind him is deep, determined, and dangerous. And in a sport where depth and disruption are king, that could be the exact formula Alabama needs to storm its way back into championship contention.

approaches, the sophomore edge rusher is poised to be the centerpiece of the Crimson Tide’s “wolf” position under new defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. A term Wommack has imported from his previous schemes, the “wolf” is a hybrid role that blends ferocity at the line of scrimmage with the agility to drop into coverage when needed, demanding versatility, intelligence, and explosiveness. Russaw, with his elite athletic profile and emerging football IQ, has emerged as the most capable leader of the pack, setting the tone for a defense aiming to reestablish its dominance in the SEC and beyond.

Coming out of high school, Russaw was widely considered one of the most physically gifted edge defenders in the country. A product of Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama, he arrived in Tuscaloosa with expectations as heavy as the weights he routinely tosses around in the team’s weight room. At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Russaw blends strength, speed, and motor in ways that evoke comparisons to some of Alabama’s legendary pass rushers. But what has elevated his game entering this fall camp isn’t just the physical tools—it’s the mental maturation and understanding of Wommack’s complex, aggressive defensive philosophy.

Wommack, who joined Alabama’s staff following the coaching transition that saw Kalen DeBoer take the reins from Nick Saban, has been open about the kind of impact player he needs at the “wolf” position. He wants disruptors, players who live in the offensive backfield, bend the edge with violence, and create chaos on early downs and third-and-longs alike. In Russaw, Wommack believes he has exactly that. Through the early stages of camp, the new defensive coordinator has lauded Russaw for his work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to adapt on the fly—traits that make him a natural fit for such a demanding role.

But while Russaw is expected to be the cornerstone of the position group, Wommack has also made it clear that depth will be a key factor in sustaining defensive intensity over the course of a grueling season. And on that front, Alabama is quietly building one of the more intriguing and competitive rotations in the conference. Several players have stepped up in camp, flashing the kind of playmaking ability and motor that fits seamlessly into Wommack’s vision.

Among the standouts has been Keon Keeley, the highly touted sophomore who arrived in Tuscaloosa as a five-star recruit and has steadily progressed through the offseason. Keeley has begun to shed the rawness that marked his freshman year and is now playing with greater confidence and explosiveness. His long frame, elite get-off, and advanced hand technique give him the tools to be a force in the second unit, with the potential to earn significant reps if he continues to ascend.

Another name to watch is senior Chris Braswell, who brings valuable experience and leadership to the edge room. While Braswell may not have the same ceiling as some of his younger counterparts, his consistency, reliability, and situational awareness make him a trusted option in high-leverage moments. Wommack has praised Braswell’s professionalism and noted that his understanding of offensive tendencies gives him a unique edge when setting the tone on early downs.

True freshman Zion Grady has also turned heads. Though still developing physically, the former in-state star has wasted little time making an impression with his relentless motor and fearless approach. Coaches have noted his willingness to learn and his sponge-like ability to absorb coaching points, suggesting he may be ahead of schedule in terms of his development. While it remains to be seen how large a role Grady will play in 2025, his performance thus far has made it difficult for the staff to ignore his potential as a rotational piece.

This burgeoning depth at the “wolf” position offers Wommack options—he can rotate players more freely to keep legs fresh, tailor matchups based on opponent tendencies, and implement more creative pressure packages. In previous stops, Wommack has built his defenses around pressure and confusion, frequently deploying stunts, simulated pressures, and disguised coverages that hinge on the ability of edge rushers to execute quickly and precisely. Having a player like Russaw at the forefront—and a deep stable of talent behind him—opens up a new realm of possibilities for Alabama’s defensive playbook.

But none of this means the job is done or that roles are set in stone. Wommack and his staff have emphasized that competition remains fierce throughout camp, and every rep is a chance to gain ground on the depth chart. For Russaw, that means staying hungry and building upon the momentum he’s already generated. For the rest of the edge group, it’s about showing that they can maintain the standard when called upon and even push for a larger slice of the snap count.

What’s also noteworthy is how the players have embraced the “wolf” mentality—not just as a position, but as a mindset. It’s a role that demands leadership, aggression, and a certain level of swagger, and Russaw seems to be embracing that leadership opportunity. Reports out of camp suggest he’s become more vocal with teammates, more demanding of himself in the film room, and more focused on mastering every nuance of the position. That level of buy-in is infectious and bodes well for a defense undergoing a philosophical transformation under Wommack’s direction.

Russaw’s emergence also speaks to the broader narrative of Alabama’s defensive evolution. For years, the Crimson Tide were defined by suffocating, pro-style defensive fronts under Saban’s tutelage. But in today’s college football landscape, where spread offenses, mobile quarterbacks, and tempo dominate the conversation, adaptability is key. Wommack’s scheme is designed for that modern reality—aggressive, multiple, and willing to take calculated risks. To run it effectively, he needs wolves who can hunt from all angles and at all times.

If Russaw continues on his current trajectory, he could not only lead Alabama in sacks and pressures but also play his way into national recognition and early-round NFL Draft conversations. But his impact won’t be measured solely in stats. His ability to galvanize the group around him, to set a physical and emotional tone every Saturday, and to execute in critical moments will be just as important as any highlight-reel sack. And for Wommack, having a tone-setter at that position is invaluable.

As camp progresses and the season opener inches closer, all eyes will remain on Russaw and the edge-rusher group. They are, in many ways, the hinge upon which Alabama’s defensive success may swing. Whether it’s getting off the field on third down, forcing turnovers, or flipping field position with momentum-shifting plays, the “wolf” position holds the potential to be a game-changer.

That’s why Wommack’s excitement is so palpable—not just because of the talent at his disposal, but because of the buy-in, the competition, and the hunger radiating from the group. Russaw may be the alpha, but the pack behind him is deep, determined, and dangerous. And in a sport where depth and disruption are king, that could be the exact formula Alabama needs to storm its way back into championship contention.