Alabama’s “Wolf” edge-runner position will be led by Qua Russaw, but Kane Wommack is excited about the team’s developing depth
Alabama football has long been known for its relentless defensive identity, where edge-rushers have become household names and cornerstones of national championship-winning units. As the Crimson Tide enters a new chapter under head coach Kalen DeBoer and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, the tradition of elite edge play continues, and all eyes are turning toward Qua Russaw, the former five-star recruit poised to take over Alabama’s coveted “Wolf” position.
In Nick Saban’s era, edge rushers such as Will Anderson Jr., Tim Williams, Ryan Anderson, and Terrell Lewis terrorized opposing quarterbacks and left a lasting legacy of dominance off the edge. The “Jack” and “Sam” linebacker roles often allowed versatile athletes to rush the passer and drop into coverage, making them invaluable in both the run and pass game. Now, under Wommack’s hybrid 4-2-5 system, the edge-rusher role has been refined into what he calls the “Wolf” position—an aggressive, downhill role for freak athletes with the physical and mental makeup to change games. Qua Russaw, heading into his redshirt freshman season, fits the mold perfectly.
Russaw arrived at Alabama as part of the 2023 recruiting class, ranked as one of the top edge defenders in the country. At 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, with elite burst, fluid hips, and a violent first step, Russaw turned heads even in limited action during his true freshman season. Though he played mostly in mop-up duty and special teams, he flashed the traits that made him such a coveted prospect out of Montgomery’s Carver High School. His strength at the point of attack and his relentless motor stood out even in Alabama’s deep defensive front rotation. Now, as spring turns to fall, the reins of the Wolf position appear to be firmly in Russaw’s grasp.
Wommack, hired after a successful stint as head coach at South Alabama and previously known for coordinating fierce defenses at Indiana and Ole Miss, has emphasized speed, aggression, and multiplicity in his scheme. The Wolf edge-runner is critical in this philosophy—a player capable of altering the pocket, shutting down perimeter runs, and confusing quarterbacks with disguised pressure. Wommack hasn’t been shy in praising Russaw’s development. According to him, Russaw is not only physically gifted but also maturing quickly in his understanding of the defense’s intricacies.
What excites Wommack even more than Russaw’s obvious physical gifts is the growing depth and competition at the position. While Russaw may headline the group, Alabama’s edge stable includes several other high-upside players who are pushing for playing time and roles within the defensive rotation. Names like Keon Keeley, Yhonzae Pierre, and Jeremiah Alexander continue to surface in practice reports as rising contributors. Each brings a unique skill set to the Wolf role, and together, they give Alabama a deep, athletic, and versatile corps of edge defenders.
Keeley, another blue-chip recruit from the 2023 class, was one of the highest-rated prospects in the country and is now entering his sophomore year with renewed focus. At 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, Keeley is a prototype edge rusher with freakish length and bend. While he is still refining his hand usage and adapting to the physicality of SEC play, coaches have noted his growth in film study and practice habits. Keeley’s emergence gives Wommack flexibility to rotate fresh pass rushers, a luxury not every team possesses. His ability to spell Russaw or come in on passing downs adds a layer of complexity for opposing offenses.
Yhonzae Pierre, another in-state product, brings a rugged physicality and edge-setting ability that complements the more explosive traits of Russaw and Keeley. Though he may not have the same pass-rushing polish yet, Pierre’s motor and toughness have earned him reps with the second-team defense, and he’s one of the more underrated pieces in this rotation. Wommack’s defense thrives on role players understanding and executing their jobs, and Pierre fits that ethos to perfection. His presence allows Alabama to adapt its fronts depending on the opponent—whether it’s defending a zone-read-heavy team or pinning their ears back on third and long.
Jeremiah Alexander, once the top-ranked player in Alabama out of Thompson High School, is entering a critical year in his development. After being slowed by injuries early in his college career, Alexander has reportedly made strides in conditioning and play recognition. Wommack has taken a particular interest in him, believing his combination of power and explosiveness could translate into a rotational role by midseason. With Alexander in the fold, Alabama potentially boasts four edge defenders who could start on most SEC teams.
The evolution of Alabama’s edge group is taking place at a time of significant transition. With Saban’s retirement and the departure of longtime defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, Wommack is tasked with redefining a defensive identity that has been the bedrock of Alabama’s success. While the scheme will have its nuances and tweaks, the underlying philosophy remains the same: pressure the quarterback, dominate the line of scrimmage, and force turnovers. The Wolf position is emblematic of that ethos—built for chaos, disruption, and game-changing plays.
Wommack’s previous defenses have featured dynamic edge players in similarly critical roles. At Indiana, he helped develop Micah McFadden into an All-Big Ten linebacker who was both a pass-rusher and coverage ace. At South Alabama, his defenses ranked among the national leaders in sacks and tackles for loss. His ability to coach up young talent, teach sound fundamentals, and creatively deploy edge defenders bodes well for Alabama’s transition period. He understands the pressure that comes with the job, but he also knows that talent—especially the kind Alabama recruits—can be molded into elite units with the right structure and accountability.
Spring practices and early fall camp have provided glimpses into how Wommack plans to utilize the Wolf position in real game settings. In scrimmages, Russaw has lined up both as a traditional stand-up rusher and as a hand-in-the-dirt end, depending on the down and distance. Wommack is experimenting with simulated pressures, zone blitzes, and exotic looks that ask a lot from the edge players in terms of discipline and athleticism. Russaw has embraced the mental challenge, earning praise for his film study and communication with the rest of the front seven.
This versatility will be key, especially against the high-tempo, spread offenses that have become common in the SEC. Alabama’s ability to disguise coverages and pressure packages without substituting will be critical to maintaining tempo and forcing mistakes. The Wolf position serves as the pivot point between coverage and rush—able to drop into the flat, mug the A-gap, or rush off the edge depending on the call. That level of versatility requires elite athletes with high football IQs, and it appears Wommack believes Russaw and his supporting cast fit the bill.
Beyond the schematic fit, there’s a cultural shift happening within the Alabama locker room. With a new head coach, new defensive coordinator, and several new position coaches, a different energy has taken root. Players have noted a sense of freedom and creativity, but also a renewed emphasis on accountability and effort. Russaw has emerged as a vocal leader in this new culture. Despite being one of the younger players on the defense, his work ethic, willingness to be coached, and intensity during practice have set a tone for others in the room.
Russaw’s ascension is also symbolic of a new recruiting philosophy under DeBoer and Wommack. While Alabama will always chase five-star talent, there’s a clear focus on fit, development, and coachability. Russaw checks every box. He was a dominant high school player, yes, but he’s also proven willing to put in the time in the weight room, in film study, and in mastering the details of his role. That kind of buy-in is invaluable during a coaching transition. It stabilizes the locker room and gives younger players someone to emulate.
As the season approaches, Alabama’s depth at edge rusher could prove to be one of its greatest assets. Injuries are inevitable, especially at a position as physical as the Wolf role. But the Crimson Tide are uniquely positioned to absorb attrition due to the depth Wommack and the staff are building. If Russaw needs a breather or if matchups dictate a different skill set, Wommack has a cadre of hungry, talented defenders ready to step in. This rotational approach not only keeps players fresh but also forces opposing offenses to constantly adjust to different looks and styles.
There’s also a special teams component to this edge group. Players like Pierre and Alexander are heavily involved in kickoff and punt coverage, bringing the same physicality and discipline to those units. Wommack understands the value of having core defensive players make an impact on special teams—another hallmark of Alabama football during the Saban era. It speaks to the buy-in across the roster and the willingness of highly touted players to contribute in any way possible.
Looking ahead, the potential for Russaw and his fellow edge defenders is sky-high. While Alabama fans have grown accustomed to seeing edge dominance every fall, the 2025 season offers something slightly different—a new era, a new scheme, and a new set of stars emerging. Russaw may not yet have the national profile of a Will Anderson Jr., but he’s building his resume one rep at a time, and Wommack seems confident that he’s the right player to anchor this transition.
There will be challenges, of course. The SEC gauntlet remains brutal, and teams like Georgia, LSU, and Texas boast offensive lines and quarterbacks capable of exposing any defensive lapse. But with Russaw setting the edge, Keeley providing explosiveness off the bench, and players like Pierre and Alexander ready to contribute, Alabama is equipped to maintain its reputation as one of the most feared defenses in the country. Wommack’s vision is clear: build a fast, physical,
