Interview: Recruiting Booming for 14-Offer 3-Star 2023 Alabama OLB Jaquavious Russaw
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
To be great, the modern outside linebacker has to be versatile. It is not enough for an outside backer to just rush the edge, contain and seal, or go hard against the run. They have to do it all and cover. At Carver High School, the Wolverines are developing that do all in Jaquavious Russaw, and college coaches are seeing it.
Russaw did not hold back during the 2020 season going against 6A Alabama offenses. Although the season was abbreviated to five games, their 6-3, 225-pound, defender made it count. The five-game stat line included 41 stops, five sacks, seven tackles for a loss, a safety, and one blocked field goal. In turn, 14 college programs have offered the three-star 2023 prospect with more coming down the line.
In an RNG first-look conversation, Russaw takes us inside his spring and summer workouts with an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Jaquavious, the defense was bringing the heat shutting out three teams while holding another squad to just one score. What is the mindset of the Wolverines defense?
We go get the quarterback. We try to get a sack every play on the defensive line. Our corners, they don’t have to worry.
Looks like you guys were running a hybrid set with three up front and two outside linebackers holding the edge, sometimes one backer in the middle. What kind of scheme were you guys running?
Last year we ran a 3-4. This year we will run a 4-2; we call it “Bama”. The defense we ran, it depended on the offense we were playing.
What was your role within the defense?
I was rushing off the edge, dropping, and setting the edge.
Which areas of your game improved the most last season?
I got better using my hands and my hips, and staying in control.
When you went into your offseason, what did you start focusing on with your technique on defense?
My first part of the offseason was lifting, getting stronger and bigger. Two to three weeks ago I started doing cone drills, working on my hips, and working on my hands.
Where all will we see you on the field this season?
I might play some middle linebacker. This year, I will be more of a defensive end. I am not sure if they will have me on offense yet.
What have you been doing in the weight room to increase your overall strength?
Bench, squat, power cleans, front squats, overhead press, incline bench, sleds – a lot of sleds and running.
What are some of your maxes?
I maxed out on bench at 340, my squat was 450, but I feel that I could have gone higher.
Nice. You showcased that closing speed off the edge and through the box last season; what drills or exercises have you been doing to push that part of your game forward?
I have worked on being more explosive with my speed by working with the sleds. I put some weight on the sleds and back pedal and push them.
What is the best 40 time you’ve posted?
I ran a 4.4.
Wow. Where did you run that?
At school.
Have you been to any college camps this summer?
I have been to one camp, an Alabama camp.
At the Alabama camp, how did it go for you?
It went very well.
How did they have the one on ones set up?
Offensive line verses the defensive line.
How did you do in the one on ones?
I did great.
Are there any camps upcoming for you?
Maybe a Georgia camp at the end of July.
Which programs are now showing interest but haven’t offered yet?
Alabama, Georgia, Florida, FSU, and Michigan.
How many offers are you holding?
I have 14.
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
Ole Miss, LSU, and Texas.
Russaw’s Offer Sheet: Alabama State, Auburn, Boston College, Central Florida, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and Western Kentucky
Have you visited any college programs this summer?
Yes, sir. On my first on I went to Auburn, then to UCF in Orlando, and to Bama when I camped there. After that, then I went to A&M.
What all did you do during you Alabama visit?
We didn’t get to see much. We took pictures and saw some of the campus.
And what about during the Texas A&M visit? What did you do?
I saw the campus, took pictures, and we went out to eat.
With the Auburn visit, what impressed you while you were there?
Everyone was welcoming and nice.
Jaquavious, thanks for taking time to update us on your camps and workouts this summer. Wishing you the best of luck the rest of the summer preparing for the 2021 season.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Russaw family; Jaquavious Russaw