Alabama’s “Wolf” linebacker position is established by a former five-star recruit

Alabama’s defense has long been known for its strength, depth, and ability to produce NFL-ready talent. With new leadership under defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, the Crimson Tide introduced a position known as the “Wolf” linebacker in 2024. The Wolf is a hybrid role—part edge rusher, part linebacker, part coverage specialist—designed to be unpredictable and mobile. Among the group tasked with this role, one former five-star recruit has emerged as the leader and primary starter: Qua Russaw. His path, performance, and maturation show how Alabama has established this position around a top-caliber former recruit who now owns the spot.

The Wolf position was new to Alabama when Wommack arrived. It blends pass rush, run defense, and coverage. In Alabama’s 4‑2‑5 defense, there are two inside linebackers (Mike and Sting) and this flex Wolf who can shift late before the snap and act as a blitzer or drop into coverage, depending on formation . The shift marked a clear break from Nick Saban’s more rigid scheme and a move toward adaptability and athleticism.

As preseason camp opened in 2024, injuries and departures began to reshape the Wolf room. The expected starter in that role, Que Robinson, suffered a season-ending injury late in fall camp, leaving a vacancy at the position (Touchdown Alabama) Alabama’s coaches turned to depth and talent, and it was Qua Russaw, a former five-star recruit coming in as early-enrollee in 2023, who stepped forward and claimed the starting Wolf job.

Qua Russaw had flashed in his freshman year, but as a redshirt sophomore in 2024, he became the clear starter. He recorded 36 tackles, added 2.5 tackles for loss, and had one sack along with two interceptions (SI preview)SI. He showed the athletic ability and instincts needed for the hybrid Wolf role. Coaches praised his ability to take initiative and adapt on the fly—qualities only seen in elite defenders.

Behind Russaw, Yhonzae Pierre, another former five-star recruit, became his primary backup. Though he only made six tackles in 11 games in 2024, his potential was clear. A redshirt sophomore from Eufaula, he had the size and explosiveness listed at nearly 250 pounds—and because he was still early in development, coaches expected big things from him in 2025 . Both Russaw and Pierre were once top high school prospects, and now both feature prominently in the Wolf room.

At SEC Media Days, returning linebacker Deontae Lawson noted that Pierre was “gaining weight, working hard every day,” and said he “has established himself a role” in the defense  That kind of praise from a senior leader shows how much Pierre impressed even though he didn’t shine in the box score yet.

Alabama’s depth chart entering the 2025 season shows Russaw still as the starter, with Jah‑Marien Latham, a veteran sixth-year player, behind him. The team clearly trusts the two former five-star athletes to hold the Wolf position steady. That room also includes Pierre, as well as redshirt freshman Noah Carter and early enrollee Justin Hill, both of whom are prospects to watch 

In the shadow of the dominant edge rushers like Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner, Alabama’s Wolf position may receive less national attention, but its importance in Wommack’s scheme is clear: it’s a chess piece for confusion, disguise, and flexibility. The Wolf must rush, stifle, and cover—all within the same snap.

That’s why it’s notable that the position is anchored by a former five-star recruit who went through the program’s elite development cycle. Both Russaw and Pierre were top-rated in their classes and now are foundational pieces. Specifically, Russaw’s emergence as starter shows Alabama trusts talent that they developed internally.

As Alabama prepares for the 2025 season, analysts rank the Crimson Tide’s linebacker group as the best in the SEC, with inside linebacker Deontae Lawson leading the way (Statesman preview) But the “Wolf” is part of that linebacking corps. Russaw’s role adds versatility that helps separate Alabama’s defense from others. The unit’s reputation relies not just on Lawson, but also on how the Wolves and edge rushers contribute.

There are also rising names poised to push Russaw and Pierre. Jihaad Campbell, who excelled in both coverage and pass rush roles, is already one of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. He has the range and athleticism of an ideal Will linebacker, and projects as a possible Wolf in pro schemes Meanwhile, Nikhai Hill-Green, a transfer with FBS experience across three schools, joined Alabama late in 2024 and provides veteran presence at inside linebacker rather than Wolf, but adds to the depth of the unit overall 

The defensive line also boasts talent like former five-star edge Keon Keeley, but those players fall under the edge/bandit or rush end categories not Wolf . The Wolf remains a specific position with unique duties that require hybrid athleticism. Having two former five-star prospects—Russaw and Pierre as the leading candidates shows how Alabama emphasizes elite talent for this role.

Looking forward, Alabama fans—and NFL scouts should keep an eye on both Russaw and Pierre. If they build on their 2024 snap counts and show impact in 2025, the Wolf position could become one of the most watched units in college football. A confident, disruptive Wolf can wreck blocking schemes, force quarterbacks into mistakes, and alter offensive game plans.

It’s still early in the Wommack era, but Russaw’s hold on the Wolf position as a former five-star recruit speaks to Alabama’s power in developing and trusting homegrown talent. Many teams recruit athletes, few develop them to start key hybrid roles just a year or two after arrival. With Russaw’s emergence, Pierre’s upward trajectory, and the growing understanding of how Wommack’s defense works, Alabama has clearly established the Wolf position—and in doing so, shown how elite recruiting and smart coaching create impact players ready for big roles.

The story of the Wolf at Alabama isn’t over. It’s anchored now by a former five-star leader. As the season begins, keep an eye on how that unit performs in high-leverage situations. If it holds up, Russaw and Pierre might end up being two of Alabama’s best defensive success stories in its transition to the Swarm defense. It’s proof that Alabama’s talent machine doesn’t just recruit stars it builds starters who make a difference when it matters most.