Four-star safety enjoys visit
Four-star Nashville (Tenn.) safety
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Russell says he enjoyed his trip to Knoxville this weekend for the
Florida-Tennessee showdown despite the soggy conditions that hindered the
Volunteers' performance and put a damper on the spirit at Neyland Stadium.
"We got drenched and Tennessee didn't come out on top, but
other than that it went real well," he said. "I had a good time there with the
other guys."
The Gators stunned the Vols with a 30-13 beating that led
to a few boos cascading from stands.
"I knew Florida had a good team, so it didn't surprise me
as much as some people," Russell said. "Plus, Tennessee pretty much shot
themselves in the foot all day. It was as simple as that."
Russell (6-2, 185, 4.45) said the game's outcome didn't
affect his thought process on evaluating his favorite schools. "I still feel the
same way about both teams. I still like Tennessee a lot, and Florida's still
there with them as my top two."
With the possible exception of a trip to Middle Tennessee,
Russell doesn't have any other unofficial visits on the radar.
"Right now we're in the process of setting up my official
visits," he said. "I think we have four -- Tennessee, Florida, Alabama and Ole
Miss -- and I think Notre Dame might be the fifth."
The Gators, Rebels and Crimson Tide have offered
scholarships. According to Russell, the Vols have guaranteed a scholarship will
be available if he makes his ACT score. "I've got to raise my composite score
three points," he said.
He's received calls from Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas,
Kentucky, Indiana, Notre Dame, Colorado, Memphis and Louisville among others
this month.
Russell, a member of the Rivals.com
10
team and one of the nation's
safeties, had 35 tackles, 25 pass break-ups and five interceptions as a
junior at Hillsboro High School. He's off to a strong start as a senior, picking
off two passes in his first four games.