Russell gains elite status

Hillsboro High School star Chris Russell is receiving attention as one of the top three prospects in the state of Tennessee for the 2003 recruiting campaign.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Nashville native is coming off a tremendous junior campaign where he led his team to the finals of the Class 4A state championship and a 14-1 record.

Russell was dominating on defense, registering 35 tackles, 25 passes broken up and five interceptions. On offense, he also caught 6 passes for 95 yards and one touchdown.

Russell, who runs a sub 4.5 forty and boast a 35-inch vertical, projects as a free safety or cornerback at the collegiate level.

Russell is hearing from a host of top tier Division I schools including Tennessee, Notre Dame, Penn State, Florida, Michigan and Stanford.

Russell currently ranks Tennessee, Penn State and Ole Miss as his top three favorites, but all indications point to him signing with the instate Vols.

“Tennessee is my favorite school,” said Russell. “It’s not that far from home and they have great coaches and facilities. Tennessee is a powerhouse. I wouldn’t have that far to go to play for a NCAA powerhouse team.” Russell plans to attend the Vols spring game and summer camp.

Russell also commented on Penn State and Ole Miss. “I like Penn State because they have always been in the top twenty-five, and I’ve always heard so much about Joe Paterno and the Penn State program. It’s about winning there,” he said. “Ole Miss has some real good athletes and they have a good program. One of my coaches played at Ole Miss and that is one of the reasons why I’m taking a close look at them.”

So, is Russell ready to give his verbal to Tennessee? “I’m thinking about going ahead and getting it over with,” he said.

Russell is an outstanding student and projects as a full qualifier.