TurnerONU22
12-13-2004, 07:50 AM
Atlanta player picks Buckeyes
Monday, December 13, 2004
Anderson Russell, a running back/defensive back from Marist High School in Atlanta, yesterday became the 13 th commitment to Ohio State’s recruiting class of 2005.
"I wanted a good challenge playing college football and I felt like Ohio State was the place for that," he said. "It’s a great school with a great football program."
Recruited primarily by defensive backs coach Mel Tucker, the 6-foot, 197-pound Russell might have seen his last day as a running back, even though he rushed for 610 yards and 14 touchdowns in Marist’s wishbone offense this season. OSU wants him as a safety.
"Ohio State likes players with athletic versatility and Russell fits that bill," said Bill Kurelic of Ohio Football Recruiting News.
Russell ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash at Ohio State’s summer camp in June.
"I’ll play safety if that’s what they want," said Russell, who also had been courted by Duke and Furman. "I’m just excited about being a Buckeye. (Atlanta native and safety) Brandon Mitchell was my host, and he told me he loved it there, and has had a great experience. I hope to do the same."
There also were reports that linebacker James Laurinaitis of Plymouth, Minn., committed to OSU yesterday, though Laurinaitis could not be reached for comment.
Laurinaitis, considered the top linebacker in his state, had previously committed to Minnesota but had second thoughts after the Gophers, once 5-0, faded and finished 6-5. He still plans to make an official visit to Minnesota this weekend.
How good is this guy, for those of you who may have seen him in person? Just wanting to see if he's a top of the class recruit, or more of a last-second fill in to the class. Thanks!
Monday, December 13, 2004
Anderson Russell, a running back/defensive back from Marist High School in Atlanta, yesterday became the 13 th commitment to Ohio State’s recruiting class of 2005.
"I wanted a good challenge playing college football and I felt like Ohio State was the place for that," he said. "It’s a great school with a great football program."
Recruited primarily by defensive backs coach Mel Tucker, the 6-foot, 197-pound Russell might have seen his last day as a running back, even though he rushed for 610 yards and 14 touchdowns in Marist’s wishbone offense this season. OSU wants him as a safety.
"Ohio State likes players with athletic versatility and Russell fits that bill," said Bill Kurelic of Ohio Football Recruiting News.
Russell ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash at Ohio State’s summer camp in June.
"I’ll play safety if that’s what they want," said Russell, who also had been courted by Duke and Furman. "I’m just excited about being a Buckeye. (Atlanta native and safety) Brandon Mitchell was my host, and he told me he loved it there, and has had a great experience. I hope to do the same."
There also were reports that linebacker James Laurinaitis of Plymouth, Minn., committed to OSU yesterday, though Laurinaitis could not be reached for comment.
Laurinaitis, considered the top linebacker in his state, had previously committed to Minnesota but had second thoughts after the Gophers, once 5-0, faded and finished 6-5. He still plans to make an official visit to Minnesota this weekend.
How good is this guy, for those of you who may have seen him in person? Just wanting to see if he's a top of the class recruit, or more of a last-second fill in to the class. Thanks!