University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Matthew A. Smith
Quick Study
Oct 29, 2020 | Football
Russell, captain of the defense, selected as the team's representative at the IPF ribbon-cutting ceremony.
JJ Russell was new to Memphis. He was new to a college environment. And he was new to the rigors and demands of NCAA Division I football.
Four years ago, Russell made the move from his hometown of Grenada, Mississippi, somewhat unsure of the road ahead. The distance – about 90 minutes down Interstate 55 – wasn't an issue. The workload and responsibilities were.
But Russell made the move, in large part, because of the decision made a few years earlier by former Grenada High teammates Genard Avery and Shareef White. Avery, now a member of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, and White were highly regarded defensive prep players who chose to join a rebuilding Memphis football program.
"I wouldn't say they influenced me, but they made it a lot easier to (transition) from high school to college," Russell said. "They just took me under their wing and showed me the way. They laid the foundation. I just followed them."
A third-year starter at linebacker, Russell said his first few months at the UofM consisted of joining Avery and White for dinner several times a week, followed by film sessions at their places.
"They'd show me film about how to play linebacker," Russell said. "They just made things slow down.
"Genard and Shareef were equally responsible for showing me the way and making Memphis feel like home. And seeing familiar faces made it a lot easier."
Avery and White were members of former head coach Justin Fuente's dramatic turnaround of the Tigers' program. When Avery and White arrived in 2014, the UofM began a string of postseason appearances that is ongoing. Memphis has been to six straight bowl games – including last season's Goodyear Cotton Bowl – after going 12-48 in the previous six seasons.
Although the opportunities to discuss football with Avery are limited since Avery is in the NFL, Russell said he often hears his former teammate's tips filtering into his earhole.
"No matter what, play fast, that's what he always told me," Russell said. "Even if you don't know (the play), play fast."
Russell credits former Memphis assistant Dan Lanning, currently the defensive coordinator at the University of Georgia, for instilling a defensive foundation. Lanning recruited Russell to Memphis.
"He taught me the basics of watching film," Russell said. "He taught me to be a dog. And he taught me how to fight through things when you are on the field, no matter what is going on off the field."
His abilities also have impressed his current coach, Bert Watts, who is in his first season at the UofM.
"He brings about everything you would want out of a senior linebacker," Watts said. "Amazing leadership. He does everything right. He pays attention to the details. He's a student of the game, he's the captain of the defense."
Watts said Russell alerts his fellow defenders about which play the opponent is going to run, in addition to making the UofM defense's calls.
"He really cares about his teammates," Watts said. "He cares about the brotherhood of this team and what it means to be a part of it. He's a dream player to coach because you know he is going to be consistent every play. I can't say enough about the kid."
UofM coach Ryan Silverfield describes Russell as "smart, tough and respectable."
"JJ is a leader out there and he understands this defense," Silverfield said. "He's also been extremely physical. He's probably as physical as any linebacker we have. He battles every day. He may not be 100 percent health-wise, but he'll give you his all."
As he has gained a reputation for his integrity and reliability, Russell has earned the respect of not only his peers. He was selected earlier this year to be part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new indoor practice facility.
"Honestly, that was a blessing," he said. "Out of nowhere coach (SIlverfield) called me and told me he had picked me. I was just thankful. It was an honor."
Four years ago, Russell made the move from his hometown of Grenada, Mississippi, somewhat unsure of the road ahead. The distance – about 90 minutes down Interstate 55 – wasn't an issue. The workload and responsibilities were.
But Russell made the move, in large part, because of the decision made a few years earlier by former Grenada High teammates Genard Avery and Shareef White. Avery, now a member of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, and White were highly regarded defensive prep players who chose to join a rebuilding Memphis football program.
"I wouldn't say they influenced me, but they made it a lot easier to (transition) from high school to college," Russell said. "They just took me under their wing and showed me the way. They laid the foundation. I just followed them."
A third-year starter at linebacker, Russell said his first few months at the UofM consisted of joining Avery and White for dinner several times a week, followed by film sessions at their places.
"They'd show me film about how to play linebacker," Russell said. "They just made things slow down.
"Genard and Shareef were equally responsible for showing me the way and making Memphis feel like home. And seeing familiar faces made it a lot easier."
Avery and White were members of former head coach Justin Fuente's dramatic turnaround of the Tigers' program. When Avery and White arrived in 2014, the UofM began a string of postseason appearances that is ongoing. Memphis has been to six straight bowl games – including last season's Goodyear Cotton Bowl – after going 12-48 in the previous six seasons.
Although the opportunities to discuss football with Avery are limited since Avery is in the NFL, Russell said he often hears his former teammate's tips filtering into his earhole.
"No matter what, play fast, that's what he always told me," Russell said. "Even if you don't know (the play), play fast."
Russell credits former Memphis assistant Dan Lanning, currently the defensive coordinator at the University of Georgia, for instilling a defensive foundation. Lanning recruited Russell to Memphis.
"He taught me the basics of watching film," Russell said. "He taught me to be a dog. And he taught me how to fight through things when you are on the field, no matter what is going on off the field."
His abilities also have impressed his current coach, Bert Watts, who is in his first season at the UofM.
"He brings about everything you would want out of a senior linebacker," Watts said. "Amazing leadership. He does everything right. He pays attention to the details. He's a student of the game, he's the captain of the defense."
Watts said Russell alerts his fellow defenders about which play the opponent is going to run, in addition to making the UofM defense's calls.
"He really cares about his teammates," Watts said. "He cares about the brotherhood of this team and what it means to be a part of it. He's a dream player to coach because you know he is going to be consistent every play. I can't say enough about the kid."
UofM coach Ryan Silverfield describes Russell as "smart, tough and respectable."
"JJ is a leader out there and he understands this defense," Silverfield said. "He's also been extremely physical. He's probably as physical as any linebacker we have. He battles every day. He may not be 100 percent health-wise, but he'll give you his all."
As he has gained a reputation for his integrity and reliability, Russell has earned the respect of not only his peers. He was selected earlier this year to be part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new indoor practice facility.
"Honestly, that was a blessing," he said. "Out of nowhere coach (SIlverfield) called me and told me he had picked me. I was just thankful. It was an honor."
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