Memphis linebacker commitment Christopher Russell made an unofficial visit to Arkansas for the Alabama game and he’s glad he did.
“The facilities are great,” Russell said. “I didn’t get to see everything because I had to get back so fast, but the things I did see I liked. I like the coaches.”
Russell, 6-1, 220 pounds of Dyersburg, Tennessee, received an offer from Arkansas on June 21 and has others from Memphis, Georgia Tech, Middle Tennessee State and Tennessee-Martin.
As a junior, Russell had 95 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, 15 quarterback knockdowns, an interception, 4 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble and 3 recovered fumbles.
Defensive coordinator John Chavis is a fan of Russell’s athleticism.
“I was just honored to be able to meet a coach at a high level,” Russell said. "I’m just honored to be able to be looked at by him. One thing he said was he just wants me to be a leader on defense and he said I could do that.”
Russell, who also plays running back for the 7-0 Trojans, possesses excellent speed.
“My fastest clocked (time) was at the Memphis camp and they clocked me at a 4.46,” Russell said. “I can run a 4.5 consistently.”
He has recorded 54 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, 2 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, 2 recored fumbles and 2 interceptions returned for 90 yards and a touchdowns in seven games this season. He also has 27 rushes for 406 yards and 9 touchdowns along with 3 receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown.
Russell is humbled that Chavis believes he’s an SEC caliber linebacker.
“He’s coached all around the SEC,” Russell said. “He’s coached phenomenal NFL players. It’s an honor to be looked at by him and him wanting to coach me.”
Russell plans to visit Fayetteville again, but isn’t thinking about recruiting until after the season.
“I’m pretty much focused on high school. When that time comes I'll think about it,” he said.