Russell Discusses Commitment

by TigerNet Staff - Tue Nov 15 09:09:47 GMT-04:00 2005

Chris Russell - Athlete
TigerNet: (2.50)

Height: 6-2 Weight: 215 Hometown: Coffeyville, KS (Coffeyville Community College HS) Class: 2006

ESPN: NR

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Chris Russell made his verbal commitment to Clemson on Sunday. In fact, Russell knew since the spring he would be coming to Clemson.

"I made it official on Sunday. There is not any chance I will change my mind. It has been Clemson since the spring. Everything is a good fit there for me. My visit on Saturday did nothing but confirm everything I already knew."

Russell is on pace to graduate in December from Coffeyville and enroll at Clemson in January. Russell should have 3 years to play 3 after redshirting this season.

"My freshman year I played at Colorado. I was not comfortable with the situation in Colorado, and I thought it was best for me to go to Coffeyville and start over. I had not planned to redshirt, but there is some kind of issue here with out of state players. It has been frustrating, but I look forward to getting on the field at Clemson."

Where does Russell see himself contributing?

"Most likely, I see myself starting out at free safety. I know (Jamaal) Fudge is graduating, so there will be an opportunity to play there. Coach Koenning said they played nine freshman this year on defense, so I know they will play the best players. If I earned the right to be on the field, Coach Koenning will give me my chance."

Coach Koenning was Russell's recruiter, and Russell likes what he sees from Koenning's defense.

"His defense shut Florida State down. Outside of two field goals FSU was never able to move the ball. The players told me that Coach Koenning is hard on you, but he gets the best out of you. I don't mind a coach being hard on you, when you know he is doing what is best for you."

What did Russell think of the atmosphere at Clemson?

"It is hard to describe. I really can't wait to run down the Hill. The fans were going crazy, when the cannon shot off. The fans were loud the whole game, and that is definitely the type atmosphere I want to play in."

We will continue to keep you posted on Jeffrey Ogren, TJ Williams, Kendrick Johnson, and Russell, as they all are attempting to enroll in January.