2007 (Sophomore): Came back from knee surgery with an outstanding campaign ... first team all-Big Ten (Rivals) ... fourth on team with 63 tackles for season ... seven TFL, three sacks, five PBU for 2007 ... seven tackles in the win over Youngstown State ... eight tackles at Washington ... sack and a forced fumble in Northwestern win ... pair of sacks (-18) in the Purdue victory ... six tackles in win at Penn State ... eight tackles vs. Wisconsin ... Jim Marshall “Warrior” award ... second-year letterman.

2006 (Freshman): Moved up the depth chart throughout preseason, then a six-tackle effort against Northern Illinois in the season-opener vaulted him into the starting role at free safety in week two at Texas ... had three tackles against the Longhorns and six more the following week vs. Cincinnati as he secured his starting job ... injured his knee in week five at Iowa and missed the rest of the season ... finished with 16 tackles in his five games, eight of which were solos ... notched his first collegiate interception in the win over the Bearcats ... had a tackle behind the line of scrimmage against NIU.

2005 (Redshirt): Played with the scout team and did not see any game action ... impressed the coaching staff with his work ethic and understanding of what was expected of him ... came close to being thrown into the fray a couple of times, but was ultimately redshirted.

High School: Named as one of the Top 50 players in the state of Georgia by the Atlanta Journal Constitution ... rushed for 758 yards, averaged 8.4 yards per carry and scored 14 touchdowns as a senior in a wishbone attack ... was Marist’s leading receiver with seven catches for 171 yards and three touchdowns ... averaged 19.1 yards on kickoff returns.

Personal: Son of Kevin and Karen Russell ... his dad played football with the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL and his brother, Brandon, played at North Carolina.