Bobby Russell- Creating A Path Of Destiny

[author image=”https://www.the3pointconversion.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/pic-copy.jpg” ]Raphael Haynes, Atlanta, GA @mrcontroversy21[/author]

 

 

 

He’s prepared to take on any question thrown at him as if he’s preparing to get in game mode on December 4, 2016 for the National Bowl. After a normal day of a typical college student dealing with class, homework, papers and food, his excitement is still noticeable even while he’s waiting for the interview to begin.

Bobby Russell is a 6’3″ 240 pound senior middle linebacker who showcased his talents at Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Born and raised in Sussex County, New Jersey, he is the youngest of three children with two older sister. His love for football started in New Jersey at a young age in first grade. “My parents’ friend was going to coach flag football and he signed me up for it and every since then, it’s been something I loved and just gave my all to it”, says Russell. 

As talented as he is at linebacker, his athleticism is proven through his play on special teams and he even played the long snapper position for punts. Knowing this will be key to make an NFL roster, Russell prides himself in being able to excel in special teams and at any other position. He’s certain that middle linebacker is his natural and best position. He accumulated 310 tackles (22.5 were for loss) 15 pass breakups, four interceptions, blocked two field goals and recorded a safety in his four years at Kings College. “In high school, I played tight end and got recruited as a tight end from a few schools but I just stuck to linebacker which I definitely like more”, he describes.

His love for the game is evident through his play but what inspires him is his family and friends. “My inspiration is wanting to try to make it for my family and friends which are the ones that have supported me through the years. I feed off that”, Russell exclaims. Both of his sisters played sports and he doesn’t forget what his parents have done for him, “My parents sacrificed so much and paid for the camps and for me to go to Texas and try out for USA football”, he mentions. That’s not the only motivation that lights the fire inside of him, it’s the fact of not being on a national platform to show off his skills and ability. 

Russell played at a small high school where they only had one winning season and the competition wasn’t that great. It was hard to get college scouts to come to the games. Also playing at a Division III college, he doesn’t get the attention that someone at a Division-1 school would get. “I wasn’t playing in front of 100,00 fans in a stadium or having our games on national television on Saturday nights”, he says, “but I love my school and wouldn’t trade the experience.” He looks at the situation as a challenge and wants to build his own path. He also is inspired by players like Pierre Garcon who plays wide receiver for the Washington Redskins and Ali Marpet who plays guard for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (who also played in the National Bowl) which both went to Division III colleges. 

Russell knows he has a golden opportunity to prove why he belongs at the next level to the National Football League (NFL) or even the Canadian Football League (CFL) at the National Bowl in Daytona Beach, Florida at Larry Kelly Field and The Dream Bowl in Virginia Beach, Virginia on January 15, 2016. There will be NFL and CFL scouts there. “This chance is to give it my all and enjoy the moment” says Russell. He’s ready for the moment and doesn’t take it lightly. He understand that he’s given a chance to not only play amongst other All-Stars but start a path to greatness. “My goal is to run out of a NFL tunnel with my hemet on and the crowd going crazy.” 

The National Bowl will be broadcast live exclusively on The 3 Point Conversion Station/ https://www.spreaker.com/user/threepointconversion