Tigers LB Russell wants ‘D’ to improve
The Commercial Appeal is counting down the 10 most important Memphis football players before practice begins in August. At No. 8: Senior linebacker and three-year starter JJ Russell
There were two reasons Memphis linebacker JJ Russell wanted to return after the NCAA granted players an extra year of eligibility because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He wanted to put more film on tape to help his chances of playing in the NFL. But he was also unsatisfied with how last season unfolded despite the Tigers going 8-3 and winning the Montgomery Bowl.
“In my head, I didn’t really achieve the goals that I set out. And that was to bring back the old Memphis defense that won games here,” Russell said.
The Tigers’ defense often played a supporting role in past years. This season, they’ll have to step up to starring role with an offense searching for a new quarterback and lead running back, Memphis will need to lean on its defense early and often.
But for Russell, a three-year-starter, it’s pressure he doesn’t mind for his senior season.
Why JJ Russell is important
The Tigers’ defense, which returns eight starters, was ranked 45th in the country last season — their highest ranking since 2015.
Those numbers have to match early while the Tigers break in a new quarterback. Russell was second on the team with 58 tackles and he’ll help lead the linebacker corps with fellow senior Thomas Pickens.
Russell, however, wasn’t worried about the burden placed on his unit or on him.
“Knowing that we’re all experienced makes it easier. That trust is there. That trust is already built because a lot of our guys have experience,” he said.
There’s also stability with defensive coordinator Mike Macintyre back for a second season. But with 37 starts, Russell has the trust and knowledge to set the tone in the middle of the field.
The AAC has several top caliber running backs including SMU’S Ulysses Bentley IV and Tulsa’s Shamari Brooks. If Russell can help the Tigers’ run defense stay on track or improve, Memphis’ defense might help win a few more games like it did last season against UCF, Temple and Navy.