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Gary Russell PITT RB... (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter jgb95
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Steelnation
Footballguy
Not unless Fast Willie goes out for the year, and even if, not sure how much time he would see
A couple years off IMO
A couple years off IMO
BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
To me he does.
In deep roster dynasty, for sure.
He appears to be the 2nd most talented back behind Parker. And he is a contact/power back who carries solid size.
Which in Pittsburgh could get him time alongside Parker in the near future.
While he wont steal Parkers job, he could be a spot starter and an injury replacement.
He has looked better then everyone not name Fast Willie all spring and summer.
He was gaining 1000 yards alongside maroney in Minnesota. And Maroney was a top 25 pick, a classic power /speed combo.
In deep roster dynasty, for sure.
He appears to be the 2nd most talented back behind Parker. And he is a contact/power back who carries solid size.
Which in Pittsburgh could get him time alongside Parker in the near future.
While he wont steal Parkers job, he could be a spot starter and an injury replacement.
He has looked better then everyone not name Fast Willie all spring and summer.
He was gaining 1000 yards alongside maroney in Minnesota. And Maroney was a top 25 pick, a classic power /speed combo.
Family Matters
Footballguy
Not a Pitt homer but I know some about Russell. Very good RB with a bad head on his shoulders. As you can tell he ran well this weekend so he's talented. Don't know if he can be trusted. He didn't finish school and had a poor showing at the combine IIRC. But if he were to get the chance, he will not disappoint. If he sticks with Pitts and keeps his nose clean he could do well if given the opportunity. Just don't know if that will happen.
Steelnation
Footballguy
So you place him ahead of Dump Truck on the depth chart?
Family Matters
Footballguy
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
He won't displace Dookie on the depth chart as #2 because Davenport is a better blocker/receiver than he is at this stage and has the experience edge over him to boot.
As a runner though, Russell runs how a guy as big as Davenport SHOULD run. Sees the crease, hits the crease, hammers anyone in his way. Good vision. No stutter stepping. Decisive.
If it were only about running, he'd make the team easy. However, other guys he's fighting with can do other stuff(Davis, Kuhn and Haynes all can play both RB and FB and most do double duty on STs). Same with Davenport too. He can block and play STs. Having said that....Russell is a better runner than any of those guys. If he can show something, anything, as a blocker in the next few weeks I can't see how they could keep a guy like Kuhn, or even Haynes with his injury history, over him. Reportedly, the coaches LOVE Davis as an all-around Haynes type. He was mauling guys as a lead blocker for Russell this past weekend. (Granted, it was the GB scrubs....)
Given how the Steelers usually avoid players with extreme character issues like the plague(they develop those after the fact, like Porter.
) I guess one could assume that getting kicked off the Gophers for academics, then being dissed at the combine for showing up fat, has been a major wakeup call for Russell. He's looked extremely motivated the entire camp with Pitt.
One thing is for sure, if they cut him he ain't gonna be snuck onto the PS. Someone will jump all over him.
As a runner though, Russell runs how a guy as big as Davenport SHOULD run. Sees the crease, hits the crease, hammers anyone in his way. Good vision. No stutter stepping. Decisive.
If it were only about running, he'd make the team easy. However, other guys he's fighting with can do other stuff(Davis, Kuhn and Haynes all can play both RB and FB and most do double duty on STs). Same with Davenport too. He can block and play STs. Having said that....Russell is a better runner than any of those guys. If he can show something, anything, as a blocker in the next few weeks I can't see how they could keep a guy like Kuhn, or even Haynes with his injury history, over him. Reportedly, the coaches LOVE Davis as an all-around Haynes type. He was mauling guys as a lead blocker for Russell this past weekend. (Granted, it was the GB scrubs....)
Given how the Steelers usually avoid players with extreme character issues like the plague(they develop those after the fact, like Porter.
) I guess one could assume that getting kicked off the Gophers for academics, then being dissed at the combine for showing up fat, has been a major wakeup call for Russell. He's looked extremely motivated the entire camp with Pitt.One thing is for sure, if they cut him he ain't gonna be snuck onto the PS. Someone will jump all over him.
Anthony Borbely
Footballguy
I don't know how well he could do if he had a chance...but I do know that he was a player in college at Minnesota that you noticed. Back then, I saw a RB with NFL talent. With his issues, he may never amount to anything, but you never know. He is a must pickup in deep dynasty leagues in my opinion just based on his talent.
crowe1130
Footballguy
Russell has looked good, but Pitt has an embarrassment of riches at RB. Davenport is the clear #2. Carey Davis has been a monster and has pretty much guaranteed himself a place on this team. Kevan Barlow is all but cut. I think it'll come down to Russell vs. Haynes for a roster spot, and my gut tells me Haynes wins it based on his experience and versatility.
So Russell's value will depend on where he lands, assuming you're playing dynasty. His fantasy value is probably close to nil in a redraft.
So Russell's value will depend on where he lands, assuming you're playing dynasty. His fantasy value is probably close to nil in a redraft.
AhrnCityPahnder
Yinz-o-riffic
I really hope they find a way to keep this guy. He's shown flashes of beastly-ness.BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
When he gets some experience. He didnt play football in '06 due to grades. So he has some learning to do before they allow him to be the last line of defense for the franchise QB.At this point I certainly expect him to be ahead of dump truck by '08. But Najeh knows the system and the NFL, so its Najeh for now.I think they are doing the right thing and making him earn everything as he climbs the depth chart from the bottom.
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Anthony Borbely
Footballguy
THAT is an embarrassment of riches?
Steel Dillo
Footballguy
I think Russell makes the team because Pittsburgh knows that he will not make it to the practice squad.
He would be snapped up by another team with a quickness.
He would be snapped up by another team with a quickness.
benson_will_lead_the_way
Footballguy
For some reason when I watched him in the preseason game I thought he was Fred Russell RB from Iowa.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
The only issues I've ever heard were academic. The last time I checked you don't have to be a member of MENSA to be a running back in the NFL. The kid has done nothing but impress me since signing with the Steelers.I think he has a real shot to make the club because he has looked too good to try and hide on the practice squad. That said barring an injury to FWP and Davenport he's not going to get a whole lot of carries this season.
AhrnCityPahnder
Yinz-o-riffic
I certainly want him on the roster over Haynes at this point.
steelcityman
Footballguy
practice squad, might get picked up by anotehr team.
AhrnCityPahnder
Yinz-o-riffic
If they're dumb enough to send him the the PS, he DEFINITELY will get picked up by another team, quickly.
Family Matters
Footballguy
You are right. He was released form his scholarship due to academics. No other problems I am aware of. But it does lend itself to question his character somewhat. Just a red flag.
Ron_Mexico
I Love Doggies
I don't think he's a bad kid.Here's some background info on him....---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------After a breakout sophomore season at Minnesota -- Russell rushed for 1,130 yards and scored 19 touchdowns while splitting time with New England Patriots running back Laurence Maroney -- he flunked out of school."It was me just being lazy, immature," said Russell, who doesn't turn 21 until Sept. 8.The 5-11, 225-pounder torpedoed any chance he had of getting drafted by showing up at the NFL Combine last February overweight and by running a 4.7 in the 40-yard dash.Russell, however, has impressed the Steelers with his willingness to learn and with his power. By Scott BrownTRIBUNE-REVIEWWednesday, August 8, 2007 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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steelcityman
Footballguy
they might be able to cut Haynes and Barlow, move C. Davis to FB/RB/special teamer, and then have Russell as the #3 RB. I wouldnt dislike that, I think he can be a good option, and having Davis being able to help at 3 spots would enable them to maximize their roster at that position.
Ron_Mexico
I Love Doggies
I think this is exactly how it will go down.
He will be a Steeler, imo.If not, I would guess the J-E-T-S may give him a whirl.
Steelers4Life
Footballguy
In case anyone wants to take a flier on him, the Steelers waived Gary Russell today, probably hoping for him to make it to their practice squad.
If another team claims him, he's got the talent to contribute if he lands in a good situation as a backup who can compete for carries. Detroit? New York? Cincinnati?
I just dropped Brian Leonard for him in a deep dynasty league.
If another team claims him, he's got the talent to contribute if he lands in a good situation as a backup who can compete for carries. Detroit? New York? Cincinnati?
I just dropped Brian Leonard for him in a deep dynasty league.
BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
Damn it.Houston should be all over him.
Anthony Borbely
Footballguy
I will be shocked if someone doesn't pick him up.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
He'll get snaked by someone.
BST's call on Houston's a pretty good one. In a one cut system Russell could probably be at least "reasonably productive", if not "good". He's shown pretty nice vision when he's got PT these past two pre-seasons.
BST's call on Houston's a pretty good one. In a one cut system Russell could probably be at least "reasonably productive", if not "good". He's shown pretty nice vision when he's got PT these past two pre-seasons.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Agreed although I thought Baily, the LB they're promoting from the practice squad, looked real good during preseason especially on special teams. I am guessing the injury to LB Donovan Woods is the reason why they want Bailey active this week.
SteelerMurf
Footballguy
Steeler fans always seem to overvalue guys like Russell. He may get onto someone's practice squad based on what he did in college but not in the pros...
Bojang0301
Omar4Heisman
I'm saddend by this move. It seems as if the staff has gone out of their way to keep him the last two seasons when he could have been cut after preseason. It sucks they may lose him now, he has some talent.
Scooby1974
Footballguy
Any more word on Russell? If he did go to Houston, does he get a chance to overtake Slaton for the starting gig?
BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
Like Parker.Like Ward.Like Harrison.These guys eventually turned it into something.I understand that also applys to guys...Like Washington.Like Keisel.Like Russell.Like several others who were cut along the way.
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Scooby1974
Footballguy
Still no word? How long before Pitt can resign him?
The Hank
Footballguy
I strongly disagree with Keisel He has been nothing short of outstanding since he landed the starting job (from 2005 145 Tackles, 10.5 sacks). . You're telling me you'd rather have Travis Kirshke (from 2005 60 tackles, 5.5 sacks) and Nick Eason (from 2007 19 tackles, .5 sacks) rotating in there rather than Keisel?Please.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Agreed. Keisel has been solid. Actually Nate Washington has done pretty well too for an undrafted guy from Tiffin college.Russell isn't the second coming of Barry Sanders but I thought he looked good in the few times that we've seen him. It does surprise me that no one has jumped on him.I strongly disagree with Keisel He has been nothing short of outstanding since he landed the starting job (from 2005 145 Tackles, 10.5 sacks). . You're telling me you'd rather have Travis Kirshke (from 2005 60 tackles, 5.5 sacks) and Nick Eason (from 2007 19 tackles, .5 sacks) rotating in there rather than Keisel?Please.
treat88
Footballguy
Agreed. Steelers may whiff on Day 2 of the draft, but they do an excellent job in UDFA.Nothing but positive spin for Russell coming out of camp. I do wonder how a move like this will affect his psyche. Troubled past and in horrible shape coming into his combine don't scream dedicated pro to me.That said, I do hope they can slip him onto the PS.
AhrnCityPahnder
Yinz-o-riffic
how long is he on waivers before they can put him on PS?
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Mike Tomlin said today in his news conference the Steelers have re-signed Gary Russell
CrossEyed
Footballguy
Glad to hear. Really kind of surprised nobody snagged him.
Scooby1974
Footballguy
suck eggs...still worthless
Franknbeans
Footballguy
-- Steelers Could Promote Gary Russell to Active Roster --
Wed Sep 24, 2008 --from FFMastermind.com
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports the Steelers might promote RB Gary Russell from their practice squad to the active roster this week. The Steelers cut Russell last Saturday to make room on the roster for LB Patrick Bailey and then re-signed the running back to the practice squad yesterday. Russell played in three games last season, and HC Mike Tomlin said the Steelers may consider putting him on the regular roster since RB Willie Parker is sidelined.
Wed Sep 24, 2008 --from FFMastermind.com
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports the Steelers might promote RB Gary Russell from their practice squad to the active roster this week. The Steelers cut Russell last Saturday to make room on the roster for LB Patrick Bailey and then re-signed the running back to the practice squad yesterday. Russell played in three games last season, and HC Mike Tomlin said the Steelers may consider putting him on the regular roster since RB Willie Parker is sidelined.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
There may be some that will interpret this as a sign that Parker's injury is more serious that the team is letting on but I wouldn't necessarily rush to that judgement. Without Parker the Steelers are down to Mendenhall, Moore and Davis as their RBs. They would be in serious trouble if one of those three goes down early in the Baltimore game.I think the Steelers are going to have to activate Russell this week.
Scooby1974
Footballguy
Activated or not, he's still worthless baring injuries to 2 more guys.
I think its safe to conclude that this guy has zero dynasty value going forward. If the best he could do was 4 rushes for zero yards vs. Cincy...and in a blowout win where the coaches would have given him some garbage time carries...not to mention with both Parker and Mendenhall out...he's done.
AhrnCityPahnder
Yinz-o-riffic
playing devils advocate, those 4 rushes came with the half of the offens being 2nd team in obvious run situations. Make no mistake about it though, he has certainly not done much of anything thus far. I'm still sitting on him in a very deep dynasty, but I'm much less excited about him than I was in preseason.
AhrnCityPahnder
Yinz-o-riffic
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