shrine bowl

Another amazing snub was North Gaston QB, AJ Blue. He is a great talent that if he keeps himself straight could be a real star in college.

 

You should be actually! and by the way you must be at least 40 yrs of age or older b/c Butch Clark & Thomas played in the late 80's so either you watch'em or play with them so I understand your basis toward them! If Thomas was better than JR then he was a da n good QB.....

 

hgdh

 

n/m

 

about russell qb

I remember Butch Clark (and others in that era)...and they were good

I have played on many levels and have watched many levels of play all over this state.

I have to say I partly agree with some of what everyone has had to say about Russell qb.

I have never posted on this site, but often look/view this site for many years. But today, decided/felt that I owed by respect to a kid & a great athlete that has gotten very little exposure (or at least I haven't seen it)

Here are my comments to address the previous comments made:
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Comment 1: Is Russell even being looked at by any schools?
Response 1: Boy, I hope so. If not - then someone is not doing their job on the coaching staff.
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Comment 2: All I know about Russell is that when I watched him play he cost his team the game due to the fact that he never threw the ball away
Response 2: In the games I have watched, this is a partial mix of pocket collapsing to quick, he doesn't want to turn-over ball, and he can't throw the ball away (intentional grounding). I do think Russell could probably improve in this category, but with a weak defense to back him up and a weak running game - I’m not sure you could ask him to do any better. By him not turning the ball over (he is at least helping the defense). But normally, if you have a good defense (which stats say they don't), I think he should take more risk (he should be making throws if they have an 85% percent chance of completion). However, Russell is definitely not costing the team wins. Just a note on their defense (they are leading the league in turn-over ratio).
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Comment 3: Josh is a good ball player, but the shrine bowl. I don't think so.
Response 3: Not sure why you say that, stats speak otherwise. (the other qb's has got these stats by having an established running game). That comment was way off base.
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Comment 4: Mighty impressive numbers when you consider that the Cougars have no running game
Response 4: totally agree - actually its amazing (not many can achieve this, and probably not anyone from the past AC teams)
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Comment 5: I have seen him and heard from the ac fans
Response 5: Please don't use fans' opinions to base truthfulness or facts upon about play performance (unless you know them and their experience level). I believe fans (especially when having a losing season) look for things (especially players) to blame the loss on. And most of the time that is way off base. The fact is that with a weak defense, no running game, Russell should probably continue to secure the ball the best way he knows how. I know up at the AC Reynolds game, Russell only had b/w 1.5 - 2 seconds to release the ball. I believe the starting center got hurt that game or they moved him, and the backup center was snapping very low to ground. Normally this would not be a big deal (if OL could hold a little longer - but ACR defense very fast), however it is a big deal when for the first 1/2 second you are looking at the ground, and then only another 1/2 sec to select the receiver and throw. That’s pretty tough to ask of any qb on any level, but especially the high school level.


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General Comments:
I have gotten all my information from max-preps, newspapers, and the like. So with that said; there are some excellent quarterbacks in the state this year, and I believe Russell needs to be included in that set of qbs being referenced by "there are some excellent quarterbacks in the state this year". I have seen Russell play 2 games this year (South Point & AC Reynolds), and 1 last year. He really impressed me at all three games, and ACR had tons of speed on defense.

Assessment:
Strengths: Good poise & presence in the pocket (Composure), great awareness, excellent vision, and very quick (lot of acceleration & agility), descent speed (probably a 4.6/7 40 - guessing, don't know), good accuracy with a very strong arm (the strongest I have seen in a long while).
Note - a lot of what was mentioned above can not be taught.

Weakness(s): Size (6' 170 lbs)
Note - He has the frame to add weight and might grow in height, but this is definitely things that can be addressed at next level

Overall:
His stats are unbelievable according to their team stats. He has achieved these numbers with: One-dimensional Offense (no running game - I mean none), descent OL (but becomes bad because being one-dimensional), terrible avg. starting field position, facing good/solid defenses (that know he's going to throw), their team schedule ranking is 10 (ouch - hard on a rebuild year). He can definitely play ball on the next level at Div 1 (AA level). He probably needs to go some where that he can sit for his first year (or two), and start 2 (or 3 if red shirts). This would give him time to address his size (this can be done in 12 - 18 months) -- stronger, faster, bigger. He has definitely got the talent. He will be a great player at the next-level if he is coach able.


He should have definitely been considered for the Shrine Bowl. It is and always will be about who you know (who knows you), and who is willing to help you. This is a huge problem with sports (and life) – you just hate to see kids treated in this manner (things like this will always be remembered through-out a kids life). Just use it to make you stronger.

Russell is a good quarterback and I hope the best for him (hang-in there and keep moving forward no matter what anyone tells you -- you have all the tools to be a great quarterback on the next level –- hit the training room and the rest will take care of itself.)



P.S. Also, seen him play baseball (he probably is being looked at in this arena as well) - kid has an absolute cannon. He only played catcher when I seen them play, but I hope this kid is pitching also.

Sorry, I know you guys don't want to hear about baseball.

 

agree, needs to work on accuracy & wait a little longer, but a Great athlete.

he could also play wr , db at next level.

 

Russell is a great athlete, has great ability but ultimately its going to be up to him whether he wants it bad enough or not to play on the next level
Also, I think the cougars are going to be a running team next year with the Junior and the Sophomore returning.

 

Bravo Game Face, Bravo! .... Very well put.... Now I hope the fans that thought they knew something about this game that bombared this board with asinine remarks realize after reading your blog they knew absoultly nothing about football, and at the same time hopefully have a little more understanding about the game and how it is played!

 

AC's Offense is built on the pass, any QB with a good arm would do well in that set-up.....They have tailored the game plan for JR to get 30+ attempts a game.....Just last week he only threw for 185 yds....which is about 50yd less than his average. Many folks get snubbed for the Shrine Bowl, JR was not snubbed....He's been a solid QB on a sub-solid team. They have 3 wins folks....its not like he's passing for all these yards and leading them to wins.

 

n/m