Gary Russell May Apply For The NFL Supplemental Draft

**Benet** · 06-23-2006, 11:39 AM

RotoWorld.com: Gary Russell

"Yahoo Sports reports Minnesota RB Gary Russell may pursue entry in the NFL's supplemental draft.
Russell's academic standing with the school is still unknown after he took classes at a community college this spring. To this point, Russell has not sought entry in the draft, which will be held July 13. Amir Pinnix remains the favorite to carry the load for the Gophers in 2006. Jun. 22 - 8:39 pm et"

That'd certainly be interesting if he went in the Supplemental Draft. He's shown the skills at Minnesota, but I don't think he'd go higher than a 5 or 6 purely because it was only one season, and his academic issues might make some teams think twice about his commitment to doing all that he can to continue playing football.

**whackthepack** · 06-23-2006, 03:36 PM

I watch every one of the gophers games and Russell is a better runner than Maroney, if he comes out we need to take him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He has speed he is a natural runner and he has great vision.

Gary stated this game when Maroney had a sprained ankle.

Gary Russell started at running back for Minnesota today against Michigan State.
Russell had 153 yards of offense and two touchdowns in the first half of the game. The two touchdowns gave him 17 for the season which ties him with Marion Barber for a school record of touchdowns in a season. He is a great addition to fantasy teams if Laurence Maroney has to miss any more games with his sprained ankle.

2005 season stats for Maroney and Russell

Laurence Maroney

Rushing
10 Games Played
255 Attempts
1,355 Yards
5.3 Average
10 TD's

Receiving
15 Receptions
158 Yards
10.5 Average
1 TD

Gary Russell

Rushing
11 Games Played
164 Attempts
1,045 Yards
6.4 Average
18 TD's

Receiving
14 Receptions
157 Yards
11.2 Average
1 TD

**cajunvike** · 06-23-2006, 03:50 PM

I would consider using our LUCKY Number 4 draft pick on him...a year in advance, of course!

**petrodemos** · 06-23-2006, 03:58 PM

sucks for the U of M though, hed be all american if he stayed and probably be 1st round pick next draft

**V4L** · 06-23-2006, 06:59 PM

Too bad he has issues and acedemically isn't very smart..

For the people saying he is a better rusher then Maroney though, you're crazy.. That's like saying Lendale White is better then Bush.. Or Priest Holmes better then Larry Johnson..

One Love

**whackthepack** · 06-23-2006, 07:00 PM

"Vikez4Lyfe" wrote:

Too bad he has issues and acedemically isn't very smart..

For the people saying he is a better rusher then Maroney though, you're crazy.. That's like saying Lendale White is better then Bush.. Or Priest Holmes better then Larry Johnson..

One Love

NOT

Russell was the better back last year!

**V4L** · 06-23-2006, 07:02 PM

No he wasn't man.. Every one of our backs did well last year.. But Maroney is a better athlete.. Better runner.. And is smarter.. If Russell actually makes the pros he will be a TJ Ducket type back

One Love

**boognish** · 06-23-2006, 07:21 PM

"Vikez4Lyfe" wrote:

No he wasn't man.. Every one of our backs did well last year.. But Maroney is a better athlete.. Better runner.. And is smarter.. If Russell actually makes the pros he will be a TJ Ducket type back

One Love

He'd better put on some serious weight if he's going to be another TJ Duckett. Russell is 5'11"/215lbs and Duckett is 6'0"/254lbs..

I see Russell more as a Brian Westbrook type guy. I don't know if he's better than Maroney or not (they both did pretty damn good behind that killer line), but Russell would fit Coach Childress's offense much better than Maroney would have. I don't think you can honestly say that Maroney is a better athlete though. Russell actually had the better stats of the two, more TD's and could catch the ball better; Maroney was probably a better "pure" runner. Maroney got the starts because of his seniority and familiarity with the offense.

The Gophers are really going to miss Russell.

**PurplePeopleEaters** · 06-23-2006, 07:24 PM

Pick him up. He showed some serious bright spots throughout the year. It's not like it will be a rist anyways though. He's either good or we cut him. Win win situation.

**V4L** · 06-23-2006, 07:25 PM

Actually Maroney is a better reciever then Russell.. And is actually working on getting even better.. They just didn't pass to the RB much in the offence there..

Maroney is faster.. WAY faster then him.. Maroney isn't quite as strong.. But strong enough.. Maroney has better vision.. Maroney is smarter which is key in the NFL.. Russell would fail the frickin wonderlic.. And won't learn the playbook well if he even makes it

Only thing that Russell has on him in the goalline deal.. Which padded his stats hardcore.. Like Moe Williams in 03'

One Love