ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Visual Russell

When he steps on campus for the first day of school this fall, Visual Russell won’t even be a high-schooler, technically. That didn’t stop the rising eighth-grader, who plays running back for the CFCA Eagles, from accumulating 67 yards on 11 carries during the Eagles’ spring football jamboree (CFCA fell to Windermere Prep, 14-8, and Orangewood Christian, 7-6). With more than 6 yards per carry on the evening of May 19, Russell is our choice for Athlete of the Week.

You guys hung tough with last season’s undefeated champion (Windermere Prep) and lost to Orangewood Christian by a point in your spring jamboree. How do you feel about the way the team performed?

We did our best. We went out and played hard and played as a team. We didn’t come out with the win, obviously, but I feel good about the way we played. I think we did well.

What was it like going through a coaching change in the offseason and learning coach John Davis’ new systems?

With the coaches coming in the middle of the year, it was kind of hard. But I think, altogether, we came together and did what we should have done.

Running for 67 yards on just 11 carries, how would you rate your own performance during the jamboree?

I felt pretty good out there. I just did what I should have done.

You played for the varsity basketball team and got some significant minutes this past winter. Which sport do you like better?

I couldn’t tell you that right now. I’ll need time to decide.

Can you share what you like best about each sport?

With football, I just like to hit. In basketball, I like to score.

What are you looking forward to the most about this summer?

Putting in work. Working out, getting my body fit for varsity football. … I’m going to focus on body strength.

What is it like when, as a rising eighth-grader, you take the field against guys who will be seniors this fall?

It’s a good thing for me. I don’t see it as someone’s bigger than me. If you put somebody in front of me, I’ll do what I have to do to get past him.

What will you remember the most from this past school year?

Basketball season was really good for me. Mainly the time before games, spending time together with the team and joking around.

It seems like both programs — football and basketball — are trending upward. Do you consider this an exciting time to be at CFCA?

Yeah, I think there’s a lot to come (for the school).

Aside from putting in work for sports, what else are you looking forward to about the summer?

I’m probably going to Puerto Rico to be with some family, spend some time with them.

The NBA Playoffs are winding down, and the NBA Finals will start soon. Who do you think will emerge as this year’s champion?

I’ll go with Golden State winning it all. I think it’s just their year. 

What’s your favorite subject in school?

Math.

What’s your dream car?

A Jeep Wrangler.

What’s a goal of yours — both for the team and as an individual — for next football season?

As an individual, I probably want to average 10 yards per carry and at least 15 touchdowns during the season. For the team, we want to win (the SSAC) championship.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I like to have fun. I hang out with my brother, my friends.