Offseason Interview with 4-Star 2019 Mississippi DE De’Monte Russell
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After watching De’Monte Russell work his craft at the Dallas Nike Opening Regional on Sunday, the four-star recruiting status, commitment to Mississippi State, and the season stats all make perfect sense. Russell is quick, has long arms, has deceiving strength, and a motor focused solely on getting to the pigskin. No surprise to see Russell showcase all those abilities making the Top 5 among defensive lineman at Nike Regional.
After a sophomore season putting up solid stats of 28 total tackles, seven tackles for a loss, and 4.5 sacks, flashes of what could be were coming through for Russell. As he continued to work on his game and his body matured, he put his 6-5, 216-pound, frame to work during the 2017 season for a breakout performance ending the year with 58 tackles, 18 tackles for a loss, and six sacks as one of the best pass rushers not only in the state of Mississippi but in the nation.
The upside for Russell is tremendous leading to the nearly 20 scholarship offers placed before him. Among the many seeking his talents at the collegiate level includes Florida, LSU, Oregon, Kentucky, Southern Miss, Toledo, Louisiana-Lafayette, Florida State, Texas A&M, Missouri, Morehouse, Tennessee, and Ole Miss along with five junior college offers. The Provine High School standout was offered by Mississippi State on March 5 verbally committing to the Bulldogs on April 12, but that has not stopped colleges from reaching out to let him know they are still high on their recruiting board.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Russell for an in-depth interview covering his junior year, growing skillset, and commitment to the Bulldogs.
Interview
De’Monte, your productivity on the field increased sharply from your sophomore to junior season. What was the biggest difference in your game from 2016 to 2017?
“My get off improved a lot. I was also much stronger and I gained a lot of weight from my sophomore to junior year.”
Are we going to see you at any other positions in 2018 with the Rams?
“Yes, sir. I will still be at defensive end, but I will also play some tight end and wide out.”
Are you excited about playing tight end and receiver this year?
“Yes, sir.”
Which areas of your technique are you working on the most this offseason on defense?
“I am working on my hands, my footwork, and my get off.”
Are you working on any new moves for your senior year?
“Yes, sir.”
Any that you can share?
(Laughs) “Yes, sir. I am working on my spin move, my long arm stab, and dipping my shoulder. I’m normally and outside and back inside guy and I use my rip a lot.”
What are the strengths of your overall game?
“My strengths – I am a pass rusher and I can play the run. I play the run then the pass before going up field. My hands are on the tackle before anything. Tackles don’t know what I am doing. My arms are long which helps me control the edge.”
Your arms are long. Have you ever had your wing-span measured?
“Yes, sir. My wing-span is 81-inches.”
Wow. I spotted your talent at the Dallas Nike Regional on Sunday, I thought you stood out among the other defensive linemen. How do you feel the camp went for you?
“It went well. There was a lot of great competition there. The camp showed me things I need to work on. One thing about the camp, I learned how to use my hands better.”
What did you do well at the Nike camp to set yourself apart from the others?
“I lost one rep but came back and defeated my opponent to make Top 5.”
What was your SPARQ score from the drill testing?
“96.63.”
Nice. Going to recruiting. On April 12, you verbally committed to Mississippi State. What was it about MSU, the school and the program, that grew into your ideal fit for college?
“I’ve always been around the MSU program and university. I had family members that played there, I know people there. It feels like home to me. I have been there for camps. Every time I went there, I was getting a good vibe. I like their pace in practice and their workouts. I like it there.”
What was the overall recruiting process like for you? Was this an easy process for you or a hard one?
“It was a hard choice.”
How many offers did you have at the time of your commitment?
“With JUCO offers, I am close to 20 offers.”
Other college coaches are notorious for not honoring a recruit’s verbal commitment, are any schools still in contact with you letting you know they are still interested?
“Yes, sir. Oregon, Missouri, LSU, Ole Miss, and Florida are the main ones still showing interest.”
When do you head to Starkville next?
“I’m not sure yet.”
Are you attending any college camps this summer?
“Yes, sir. I’m not sure which camps I will attend yet.”
This time of year, some recruits start thinking about being an early enrollee. Is that something you have thought about and/or looked into yet?
“I am thinking about it. Actually, I looked into it a couple of days ago, but I have not made a decision about that yet.”
Last question. Is there a personal goal you have set for yourself that you want to accomplish this spring and/or summer before the 2018 schedule begins?
“Yes, sir. I plan on getting stronger, help the new guys on our team get adjusted, and be the best leader I can be for my team.”
De’Monte, it was great getting time in with you today. Good luck with the rest of your spring workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; De’Monte Russell.