One official set, spring SEC visits ahead for four-star RB Braylen Russell
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A Feb. 9 top schools list by Braylen Russell is about to get a new look. The four-star out of Arkansas’ Benton High School is ready to pair down his favorites to five as he plans his official visit schedule. As the 2024 tailback explores his options, one paid for trip in June is set and an unofficial visit with Baylor is upcoming.
The top 10 listed in February: Arkansas, Baylor, Cincinnati, Kansas, Kansas State, Ole Miss, Purdue, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas A&M.
Russell shared which programs are pushing heavy for his verbal commitment this spring, “Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Baylor.”
A trio of visits have been taken this spring to SEC programs. Russell broke down how each trip went.
Ole Miss: “It went well. I talked to their coaches, ate a little bit, saw their facilities, and I talked to their offensive coordinator; I’m not sure if they have the same one. Their new running backs coach hit me up the other day (Kevin Smith).”
Russell continued sharing details of the conversation with coach Smith, “It went well. I didn’t know the old running backs coach (Marquel Blackwell) had left. The old running backs coach stopped talking to me, but then the new one hit me up; now I understand why. He wants to get me back down there for a visit. Overall, the conversation went well; he sounds like a good person.”
Tennessee: “It went well. I got to watch their spring game; I got to see their guys go at it. I saw Nico (Iamaleava) and all of their other quarterbacks throw and I got to see how their running backs have developed. During the visit, I got to see their facilities again. I talked to coach Hype (Josh Heupel) and both of their running back coaches, coach Walt (Aston Walter) and coach (Jerry) Mack. I ate a little bit too.”
Coach Mack detailed how the Volunteers see Russell impacting their offense.
“They say I am a big priority in their offense,” Russell said. “Because I am big and fast, I fit really well in their offense. They run the spread, they spread their receivers out giving their running backs more room to run.”
Arkansas: “I am going back this weekend. After that, I am going to A&M. The Arkansas visit went well. I talked to coach Pitt (Sam Pittman). They also said I am a big priority for them and that I fit in their offensive stye. I took pictures, saw their running back room; I got to see everything again.”
Former Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino’s presence at one of Russell’s practices helped persuade the four-star to head to College Station.
“Bobby Petrino (OC) watched some of my practice,” Russell said. “I want to go down there to see their facilities. I want to go experience A&M to see if I want to go there in the future.”
After seeing the Hogs and Aggies, two future visits have been set, one is an official.
“On June 2, I am going to South Carolina, and I am going to Baylor too,” Russell stated.
A strong relationship over the phone has the Gamecocks set to officially host Russell.
“My relationship with South Carolina is good,” Russell shared. “We talk over the phone, but I have not been there yet.”
Baylor’s persistence along the recruiting trail is paying off in a spring unofficial.
“They have been to my school a couple of times, I got to see them,” Russell said. “It shows they are interested in seeing me. I have to show my interest, because I am interested in Baylor. I have family in Houston. I will visit my family and then go visit them.”
As for the other four possible official visits, that information may soon be released.
“I am planning on dropping my top five in a couple of days,” Russell shared.
Russell committed to the Razorbacks on Nov. 6, 2021, opting to explore his options on Oct. 9, 2022.