A view from the stands
  LSU 24 La. Tech. 16

By William Queen
Jr. Contributing Writer
Assisted by Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region


It was Homecoming weekend for the Bayou Bengals and the tailgating scene was crazy. Tiger fans stretched for miles around campus, preparing for the 100th homecoming game in LSU history. Thousands of fans lined up on North Stadium Road, hoping to get a glimpse of the players and band marching towards the stadium. Cheers came for head coach Les Miles, all the players, the band, and the cheerleaders. However, the refs didn’t get the royal treatment. An explosion of boo’s and taunts were directed towards the refs as they entered Tiger Stadium. Though the atmosphere was incredible, the game wasn’t sold out. Due to LSU’s unexpected struggles, it was rather quiet. Déjà vu? I think so. Last year at about this time, LSU was coming off a stunning overtime loss to top ranked Alabama and had to pull off a 28-point comeback to overcome Tulane the week after. It just so happened that this game wasn’t an easy one either. Trailing La. Tech 13-10 at the half, the Tigers appeared to be hung-over from the Alabama game. Going 0-3 on third downs, being out-gained 229-138 offensively, and having already allowed 131 yards on the ground, the Tigers needed to make some serious half-time adjustments if they want to keep their season alive. This was about the time that the blame shifted over to starting quarterback Jarrett Lee. Lee started most the 2008 season for the Tigers and threw 16 interceptions, including six returned for touchdowns, so he already had a bad wrap. However, the bayou Bengals were playing without starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson and starting running back Charles Scott, so you can’t blame him; they were playing with a different cast of players. A certain feel that the fan base gave him is not proper. “That's not the way it should be," LSU coach Les Miles, said concerning Lee. "He's not perfect and dang it, we didn't play well. It wasn't his entire fault. It just seems like we are ready to jump on him and I'm not ready to”. Holding the Bulldogs to two field goals and just one touchdown, the LSU defense did a pretty good job of bending but not breaking. Besides, the only touchdown they allowed was when the quarterback went in motion and the ball was snapped to the running back, who then did a Tim Tebow-like pass over the line; all this occurring on the last play of the half. Now all of Tiger Stadium knew the chances of that happening again were once in a Blue Moon. So needless to say that, though the Tigers were losing, LSU had the upper hand coming into the second half of the ballgame. The fourth kick-off of the game for the Bulldogs was, once again, kicked short in attempt to avoid the ball from getting in the hands of Trindon Holliday; the fastest player to ever put on shoulder pads. The Tigers stalled their first drive, but after forcing a quick three-and-out, came back on offense and executed a nine-play, 58-yard drive; capped off by a three-yard touchdown run by Keiland Williams. At this point, leading 17-10, the Tigers looked to be back in business. Led by junior safety Chad Jones, the LSU defense stiffened in the third quarter, squandering every one of Tech’s drives short of a score. Fighting for their 25th straight victory vs. non-conference opponents, the Tigers defense did not take a play off the rest of the night. Now perhaps another reason for LSU’s offensive freeze this game was because they hadn’t been on the field much. The Bulldogs had the ball in their possession for 36 minutes and 20 seconds of the game, keeping the dynamic Tigers offense off the field. However, this was not an excuse in the second half. The defense did their part, the offense responded in the form of senior running back Keiland Williams. Running for 116 yards off 16 carries and two second half touchdowns, Williams unwaveringly took over injured starter Charles Scott’s role. “It definitely gives you more confidence when you are out there knowing that you are not going to be pulled after one or two carries," Williams said, who moved to number one on the depth chart due to Scott’s injury against Alabama. Williams scampered away from tackles and scored his second touchdown on a nine-yard touchdown with only 7:01 to go in the fourth quarter, practically suffocating the Bulldogs hopes of pulling off the upset.  Earlier that drive, true freshman quarterback Russell Shepard enjoyed what was perhaps the loudest roar of the night as he jogged out on the field to take the next snap. A designed quarterback run, Sheppard enjoyed even more applause as he ran for 14 yards that play and then an additional three yards the play after. Then, right on cue, the crowd felt as if they’d been tricked, as Jarrett Lee jogged back on the field to finish off the drive. Trailing 24-13, the Bulldogs only hopes were two quick scores. Yet, after one first down, they stalled and turned the ball over on their own side of the field. Giving LSU good field position at the 41, the Tigers looked to run the clock down. When the game looked to be out of reach, LSU’s game-icing drive ended in a fumbled field goal snap, giving the Bulldogs the ball and perhaps another chance at pulling off the upset. Louisiana Tech freshman kicker Matt Nelson finished the drive with a 49-yard field goal, setting up an onside kick and a chance at beating the Tigers for the first time in over a century. Predictably, LSU recovered the onside try and kneeled on it for the win. Throughout the game, you could tell that the Tigers were holding something back, especially on offense. Though this game was a close one, don’t be surprised to see the Tigers come out firing against SEC rivals Ole Miss next weekend. After the game, some players sneakily worked their way out the stadium, trying to avoid the rush, while others paused and signed autographs. You only get to play one homecoming game; the senior’s last. And when these players were talking to fans, signing autographs, and taking pictures, you could get the sense that they knew when to turn it on. LSU is still one of the best teams in the country.

                      
 SEC Wrap Up Week 10
 
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region
 
Alabama 24 LSU 15
 
For Alabama the task was simple, win the game and win the West. They needed this win to keep pace with Florida and Texas for the BCS title. So as the teams took the field each coach knew they had to get the best game of the year from their teams. What they got was an entertaining game that now clears the picture in the SEC. LSU looked strong early and it looked like they would get the best in this one. With LSU playing the run, the Tide put the ball in the air 25 out of the 34 times they threw the football in first half, but could only muster a Leigh Tiffin 28-yard field goal. In the meantime the Tigers were up 7-3 with Quarterback Jordan Jefferson and running back Charles Scott leading the way. Then the two of them were hurt in the second half and the game changed. It was 10-9 Alabama after a safety when Stevan Ridley had an 8-yard scoring run to put LSU up 15-10 going into the fourth quarter. Then Alabama showed the form that has gotten them this far this year. Running back Mark Ingram ran for 106 of his 144 yards in the second half and receiver Julio Jones had his best game of the year. It was reported that one or more of the Tigers defensive backs had been talking smack to Jones all day. Well all of that was squashed when he broke LSU’s back on a 73-yard catch and run for a 21-15 lead his team would not relinquish. Another Tiffin field goal with 3:04 left ended the scoring. With the win the Tide clinched the West and will play Florida for the SEC championship on December 5 in Atlanta. Barring a breakdown before that, the winner in Atlanta should play for the BCS title.
 
Tennessee 56 Memphis 28
The one thing that has been a constant this year in Knoxville is coach Lane Kiffin. He has stirred the stuff on more than a few occasions and this week was no different when Memphis coach Tommy West supposedly said some kind of joke that involved Kiffin and a dog. After the game Kiffin shot back in true fashion saying the dog had bitten back. He did not make any friends in the game either as he had his Vols play with the intensity of a conference championship. They kicked an onside kick with a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and went for it a few times on fourth down in the first half. He would also call a timeout on a third down play when Memphis had the ball at their own 14. It was his way of sending a clear message to his team that they would be playing full throttles the rest of the season. Yes it was Memphis they were playing and the Tigers scored most of their points against back up players. It did not matter as Jonathan Crompton threw for a career best 331 yards, five touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown. It could have been worse but Kiffin pulled him in the third and then the defensive subs followed. It was a game that Kiffin hopes he can use to help recruiting in the Memphis area for the future. He has made many waves in his rookie season but he has also put a fire under these Vols. They are playing the brand of football that has not been seen in awhile here. They still have a few games left and if they can win out they stand a shot at bowl bids like the Outback and the Cotton. It’s still early up on Rocky Top but things are looking up for the future of Tennessee football.
 
Florida 27 Vanderbilt 3
One of the things I hate to hear is when they say a team got a moral victory in a loss. To me there is no such thing. So that takes us the Gainesville and the game between the Commodores and the Gators. It was never a contest but Vandy sacked AT&Tebow four times and limited him to just 27 yards rushing. He was efficient but Vanderbilt made him work harder than usual and Florida looked to have more questions than answers. They could not get into a flow and were confused with the different looks they were getting from the Vandy defense. Either way the Gators won their 19th straight game and is now on cruise control for their showdown versus Alabama for the SEC title. As for Vanderbilt, they showed again they have a top-flight defense but lack the offense and consistency to beat teams like Florida. Mistakes and stalled drives continue to be the flavor and they had to punt seven times. Mackenzi Adams started for the injured Larry Smith but could only get 100 yards passing and the offense managed just 199 total yards. That will not get it done in this league so Florida must now win out and use these next games as preparation for Alabama. If they play like they did on this day they will not beat the Tide and defend their national championship. Hold on cause now its SEC football at it’s best.
 

An Interview With:


JaMARCUS RUSSELL
Oakland Raiders



JaMARCUS RUSSELL: First, I just want to thank God for this opportunity and the chance he gave me when I needed it the most, just coming through with this.

Thank my family for being here at this time. I'm going to be ready to go out there and go to work.



Q. You were recruited by Nick Saban at LSU; is that correct?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Yes, sir.



Q. Have you talked to him at all about what you can expect?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: I talked to Coach a few days ago just talking about how proud he was. He was very happy for me, with all of the guys back at LSU.



Q. How much do you expect to contribute as a rookie the first year?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: The best way I can, helping the guys out in practice, helping him do his job and helping me out in any way possible going in and making plays.



Q. Is it what you expected, they had been talking about you as the No. 1 pick?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: I kind of had faith, everybody had been talking about it for a while. This is a dream come true.

Growing up as a kid, you know, playing every sport in life, always see the guys on the professional level and here I am today.



Q. When did Oakland contact you?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Just a few minutes before they went up to the podium I got a call and a text message just letting me know how happy they were

and very excited about the situation and can't wait until I get in.



Q. Nothing yesterday?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: No.



Q. Did you talk to Al Davis?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Not yet.



Q. Are you hoping to get a chance to play with Randy Moss this season?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: It's going to be terrific, watching him as a kid, the things he did, he's still Randy Moss. and it's going to be exciting to get on the side

of him and work one‑on‑one with each other. I just can't wait to get in and have the opportunity to do that.



Q. Do you consider yourself a franchise quarterback?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Right now, you know, besides all of the franchise and everything else, I'm just very excited. When things happen,

they happen for a reason, and who knows what tomorrow may bring.



Q. What's going to be your biggest challenge as you look at it going to the Raiders and the NFL?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Just starting all over again. Have to prove yourself once and for all. Just letting the guys know that you come there to

work, you do anything and everything is possible and try to help them out and just put them in a position to make plays as a quarterback.



Q. Do you expect to start?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: I'm expected to do whatever is necessary for the team.



Q. Think back to the pro style offense you played at LSU; how much has that contributed to where you are today and made you more ready?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: A lot. Most people don't know how much our offense brings to the table as far as checking out the line and switching plays

from side to side or from running the pass, pass to run. Coach Fisher did a wonderful job and I appreciate him for giving me the opportunity and really

just thank Coach Saban and the rest of the coaches there.



Q. A lot of teams, there's been a lot of emphasis on the conduct policy; how much do people talk to you about that?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: A lot. The guy that I am and the mom that I have, that won't be a problem. I was raised better than that and I know right from wrong.

I don't think it will be a problem.



Q. How many people are going to join you out in California?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: A good friend of mine, I just can't wait to get out there.



Q. Did you dress in black on purpose?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: I kind of, you know, wanted to dress all‑black beforehand. It's just a coincidence.



Q. Of all of the criticisms of your ability, what's one thing that maybe has rubbed you wrong the most?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: When people tell you what you can't do. They are not inside your body and most of the guys have not played football during their life.

For me, most things don't really get to me. I kind of let it roll off my back and just keep going.



Q. What part of your game do you need to work on?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Everything. As a quarterback you can't forget something, because you might work on something too hard and lack in others, so everything is important.



Q. How do you feel about the expectations that are going to be placed on you? The Raiders have struggled; a lot of people are going to be looking

at you as the savior of the franchise; how do you feel you'll put up with that kind of pressure?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Whether it's other people or myself, I set my standards very high and for the expectations that everybody has. But you know, you can

only do what God has set for you to do. I'll be very pleased to go out there and work as hard as I can to make everything possible for the Raiders.



Q. On Media Day you said the Raiders did not contact you yet; did anything happen between Thursday afternoon and today?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Sat down with the coach and basically told him what he expects if things work out like they did today and how do I feel about it

and just making sure my head was on my shoulders and that I was not going to get caught up in the hype and everything.



Q. Are you able to enjoy yourself this week? Did you feel you had to be No. 1?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Not exactly. I'm just very fortunate to be in the position that I am. Everybody don't get a chance or an opportunity

to make it to the NFL, and just very fortunate to be here. I would go anywhere in the world and play ball and I'm just happy that I'm at the Oakland Raiders today.



Q. When do you look for a convertible for your grandmother?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: That's a secret. She's back there; I can't say yet. (Laughter).



Q. You go from one minute being a college player to the next minute, millionaire, big contract. What's that transition like at 22 years old?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: I ain't got that yet ‑‑ I plan on doing good things and just be happy that I'm in that situation. Right now I'm so excited, man.

Like the whole week has been fun but this morning it started hitting me that I was going in the NFL Draft. I've seen it on TV for quite some time

and just to be standing up there with the commissioner and all of the fans in the stands, I'm very excited. That's when it really hit me he.



Q. This could be a big day for LSU, three players that may go in the first round; how much are you going to stay in contact with them today?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Those guys, we're brothers. Me and Dwayne stayed together for a while and we have a great relationship, I think the other

guys will do a wonderful job wherever they get drafted to. Good luck and best wishes to those guys.



Q. Were you able to sleep tonight or were you too nervous about this whole thing?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: To be honest, man, I was knocked out. Like I say, it really didn't hit me last night. Just thought the faster

go to sleep, the quicker the day will come; so I had to get to sleep.



Q. How do you feel about going to Oakland and playing in front of those fans?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: We had great fans at LSU and I heard those fans are a little bit better somewhat right up above that,

so I just can't wait to go out and play in front of those guys and hear those guys go crazy.



Q. Do you have the strongest arm in the league?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Oh, man, I've got to get there first. I've got to get in and get a chance to make things happen and we'll see from there.



Q. Are you familiar with those Raider fans? Some of them look scary.

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: They are behind me 100%, so they have got my back.



Q. How would you describe yourself as a leader?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Myself, you know, I'm the type of guy that will lead by example. I try to do my best each and every day every week so it rubs off on

my guys and make sure they play up to par and make sure they play at my level every time they go out.



Q. When did you think you could play at this game level?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: When I was a kid I was always a little bit above the rest of the kids. My mom, believe it or not, I was so tall, she

had to carry my birth certificate around to different parks to prove to people that I wasn't too old.



Q. A lot of the stuff people said before the draft was that Brady Quinn is more polished and more prepared to play, but that

you have the better arm and you're a better athlete; is that insulting at all?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: People have their opinion. I wish the best for Brady and I think he'll be really good at what he does.

Like I say, people don't know what goes on behind those closed doors, the things that go on on your offense. They just look for what they see on TV.

But what people are saying, I try not to get too caught up in it and go about my business and just try to do my best out there.



Q. Between accuracy and beating defenses, what is one thing that you improved on that made you realize you're ready for right now?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: From my first year up until now?



Q. Yes.

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: You get a feeling for the defenses coming out of high school but it takes your coach to sit down and

go over that with you and the more experience you get, the better off you'll be at that. I think I do a great job at both.



Q. What do you expect from Al Davis from your dealings with him and what do you know about him?

JaMARCUS RUSSELL: Great things. Sitting down and talking to him really got a chance to hear a lot of things from him. He told me that

he likes touchdowns. I told him I did, too, so we're going to try to make some things happen.

JA MARCUS RUSSELL
Quarterback
Louisiana State University Tigers
#4
6:05.4-258
Mobile, Alabama
Williamson High School

OVERVIEW
Much like the Auburn staff did with Jason Campbell several years ago, the LSU coaches patiently
waited for Russell to develop. That patience paid off in 2005, as Russell wrested the starting
reigns away from Matt Flynn. Most experts now regard JaMarcus as the most physically gifted
quarterback to ever wear a Louisiana State uniform.

The talented junior has what many feel is the strongest arm in college football. He can throw the
ball the length of the field and put on an impressive performance prior to the 2006 Sugar Bowl,
when he sat down on the ground and threw the pigskin 40 yards down field. Under the guidance
of offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, JaMarcus developed a keen understanding and knowledge
in how to manage the clock. He went on to compile a 25-4 record as a starter, the third-best
record in school history.

Russell and his favorite target, receiver Dwayne Bowe, is the most prolific pass-catch scoring
tandem in school history, as the duo connected on 23 touchdowns during their career. JaMarcus
leaves LSU as the school’s second-ranked passer with a 61.86 pass completion percentage and
52 touchdown tosses. He is just the third player in Tiger annals to throw for over 6,000 yards in a
career and the first to lead the team to at least ten victories in consecutive seasons. He also
proved to be a heroic passer, as he rallied the team late in the fourth quarter or during overtime to
eight victories during his 36 games in an LSU uniform.

JaMarcus was regarded as one of the nation's top-rated quarterbacks during his time at
Williamson High School. He was a consensus top five national pro-style quarterback by every
major recruiting publication and named to the prestigious Parade All-American team. In 2002, he
was rated the fourth-best quarterback prospect in the country by College Football News. He was
also named Alabama's Mr. Football and Super Prep Dixie Offensive Player of the Year in 2002.

Russell was a member of Super Prep’s All-American team, FSN South's Countdown to Signing
Day "All-South" first-team, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 and the Orlando
Sentinel’s All-Southern teams. The all-time leading passer in Alabama history, JaMarcus threw
for 10,744 yards during his career, eclipsing the state record set by former Alabama and current
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle.

The two-time Class 5A All-State selection also rewrote the state record books with 84 touchdown
passes. He connected on 219-of-372 passes (58.9%) for 3,332 yards and 22 touchdowns as a
senior, adding 400 yards and five scores rushing 2002. He also passed for 1,850 yards and 17
touchdowns as a junior. Russell also excelled on the school’s basketball team as a small forward,
averaging 15 points, 10 rebounds and four assists per game as a junior.

Russell enrolled at Louisiana State in 2003, spending the season performing on the scout team.
He played in 11 games, sharing quarterback duties with Marcus Randall in 2004, earning five
starting assignments. He completed 73-of-144 passes (50.7%) for 1,053 yards, nine touchdowns
and four interceptions. But, despite his 4.7 speed, he was sacked 13 times and lost 41 yards on
26 carries, finishing with 1,012 yards in total offense.

JaMarcus became the full-time starter for the Tigers in 2005, leading the team to a 10-2 record in
their first twelve games. He hit on 188-of-311 attempts (60.5%) for 2,443 yards, 15 touchdowns
and nine interceptions. He scored twice on 61 carries, but was held to minus 22 yards, as he was
sacked 21 times and turned the ball over four times on fumbles.

Russell changed his uniform to #2 in 2006, after wearing #4 during his first two seasons. The first-
team All-Southeastern Conference choice led the Tigers to an 11-3 record in his final campaign.
He gained 3,129 yards with 28 touchdowns and only eight interceptions, as he connected on 232-
of-342 throws (67.8%). JaMarcus added 142 yards and a score on 52 carries, amassing 3,271
yards in total offense.

In 36 games at Louisiana State, Russell started 30 contests. He threw for 6,625 yards and 52
touchdowns and 21 interceptions, as he completed 493-of-797 throws (61.9%). He rushed 139
times for 79 yards (0.6 avg) and four scores while also recording four solo tackles. On 936 plays,
JaMarcus piled up 6,704 yards in total offense, an average of 186.22 yards per game.

CAREER NOTES
Since the 2000 season, the Tigers have rallied in the fourth quarter or in overtime to win 15
games. Russell produced eight of those comebacks, doing so vs. Oregon State in 2004 (scored
TD with 1:05 left to force OT W, 22-21 OT); vs. Mississippi (scored TD with 10:51 left W, 27-24),
Arizona State (scored TD with 1:13 left W, 35-31), Florida (scored TD with 12:35 left W, 21-14),
Auburn (scored FG with 1:40 left to force OT W, 20-17) and Alabama (scored TD on 3rd down in
OT W, 16-13) in 2005; and vs. Tennessee (scored TD with 9 seconds left W, 28-21) and
Mississippi (scored TD with 14 seconds left to force OT W, 23-20) in 2006...Russell’s 6,625 yards
passing rank third on the school’s career-record list behind Tommy Hodson (9,115 yards; 1986-
89) and Jeff Wickersham (6,921; 1982-85)... His 493 pass completions rank third in school
annals, topped by Hodson (674) and Wickersham (587)...Russell’s 797 pass attempts placed him
fourth in school history behind Hodson (1,163), Wickersham (1,005) and Jamie Howard (934,
1992-95)...His pass completion percentage of 61.9 was just shy of the LSU all-time record of
62.0% by Alan Risher (1980-82)...JaMarcus threw for 52 touchdowns during his career, topped
only by Tommy Hodson’s 69 on the school career-record list...Averaged 184.03 yards per game
passing during his career, ranking behind Hodson (203.1), Josh Booty (197.5 ypg, 1999-2000)
and Herb Tyler (184.8 ypg, 1995-98) in LSU annals...The pitch-&-catch combination of JaMarcus
Russell-to-Dwayne Bowe broke the school record for scoring tandems in a career, as the pair
hooked up for 23 touchdowns to move past Tommy Hodson and Wendell Davis (21) for first place
on the all-time LSU list...With a 25-4 overall mark as the Tigers’ starting quarterback, Russell
moved into a third-place tie with Warren Rabb (25-7, 1957-59) for most victories by a signal
caller. Tommy Hodson (1986-89) holds the school record by compiling a 31-14-1 mark during his
career as a starter and Herb Tyler (1995-98) compiled a 27-11 record as a starter...Russell
became only the second player in school history to throw for over 3,000 yards in a season (3,129
in 2006), joining Rohan Davey (3,347 yards in 2001)...His 2,443 yards passing in 2005 rank sixth
on the Tigers’ season-record chart...His 232 pass completions in 2006 set an LSU season-
record, topping the previous mark of 229 by Matt Mauck (2003)...His 342 pass attempts in 2006
rank fourth in school history behind Rohan Davey (367 in 2001), Matt Mauck (358 in 2003) and
Jeff Wickersham (346 in 1985)...Russell’s pass completion percentage of 67.8 in 2006 topped
the old LSU season-record of 65.2% by Herb Tyler (1995) and that completion percentage ranks
second in SEC season annals behind Tim Couch of Kentucky (72.3% on 400-of-553 attempts in
1998...His 28 touchdown passes in 2006 tied the school season-record that was first set by Matt
Mauck (2003)...Russell’s average of 240.69 yards per game passing in 2006 rank second on the
school’s season-record list, surpassed only by Rohan Davey (279.2 ypg, 2001).

2006 SEASON
All-American Dream Team third-team choice by The NFL Draft Report...Semi-finalist for the
Davey O’Brien Award...Joined Tommy Hodson (1987) as the only quarterbacks in LSU history to
be named first-team All-South-eastern Conference by the Associated Press and the league’s
coaches in the same season...Changed uniform numbers from #4 to #2, the same number he
wore during his stellar high school career...Started every game, becoming the first player in
school history to guide the team to 10 or more victories in consecutive seasons (11-2 in 2006, 10-
2 in 2005)...Ranked fourth in the nation and led the SEC with a 167.03 passing efficiency
rating...Ranked 15th nationally and second in the conference with an average of 251.62 yards
per game in total offense...Also finished second in the SEC in total passing yards and average
passing yards per game (240.69)...Set school season-records by completing 232-of-342 passes
(67.8%), good for 3,129 yards, 28 touchdowns and only eight interceptions...Rushed 52 times for
142 yards (2.7 avg) and a score...Gained 3,271 yards in total offense...Turned the ball over four
times on a career-high nine fumbles and was sacked 15 times for losses totaling 126 yards...131
of his pass completions resulted in first downs, as he helped the team convert 64-of-133 third-
down plays during drives that he engineered...48 of his completions were for 20 yards or longer,
but he also had 30 of his pass attempts deflected by the opposition...Earned SEC Player of the
Week honors vs. Mississippi State, Kentucky and Tennessee...Threw for over 300 yards in the
Mississippi State and Notre Dame (Sugar Bowl) games.

2005 SEASON
Russell was selected SEC Player of the Year by the Columbus Touchdown Club...He added SEC
Academic Honor Roll recognition and was named SEC Player of the Week vs. Vanderbilt...
JaMarcus started the first twelve games of the season, becoming the third player in school history
to win ten games (10-2) in a campaign...He hit on 188-of-311 passes (60.5%) for 2,443 yards, 15
touchdowns and nine interceptions, but lost 22 yards on 61 carries, as he was sacked 21 times
for losses totaling 214 yards... All four of his fumbles were recovered by the opposition...Also had
27 of his pass attempts deflected...Threw at least one touchdown in nine consecutive games
before that streak was stopped in the SEC Championship Game vs. Georgia...Suffered a left
shoulder separation and right wrist ligament damage in that Georgia game, undergoing wrist
surgery that forced him to miss the Peach Bowl clash vs. Miami.

2004 SEASON
Shared quarterback duties with Marcus Randall, starting vs. Florida, Vanderbilt, Alabama,
Mississippi and Arkansas...Completed 73-of-144 passes (50.7%) for 1,053 yards, nine
touchdowns and four interceptions...Scored once on 26 carries, but was sacked 13 times for
losses totaling 109 yards...Finished with 1,012 yards in total offense.

2003 SEASON
Enrolled at Louisiana State, redshirting while performing on the scout team.

CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
4.83 in the 40-yard dash...335-pound bench press...515-pound squat...31-inch vertical jump...34
1/2-inch arm length...9 1/2-inch hands...Right-handed.

HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Williamson (Mobile, Ala.) High School, playing football for head coach Bobby
Parrish...Regarded as one of the nation's top-rated quarterbacks...Consensus top five national
pro-style quarterback by every major recruiting publication and named to the prestigious Parade
All-American team...In 2002, he was rated the fourth-best quarterback prospect in the country by
College Football News...Named Alabama's Mr. Football and Super Prep Dixie Offensive Player
of the Year in 2002...Member of Super Prep’s All-American team, FSN South's Countdown to
Signing Day "All-South" first-team, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Super Southern 100 and the
Orlando Sentinel’s All-Southern teams...The all-time leading passer in Alabama history,
JaMarcus threw for 10,744 yards during his career, eclipsing the state record set by former
Alabama and current Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle...The two-time Class 5A All-
State selection also rewrote the state record books with 84 touchdown passes...Connected on
219-of-372 passes (58.9%) for 3,332 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior, adding 400 yards
and five scores rushing 2002...Passed for 1,850 yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior... Also
excelled on the school’s basketball team as a small forward, averaging 15 points, 10 rebounds
and four assists per game as a junior.

PERSONAL
General Studies major...Son of Zina Russell-Anderson and Bobby Lloyd...Made national news in
2006 after sharing his apartment with legendary musician Fats Domino in the days following
Hurricane Katrina...Actually housed over a dozen family and friends for a week following the
storm...Spent part of the 2006 off-season serving as a counselor at the Manning Passing
Academy, working alongside Peyton and Eli Manning each day...Born 8/09/85 in Mobile,
Alabama.