Four-Star RB Braylen Russell Fits Tennessee's 2024 Plans
The Tennessee Volunteers haven't been shy about recruiting multiple running backs in the 2024 class. Though four-star running back Peyton Lewis is already committed, and is quite good, the Vols are anticipating that several of their backs depart early for the NFL. When that time comes, they need quality depth that can step up and fill that void. One of their top targets, five-star running back Jerrick Gibson, came off the board on Saturday, but they aren't without options.
Four-star running back Braylen Russell (Benton, Ark.) has been a target of Tennessee's for a calendar year. They offered him last June and have gotten him on campus three times now, as he is currently in Knoxville for an official visit. The in-state Arkansas Razorbacks have been the leader here for a long time, but a recent push by the Vols has them sitting comfortably. We'll learn more after his official visit, but this recruitment doesn't seem to be over as we sit here on June 25. There's a lot to like to Russell's game, and when you turn on the tape, it's also clear why Tennessee thinks he could be a productive SEC running back.
2024 RB Braylen Russell with Tennessee HC Josh Heupel
For one, he's already built like an SEC workhorse. Russell measures in at 6-1 and 225 pounds, which adds up on tape. He looks like an avatar running around against high school defenders, and they recognize it. You can tell when a defense is aware of a running back, when they are tired of running into a brick play 25+ times per game. Russell is a workhorse, toting the ball upward of 30 times in several games this season. He keeps coming downhill and delivering contact, much to the dismay of would-be tacklers.
Russell also has impressive contact balance. Backs of his size tend to lumber and can even be easier to breakdown if you hit them in the right spot. Not Russell. He keeps a low center of gravity when reading gaps, bursting through holes but ensuring that when defenders come he can absorb the blow without losing his footing. He may not dust every SEC defensive back in a foot race to the end zone, but Russell can make his living by racking up 12-15 yard gains and navigating tight alleys to create yards after contact.
Lewis already brings the top-end track speed that Tennessee needs. Now, they need someone who they can mark as a certainty, someone who can deliver with a big workload. Russell fits that billing to a tee, and I'd expect Tennessee to continue laying out the red carpet this weekend.
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