Posted on Tue, Jul. 01, 2008

While reviewing film from his team's spring game against Pahokee, William T. Dwyer coach Jack Daniels noticed something.

Running back Donald Russell was nowhere to be found -- through no fault of his own.

''The first thing we realized,'' Daniels said, ``is we didn't get Donald enough touches on offense.''

Part of that was by design, as depth issues forced Russell to return to cornerback after spending his junior season almost exclusively on offense. Part of it was cramps-related, as that humid Thursday evening on the banks of Lake Okeechobee limited Russell's carries to just a handful.

But part of it was a mistake -- one Daniels vows not to repeat this season with his powerful-yet-quick offensive threat.

''I think you'll see Donald in the fall get 20 touches a game,'' Daniels said, adding: ``I expect Donald to be one of the top three backs in the state.''

Apparently, colleges are expecting something similar. Big colleges.

Russell said he has a handful of offers. His ''main focus,'' he said, are the ones from the University of Miami and South Florida, although Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Southern Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina and Auburn have deep interest, Russell said.

And it's easy to see why such high-profile schools want him. Russell lists himself at a sturdy 5-10 and 200 pounds. He has clocked in at 4.48 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He ran for around 900 yards last year and reached double-digits in touchdowns.

Recruiting analyst Larry Blustein ranks Russell the No. 11 prospect in Palm Beach County, calling him ``one of the top backs in the region.''

''He's a great player,'' Dwyer quarterback/defensive back Bradley Wallace said. ``He's one of the backs that you can give it to like 20 times a game to open up the passing game.''

Of course, running isn't all Russell is facing this fall. His move to the defensive backfield will be a challenge, with Russell admitting that playing both ways ``gets a little tough sometimes, around the third or fourth quarter.''

Draining or not, though, Russell said playing in the secondary has its benefits.

Among them: Improved footwork, in terms of changing directions -- just the thing the budding tailback prospect wants to work on.

But what to do with his skills, as far as the next level? There are those in-state offers from UM and USF. Russell also has attended a University of Florida camp this year. Still, he insists he won't rush his choice. He expects to take his official visits this fall, and no sooner.

In other words, he said, ``I'm going to take my time.''

''Me and my mom and my dad are going to sit down and talk about some things that other schools may have that I might need,'' Russell said, ``and [I'll] make my decision from there.''