Prior to BSU: Russell is a three-year letterwinner at Mandan High School where he was a two-year starter for the varsity team at center and defensive tackle… Named to Class AAA All-State team on defense… Selected to participate in the North Dakota Shrine Bowl featuring the top high school seniors in the state… Earned spot on All-West Region team as offensive and defensive lineman… Helped lead Mandan Braves to Class AAA quarterfinals where they lost 24-15 to West Fargo High School, ranked No. 1 in the state at the time... Joins high school teammate Billy Binstock as 2011 signees.

Personal: Born July 30, 1992 in Fargo, N.D... Son of T.J. and Gina Russell... Plans to study Construction site Management