8/28/2016 football Edit

FL DB Surprised & Excited Over UNC Offer

2018 Florida DB Randy Russell was offered by UNC on Saturday despite no previous contact with the Heels.

Andrew Jones • TarHeelIllustrated

Publisher

Andrew Jones has covered sports for 26 years, including all major college & professional sports for daily newspapers & national sites. He's done radio and TV & is entering his seventh year at THI.

Randy Russell got a surprise phone call Saturday. It was from North Carolina assistant football coach Larry Porter, and he was delivering good news to the Carol City High School safety.

Even though he hadn’t spoken to anyone from the UNC program prior to Saturday, Russell was extended a scholarship offer by Porter. Russell was shocked.

“That haven't shown any previous interest,” he told THI. “The offer was overwhelming.”

But now that Carolina has entered the picture, the Tar Heels’ staff wants Russell to visit Chapel Hill. The 5-11, 175-pound junior safety plans on attending UNC’s game at Miami on Oct. 15 plus taking a trip to UNC.

The offer excites Miami Gardens, FL, native because he has a great deal of respect for Carolina.

“I know that they have a very great academic program,” he said. “The defensive is moving in the right direction with Coach (Gene) Chizik.”

Russell has also been offered by West Virginia, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Illinois, South Carolina and many other schools. Yet, even with limited information on UNC and contact with Carolina, the Heels vaulted near the top of Russell’s list.

“The UNC offer will sit well with some of the top schools that has offered me,” said Russell, who ran track last spring to improve his speed.

While UNC offered Russell as a safety, he plays all over the place on his high school team. In addition to safety he also plays some linebacker and nickel back. He also considers himself a very physical player.

Russell is uncertain at this time when he will get to Chapel Hill, but he is lining up some other visits for the next month, including he hopes one to West Virginia. And with UNC having just three home games through the end of October, it’s likely Russell’s trip will be in November.