Dreaming of the NFL: Wachusett grad's career has professional football on notice
By John Orrell
April 7, 2011
Princeton, MA --- He may be one of the most complete packages to come off an area gridiron in years with statistics that are hard to match.
While playing in the NFL one day remains his dream, it is a path not too far from reality.
Princeton's Tyler Russell has left his mark on Wachusett Regional High School and more recently Worcester State University with eye-popping numbers. As a linebacker for the Lancers, Russell finished the 2010 season first in the NCAA Division III in solo tackles (92) while his total tackles and average tackles (16.70) were tied for second nationally.
With the aforementioned accomplishments came justifiable recognition.
He was awarded the Co-NEFC Bogan Division Defensive Player of the Year, the Worcester Area Association Defensive Player of the Year and selected to the Third-Team of the D3football.com All-East team. Russell was also chosen to represent Worcester State and the NEFC at the Division III North-South All-Star Game and at the Division II/III All-American Bowl.
With such lofty accomplishments, it would be easy to overlook what impressed coaches and teammates the most, that being strong work ethic, commitment and character.
"He is the most dedicated football player I have ever coached," said Worcester State University defensive coordinator Mark Sullivan. "He literally took each coaching point to heart. He worked harder than anyone in the weight-room and in conditioning. He played through pain and injury never once complaining or putting himself or his team in harm's way. As a football player, he is the smartest I have coached.
"His statistics speak for themselves," Sullivan added. "He's idolized by most if not all of the players. His attitude is so positive, and he takes full responsibility for things when they go wrong. His work ethic is what motivated the team."
In agreement with Sullivan is Wachusett Regional varsity football head coach Mike Dubzinski who coached Russell through his high school career including two Super Bowls.
"Tyler, despite his own personal skill and talent, is dedicated to the concept of putting team first," he said. "He doesn't worry about individual accomplishments. He's just a tough, hard-nosed player who brings a lot of will, determination and commitment."
Russell's venture onto the gridiron came at an early age. At age 8, he played Pop Warner football and instantly fell in love with the game. He played on the offensive side of the ball early on but a sudden growth spurt changed all that.
"In my first year of high school, I put on about 40 pounds and grew about five inches," said the 23 year old Russell who graduated from WRHS in 2006. "I knew at that time it was time to switch to defense and after that I never looked back."
Worcester State University competes at Division III level where recognition by professional sports is dwarfed by that of larger schools. Nevertheless, Russell has dreams that perhaps one day the right opportunity will come along to take his talent to the next level. In May, he will travel to Amsterdam to compete in a contest of Division II and III athletes which basically will be a showcase of players before pro scouts.
"It's really a combine of drills where they look at talent and skill," said Russell, a criminal justice major at WSU. "I hope to get my name out there and work as hard as I can. This is pretty exciting to be going there and an honor to be chosen and I'll give it my best for sure."
Whether he emerges one day in the pro ranks or not, it's been a memorable gridiron career. Just one thing would make it extra special, according to Russell – playing on Sunday.
"It would be a dream to play pro football, especially coming from a small school. It would be everything I've worked for. But I have to admit if it all went my way, I'd be playing for another team besides the Patriots," he said with a laugh. "On the record, I'm a big Dallas Cowboy fan."