Written by Tiffany Jones
Senior football player Eddie Russ Jr. was named Gulf South Conference defensive player of the week for the week of Sept. 6, largely due to his role in the 20-0 shutout against the Southern Arkansas University Muleriders.In the game, Russ had an interception and a fumble recovery, making the Sept. 4 game the second time in his career to have both an interception and a fumble recovery in the same game.”When you have a guy who can shut down the other team’s best receiver, that’s a big deal,” said Paul Simmons, assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Bisons.”Eddie was very productive,” Simmons said. “He had a big interception that was a momentum swing play. He also recovered a fumble at a crucial part of the game. He really locked out the receivers.”Russ began playing for Harding two years ago after transferring from Antelope Valley College in California.Simmons remembers trying to recruit Russ.”His college coach told me that he would be out of our league and I shouldn’t bother calling him,” Simmons said. “Well, I called Eddie and told him we were a Christian school and we were focused on trying to honor God, and Eddie was like, ‘Coach, that’s a huge deal to me and my life.'”Russ said it was because of the Christian values that he transferred.”When I heard I also had an opportunity to play football where people are all about honoring God, as a team, as a whole, as a school, as a collective group, I was like, ‘Man, that’s a win-win,'” Russ said.Russ was surprised by the news that the GSC had awarded him with defensive player of week. He gives all of the praise to God.”To God be all the glory on that,” Russ said. “It’s always good to get credit for hard work, because that’s what we’re all about, hard work. “Russ said his mailbox has been full of notes of encouragement from professors and supporters this week.”I’m very glad I chose Harding, not just for the football team but for the school in general. I thank God I had the opportunity to come here and do something I love, playing football, while getting my education,” he said. “I’m glad everybody embraces accomplishments here.”Russ and Simmons have their eyes turned to the next game. West Georgia is going to be a challenge for the Bisons, Simmons said.”We plan on going down there and getting the job done,” Simmons said.As for Russ, he is not taking the victory against SAU lightly. He said he is working on getting better for the upcoming game against the Wolves.”We want to get comfortable with getting uncomfortable,” Russ said. “We are never satisfied.”
