High School: Versatile athlete who played free safety, quarterback, kicker, punter, and kick returner during his career at Honeoye Falls-Lima High School under head coach Bill Donegan...four-year starter at free safety and three-year starter at quarterback...set school records for tackles in a game (24), season (105 in 2001), and career (277) and also set standards with 23 rushing touchdowns, longest interceptions return (102 yards), longest run from scrimmage (95), and longest touchdown pass (82 yards)...blocked seven kicks during career...three-time selection to the Greater-Rochester All-Star team and a two-time first team All-State selection at defensive back...four-time all-county pick at safety and punter, and a three-time all-county kicker...two-time county Defensive Player of the Year...led team to section semifinals three times and league title twice...three-year starter in basketball and a four-year starter in baseball as a shortstop...three-time All-State selection in baseball and a two-time county Player of the Year...batted over .500 all three sea-sons...team captain in all three sports...

At Delaware: Talented player who adds game experience to young defensive secondary...projected as backup safety...will also be counted on to provide kick coverage on special teams..expected back at full strength after missing spring drills with shoulder injury...

2004: Earned first letter after playing a key role as a backup defensive back and special teams player...appeared in 10 games, all in a reserve role...did not see action in games vs. Navy, Villanova, and playoff game vs. William & Mary...recorded three tackles, including two vs. Maine and one vs. New Hampshire...intercepted his first career pass vs. Maine in mid-season Blue Hen victory...recorded three tackles in spring game...returned to team in spring semester after sitting out the fall...

2003: Left team early in pre-season practice and was not enrolled in school during the fall...was projected as No. 2 free safety behind Dave Camburn heading into pre-season...turned heads in the spring game as he recorded three tackles, broke up a pass, and blocked a field goal attempt...

2002: Did not see game action and retained freshman eligibility...made travelling squad at Rhode Island Oct. 19 but did not see action...

Personal: John Thomas Russ...born March 3, 1984 in Rochester, NY...son of William and Nancy Russ...has two sisters...sport management major...enjoys skiing, snowboarding, and golf in his spare time...father played baseball at Duke and played in the Baltimore Orioles organization.