Grant Russell '15 Recruiting Profile

I am a redshirt freshman football place kicker majoring in Mechanical Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in Rapid City, SD. I have a release on file that enables me to visit with coaches who are seeking a place kicker, and my current collegiate football coach, Stacy Collins, welcomes any inquiries about his experience with me this past 2015 season. 

I graduated from high school in May 2015, where I played for the Hot Springs Bison Football and Soccer teams. I hold 4 of 5 high school records for kicking: longest FG (47 yds); most game PATs (9); most season FGs (7); and most season PATs (35), which records I was fortunate to break from my Sophomore thru Senior years. I am an All State Football Conference and the Black Hills Football conference player, and Special Teams Player of the Year for the past 3 years. I was also co-captain of my soccer team. As a Junior and Senior, I helped my team nearly win a spot to the 2013 football state championships. I attended the Kicking World Camp in Denver, CO, in May 2014, and the National Kicking World Showcase in San Diego, CA on December 6-7, 2014, where I placed in the top 6. I kicked a 57 yard field goal at the University of South Dakota Football camp as a Sophomore, and a 60 yard Field Goal in Denver during the Kicking Camp. I realize it doesn't matter how far I can kick if it is not consistent. I have been attending Special Skills Camps and improving my technique to be sure both the distance and consistency is there.

http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/communities/hot-springs/sports/taking-aim-at-college-football/article_498fdd32-b071-11e4-bf47-cf3c8af39321.html

Being dependable is important to me. Focusing on my academics, while competing in athletics has taught me the importance of being dependable, in good times and rough ones. Since the 7th grade, I have competed in both soccer and football, which sports are both held during the same season. This commitment has made me understand first-hand that focusing on "the little things" makes a huge difference in the long run.

I am pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering because I have a keen interest in understanding how things work. I come from a middle class family whose folks believe strongly in higher education. I have been taught to work hard and persevere through obstacles. I strive to be a vital part of a team, and learn and excel through my mistakes. I am asking for an opportunity to join a collegiate football team and make a meaningful, positive contribution, and learn from a top-notch coaching staff, while pursuing an education in mechanical engineering.