Tusculum’s Russell Named Football Gazette Offensive Player Of Week

WESTMONT, Ill. --- For the second time this year, Tusculum College quarterback Corey Russell has been named the Football Gazette Division II National Offensive Player of the Week, announced College officials.

Russell, a 6-4, 190-pound junior from Speedwell, Tenn., accounted for all four touchdowns (3 passing, 1 rushing) in Tusculum's 31-28 upset win over then seventh-ranked Catawba. The Cumberland Gap High School went 25-for-39 for 282 passing yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 69 yards on 23 carries, including a three-yard TD run in the second quarter. Russell was also named South Atlantic Conference Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this year and third in his career.

Russell established new single-season and career school records for touchdown tosses. His 19 TD passes this year are a new TC record, while his 40 career touchdown completions are also a new school mark. He leads the Pioneers in passing yards (2,108), rushing yards (252) and total offense (2,360).

Tusculum (5-3, 3-0 SAC) has won its last five game and is in first place in the conference. The Pioneers travel to Newberry this Saturday night for a 7 p.m. contest at Setzler Field.