Catching up with Russell Gambrell
Russell Gambrell, a former Lakeside football player, has started at safety at the University of Tennessee Martin for two seasons.
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Russell Gambrell played fullback and safety for Lakeside High from 1997 to 2000. He has gone on to the University of Tennessee Martin, where he played as a true freshman and has started at safety the past two seasons. Gambrell, a team captain, led the Skyhawks in tackles in 2003 and is second this season.
1. News-Times: What was the biggest transition from high school football to college football?
Russell Gambrell: "The biggest transition was speed. College football is a lot faster than high school."
2. CNT: What do you need to work on the hardest?
RG: "I really need to work on leadership and improve on footwork and coordination."
3. CNT: What have you missed most about playing high school football?
RG: "Playing both ways. It was fun to be on the field constantly."
4. CNT: What is there to do in Martin, Tenn.?
RG: "Nothing but football during the season. In the offseason, we work out. The only time you're done playing football is when your eligibility is up."
5. CNT: What is better, a big hit or an interception?
RG: "A big hit is better. It gets the crowd into and the team into it."