5 Mario Russell
5 Mario Russell
Height: 6-2
Weight: 205
Year: Senior
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
High School: Harmony
Position: DB

2009: First team All-SAC selection…Started all 14 games for the Eagles…Led the team and was fifth in the conference in tackles with 102…Led the league and ranked second in the nation in forced fumbles with six…Second in the SAC in passes defended with 18, including one interception…Named D2Football.com National Defensive Player of the Week for tying a the national record of four forced fumbles and tallying five pass breakups to lead the Eagles to a 23-20 win over Newberry (9/26)…Recorded a career-high 16 tackles in a win over Catawba (10/10).

2008: First Team All-SAC selection...Tied for team lead in tackles (56) and interceptions (two)...Returned an interception 39 yards for a touchdown against Bentley on the opening play of the game...Had a season-high 11 tackles against Valdosta State.

2007: Earned starting spot in the Eagle secondary at safety...Played in nine games...Finished with 29.5 tackles...Had one tackle for loss...Scored a touchdown at Wingate with a 64-yard fumble return...Also had three pass breakups.

2006: Redshirted after transferring from Harmony Prep in Cincinnati.

LAST SCHOOL: Played at Harmony Prep in Cincinnati.

HIGH SCHOOL: Standout at Mifflin High School in Columbus, Ohio...Earned Offensive and Defensive MVP.

PERSONAL: Son of Yolanda Freeman...Born Dec. 4, 1987.