Seth Russell, QB, Baylor: Early 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Ross Woomer
Texas native Seth Russell came into Waco showing intentions to stay with the program for five years, redshirting as a true freshman.
A Baylor program which recently produced NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III had another talented quarterback under center shortly after Russell’s arrival in 2012. That quarterback was Bryce Petty (now with the New York Jets). Petty’s starting role had Russell seeing action in about half the games his redshirt freshman and sophomore seasons, earning one sophomore start against Northwestern State (438 passing yards, six total TDs).
Russell took the reins as starting quarterback in 2015, his junior season, but suffered a neck injury in game seven versus Iowa State. Russell’s season-ending injury ultimately halted the Bears perfect season run as they split their remaining games 3-3.
The 6′ 3″, senior with only eight prior starts looks to start his first full season in his fifth year with the program. He’ll enter the 2016 season under recently announced head coach Jim Grobe and will be without Baylor’s leading receiver from 2015, Corey Coleman (now with the Cleveland Browns).
Measurables
Height: 6′ 3″
Weight: 220 lbs
Vertical: 41.8 in
Strengths
Russell is athletic and built for the position. With a 4.49 second forty time, he’s one of the faster Baylor Bears. Russell has displayed down-field accuracy and infrequently under throws receivers. He picks up yards with his legs and, more times than not, shakes off a would-be tackler or two (734 career rushing yards and 12 rushing TDs). He throws bullets over the top and can hit tight windows along the sidelines. He’s a cautious passer who cuts and takes-off running like a wide receiver. Last season, Baylor averaged over 61 points per game when Russell was under center.
Russell displays his strengths on the ground and in the air early last season at SMU.
Weaknesses
Although Russell’s dealt with a lot of drops from receivers, some wide-open targets are overthrown. He’s not the most accurate on the run and throws loose, hard-to-catch spirals under pressure. Despite being sub-par in most facets of his game, Russell has missed a-fair share of Big 12 playing time, seeing only 17 conference snaps as a sophomore and starting four of five conference games as a junior.
Final Thoughts
Russell appears to be a tough customer so I don’t believe that last season’s injury will impede his progress moving forward. He’s an athlete and a fun, groovy player to watch.
Russell is undefeated as a starter, so If Grobe’s offense resembles that of year’s past – which it should because last year’s offensive coordinator Kendal Briles reamins with the program – then look for Russell make a name for himself while leading Baylor to a Conference Championship competing, double-digit win season.