Do you have to graduate from LSU to be considered an alumni? That isn't the case at most places where they consider you an alumni when you complete a certain number of credits or semesters. It gives the school a broader base to solicit from and some people attend a school just to have ties with that school.
even if you're right, for the rest of his career, everytime he plays on Sunday Night (just one example of his effect), he's going to introduce himself as "Jamarcus Russell, Quarterback, LSU" You don't think that (and other things) are worth something in terms of recruiting and general media recognition of the program if he is successful? Honestly if I were him I might not be the biggest LSU backer considering how widely he was criticized most of his career here by many in the LSU fan base with little to no cause. I'm sure he's loyal to Coach Miles and his teammates though.
I understand your sentiment here. There are two things that jump out at me though. One, he's spoken highly of LSU since he left. That sort of contradicts the notion that he doesn't support LSU, doesn't it? Secondly, I suspect that if Russell would have gone to a number of schools he would have had a great collegiate career as well. It's not like he did have the opportunity...he was just recruited and recruited well. Yes, I firmly suspect it was given to him. After all, he didn't have the $$ as of yet, did he? Heck, in the article he says, "I ain't rich yet..." I can't speak for LSU, but just looking at our local Alumni group there are quite a few that aren't graduates, some of them didn't even attend Alabama. Heck, the Sect. didn't...spent his career as a life long Navy guy...but a more devout Bama fan? You'll only find a few. One thing I do find funny here. Because of Russell's play (see last year vs Bama as just ONE example) I've developed a tremendous amount of respect for his talent. I'm pinching myself thinking about the fact I'm defending a former LSU player on an LSU forum.
Your finest hour, on THIS board! You make good points. JaMarcus was born and raised in Bama, and that doesn't go away, he has roots and sentiments there. And he played his college ball at LSU, and I'm sure he has sentiments here also. He was recruited by saban, I listened to the radio show with the two, and its obvious there is mutual respect there, that's fine. saban benched him and demanded performance before he say the field; he helped make JaMarcus a better player with some tough love. But his best years were under Jimbo and Les, and I'm sure he has high regard for both of them. Let's see what he says over a bit of time. We're reading too much into this without knowing what it really means. I'm waitin and seein.
He handed many more teams their a***s than he gave away games. Anyway those Wins and Loses were team efforts or lack there of.
It dawned on me a few minutes ago what he had said in the interview with Snake...I referenced it earlier but couldn't remember where I had seen/heard it. I don't hold any ill-will towards Russell for leaving the state. A couple of thoughts why... We didn't offer him but it's important to note that was in the middle of the fRan to Price to Shula situation. Also, we were looking at a very young Brodie Croyle at the time. And, to add an idle question...would Russell's talents been a good fit for the Price and Shula offense? Neither of them looked at a QB that was a threat to run also. I'll have to add...dating back to DuBose, the staff's in place had just screwed up the recruiting base in that area. Side note: Amazing the difference in situations with Tee Martin (and the $$ controversy) and Russell...
i own some bama underoos....unfortunately, there's a poop stain on the elephant. please tell me i'm still a loyal Tiger fan!!!
Great point...one of the reasons I wondered if he would fit in the Price and Shula schemes. I'll tell you one thing...I'll never forget the outstanding performance he had last year vs us. Even with the 1st TD coming from an RB, it was definitely set up by those 5 straight completions.
