Diamond In The Rough: Russell Rock, Ponchatoula High School

In my travels across this great state I always find good kids that have promising careers in football. In this case Russell Rock from Ponchatoula High School. Russell has played fullback for the past three years, and last season he had 180 rushing yards, 80 receiving yards, and 2 touchdowns. Russell runs a 4.5 forty-yard dash and is 5’6” tall and weighs 180 pounds.  Russell is not just good on the Gridiron, but in the classroom as well. He has a 3.4 GPA.

Russell wants to go to college to major in Engineering. His dad was an engineer and would take him to work at times and Russell said that he really like what his dad did.

Russell has been playing football since he was 6 years old. His dad told him that he had a lot of athletic ability, because at every gathering he was always out running all the other kids his age and even some of the older kids. His dad put him in pee wee football at six years old and he has enjoyed playing it ever since. Russell said that the game of football is more than just a game. It is a way of life. Football has taught him how to be a man. How no matter what obstacles are in front of him, how to overcome them.  Russell also said that playing football keeps him out of trouble because his coaches hold him accountable.

On the Gridiron, Russell is one of the Team Captains. Russell is a vocal leader both on the field and in the locker room. Russell said that his job as a captain was, “To encourage my teammates on the field to do their best while also helping to keep them focused.”

Russell said that some of the things he wants his team to do this upcoming year is to come together as one unit. “We want to continue to build from last years. We consistently have 9 win seasons. I want the team to be as one unit. Last season we went to the third round of the LHSAA Playoffs.”

Russell really likes playing at Ponchatoula High School because, “the team is like an extended family.” “I also like how on Fridays, a lot of the parents show up and BBQ before the game. It is a great atmosphere here and everyone is awesome.”

Some of Russell’s fellow teammates are college bound following this season. Running Back Joquan Johnson, Safety Avery Rogers, Free Safety Morris Evans, and few defensive linemen will be getting looks this season.