After redshirting, Dontavius Russell ready to contribute

AUBURN – Dontavius Russell is ready.

He's been ready.

The Auburn defensive tackle thought he was prepared as a true freshman last season and that his 6-foot-3, 285-pound frame would be able to withstand the tolls of playing in the SEC immediately.

But with four seniors ahead of him in the defensive tackle rotation, not to mention Montravius Adams, defensive line coach Rodney Garner felt it best to instead redshirt Russell.

"Last year was difficult because I felt like I had the ability to play," Russell said. "(Garner) even told me I did."

After a year of development and into his first spring practice, Russell is in the thick of a competition to start alongside Adams come the fall.

"Dontavius is an extremely talented guy that there was talk about not redshirting early," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "Even kind of into some games because we felt like he was a very athletic guy, a very talented guy. We think he has a chance, with a very good spring, to be a very good player for us."

An Under Armour All-American coming out of Carrollton, Georgia, Russell used the time to learn from Gabe Wright, Angelo Blackson, Ben Bradley and Jeff Whitaker about the nuances of the position and what it takes to play at the college level.

"I learned a lot from them," Russell said. "How to react to things, how to play. Not just from coaching, but when a player can help you out on how to play, then that's real beneficial as a freshman. …

"Coming from high school to college, I picked up I needed to work a lot harder. To see the players that I thought were amazing players get beat sometimes and just to see that, let me know how much harder I have to work to be able to excel or do as good as I can."

Up to 295 pounds, Russell says his body composition is "a lot better" and more equipped to handle the extra weight.

His run stopping capability is not in question, but Russell has to work on his pass rush skills.

"Dontavius is a pretty good player," Adams said. "In my opinion, he needs to work on pass rushing a little bit. He's a good run-stopper."

Russell didn't disagree, and Auburn will need him to help pressure the quarterback.

Wright, Blackson and Bradley combined for four sacks and 18 hurries last season, so the Tigers have a lot to make up for on the interior of the D-line.

Like all inexperienced players, Russell says his goal is to "contribute" next season, but his goal is to start.

Russell is confident he can win the job, but he's playing his cards close to the vest.

"I feel like if I don't mess up …," he said before stopping himself. "My coach is going to put the best player out there, and if I'm the best player, then I'll be the starter."

Turns out Russell learned some off-field camera work from the departing seniors as well.