QB Russo embraces challenge at Temple

All the physical measurables check out, but there are other reasons one of Temple's most important football recruits gets his highest grade. Most notably is his will to compete.

Yes, that is said about most recruits. But Anthony Russo's actions showed his willingness to take on the challenge when accepting a scholarship from the Owls.

Temple, according to those who make a living by ranking recruiting classes, did well with its 2016 group.

The late addition of four-star defensive lineman Karamo Dioubate of Philadelphia's Prep Charter elevated Temple's grade.

As for recruiting services, 247sports.com ranked Temple's class second in the American Athletic Conference behind champion Houston.

The Owls were ranked third by Rivals.com and sixth by Scout.com.

Not that it matters if past history is any indication.

Temple has feasted on recruiting players who slid so far under the radar they weren't even on it. Just look at the three Owls who recently competed in the Senior Bowl: all-American linebacker Tyler Matakevich, all-conference defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis and cornerback Tavon Young. None were highly regarded out of high school.

That said, recruiting classes will continue to receive rankings, and Temple's final grade - that won't be determined for four or five years - will rest heavily on Russo.

A recruiting class's success often hinges on the quarterback, and in Russo Temple is getting somebody who wants to compete.

One indication is that, when he made his commitment to Temple, the Owls also had an oral commitment from rising California prep quarterback Montel Aaron.

A local standout from Archbishop Wood, Russo had originally committed to Rutgers. But when the Scarlet Knights fired head coach Kyle Flood, it got Russo to re-think Temple.

"It gave Temple a real chance to get back in the picture," said Steve Devlin, the coach at Archbishop Wood

Russo is the prototypical drop-back quarterback, a 6-foot-4, 220-pounder with a cannon for an arm.

"He can make every throw and has a quick release," Devlin said. "And he makes everybody around him better."

Temple was hoping to have both Russo and Aaron, who also has a strong arm and is known for his mobility.

It would have been an embarrassment of riches, but the Temple football coaches thought it would work out, and the better player would emerge. Plus, it's a position at which there can never be too much depth.

After Russo's commitment, Aaron decommitted from Temple. Aaron conceded in an earlier phone interview that Russo's presence had a bearing on his decision, and he later signed with San Jose State.

Nobody could blame Aaron for his decision. There is enough competition at quarterback with the veteran players. Having to compete with somebody in your own class makes the situation even more difficult.

Yet Russo fully expected to have that competition, and it didn't matter.

"He didn't care who was here, who was coming," Temple football coach Matt Rhule said. "He was just comfortable in his own skin, and I like that about him."

Russo understood that, whether it was Aaron or other quarterbacks in the program, becoming the starting quarterback will be a major challenge.

"Wherever you go, there is always competition," said Russo, an Inquirer first-team all-Southeastern Pennsylvania choice who completed 134 of 200 passes for 2,452 yards and a Catholic League-record 35 touchdowns. "I am confident in my abilities, and competition brings out the true person, the true athlete, in my opinion."

Russo has no illusions. He understands that rising senior P.J. Walker is the returning starter and already owns several school records, including 52 career touchdown passes.

"I will compete my butt off," Russo said. "I know they have P.J., and I have the opportunity to learn under P.J. and pick his brain, and I know it will help me learn the offense."

Before committing to Temple, Russo turned down a chance to visit LSU even after head coach Les Miles and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron went to his home.

Russo had nothing but positive things to say about LSU, but it also showed how much respect Temple has gained coming off a 10-4 season in which the Owls tied a single-season school record for wins.

"I think the fact that I wanted to come to Temple shows where Coach Rhule is going with the program," Russo said.

Rhule said that his relationship with all players is vital, but the quarterback, like nobody else, has to be on the same page with the head coach. Rhule says he likes that Russo "thinks the way I do."

"I like being around him," Rhule said of Russo.