Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard

Anthony Russo feels comfortable in No. 2 quarterback role for Temple

Having a much better grasp of coordinator Dave Patenaude's offense has meant a world of difference to quarterback Anthony Russo.

Temple QB Anthony Russo scrambles for a gain during Tuesday's practice.
Temple QB Anthony Russo scrambles for a gain during Tuesday's practice.Read moreMarc Narducci

Temple quarterback Anthony Russo is much more comfortable this training camp and it has shown in his play. Russo, a redshirt sophomore who has yet to attempt a pass in a regular-season game, has solidified himself as the No. 2 quarterback behind grad student Frank Nutile.

A product of Archbishop Wood, the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Russo is much more knowledgeable running the offense in the second year under coordinator Dave Patenaude.

>> READ MORE: Temple quarterback preview

"I am definitely a lot more confident in the spring and the fall just from the extra film work, and then coming out and playing well in practice has allowed me to build that confidence up," Russo said after Tuesday's practice. "I think I am definitely more confident."

Russo, who is a holder for field goals and extra points, says knowing the offense more thoroughly has made all the difference in his play.

"When you are not sure exactly where you have to go with the ball, you kind of have antsy feet,"  he said. "But now that I know where to go with the ball, I kind of stay poised in the pocket and go where I need to go."

>> READ MORE: Rock Ya-Sin already generating NFL talk

High praise for Randle Jones

Junior receiver Randle Jones didn't practice Tuesday after getting banged up with an unspecified injury last week.

"He should be back soon," wide receivers coach Stan Hixon said of Jones. "I don't know when, but he is having a really good camp. One of our better route runners, he has good hands, can play both outside and inside, so he should have a big role for us."

The 6-foot, 185-pound Jones is among the fastest players on the team. Last season he was a special teams standout who also caught 11 passes for 170 yards.

Brodrick Yancy returns

Redshirt senior receiver Brodrick Yancy had his practice work increased this week, but still not at full-go. Yancy suffered a torn left ACL in practice last October.

"We had him out there [Tuesday]," Hixon said. "We got him in certain drills, mostly non-contact, trying to get [his] feet wet."

Before this week, Yancy has been at practice but mostly doing individual work.

"They kind of kept me limited but it's been great being back and have the opportunity to be with my teammates," Yancy said after Tuesday's practice. "We have a great group, a lot of talent across the board and it is going to be a great year for us."

Last week, Yancy bugged the coaches — to no avail — to use him in Saturday's team scrimmage at Lower Cape May High. He said he will be making his case to the coaches for some playing time during Saturday's team scrimmage at Franklin Field.

"Oh, yes, I will be on the coaches," he said laughing. "That is what I want to try to do, to get limited reps, trying to get some action with contact, that is what I should do."

Yancy, who had nine receptions for 108 yards and one TD last year, says he is going through extensive treatment in hopes of playing in the Sept. 1 opener against Villanova at Lincoln Financial Field.