Spring Creek's Russo invited to U.S. Army combine
By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on December 28, 2012 1:47 PM
SEVEN SPRINGS -- Getting recognized on the football field can be a difficult task. There are so many high schools and so many players that it is hard to make an impression during the season.
That is what makes Spring Creek High School football standout Anthony Russo's upcoming opportunity so unique.
Russo has been selected to participate in the annual U.S. Army All-American combine. The event will feature the top 500 high school players from the 2012 junior class.
"One thing we preach here at Spring Creek is work ethic and working hard to get the things you want," Gators head coach Aaron Sanders said. "Anthony loves football, he puts in time in the weight room and he has made the most of his ability through hard work. He deserves his spot at the combine."
The combine will take place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Jan. 3, 2013. Players will be tested in many of the same drills used at the NFL scouting combine, including the 40-yard dash, the bench press and the vertical jump. The three-day event will culminate with a chance to watch the East/West All-American Game live on Jan. 5, 2012.
"I don't really think that there is one event I am looking forward to more than any other," Russo said. "I am just excited to have the opportunity to take part in the combine itself."
The past two seasons Russo has attended the Football University camp for underclassmen in New York city. Last year he was selected to take part in the Top Gun camp in Williamsburg, Va. It was at the Top Gun camp that Russo first found out he may be considered for the U.S. Army All-American Combine.
"The coaches in Virginia told me that they were going over the list of guys who might be eligible," Russo said. "Once they made their selections my dad was notified by email and we were both really excited."
Russo, who has played receiver, running back and quarterback during his high school career, hopes to carry the experience gained at the combine into his senior season at Spring Creek.
"Knowing that my senior year is coming up just makes me work that much harder," Russo said. "I want to have success (at Spring Creek) and do whatever it takes to make next year's team better."