Football --CBA's Russo inks LOI to Brevard

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on February 15, 2018 5:53 AM

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PIKEVILLE --  Charles B. Aycock senior Michael Russo, whose prep football career spanned three varsity seasons and included reps along both lines of scrimmage, signed a national letter of intent on Wednesday to continue his gridiron career this fall at Brevard College.

The sturdy Russo -- who measures at 5-foot-8 and 220 pounds -- selected Brevard, a member of the USA South Conference, over Methodist University and N.C. Wesleyan.

"I liked the campus," Russo said post-ceremony, which he shared with his parents and Golden Falcon head coach Steve Brooks. "It felt more family-like, and it fits what I want to do after my four years of college (exercise science)."

Which could, according to his current head coach, include yet another position change.

"I think he'll be more of a D-Line guy in college, than a center," Brooks said of his senior. "I think that is where he excels, just getting off the ball... and his motor will get him on the field quickly."  

After all, it certainly worked at the prep level.

Russo, who moved to the varsity level as a sophomore, quickly became one of CBA's most interchangeable pieces, proving his worth time and again through solid practice habits, quality sessions in the weight room and a keen eye for the skills required to shine at multiple positions.

Character traits, Brooks maintains, that will likely make him a first-year contributor at his new home.

"He pushed some of his teammates (at CBA) to be harder workers, and his play on the field showed it," Brooks said. "Work ethic will be his ticket."

Between now and then, however, Russo will do as he's always done -- stay ready.