Versatile Buffs TE Russell Looks Forward To Building On Solid Sophomore Season

BOULDER — In three years as a Colorado Buffalo, Brady Russell has made the transformation from an undersized walk-on to a big, fast, versatile tight end who can catch passes, run block, pass protect and play every spot required of the position.

Oh, and he's also now a scholarship player.

"I've grown a ton," Russell said recently. "I think I got in about the best situation possible for me. The last couple years we haven't had a whole lot of depth at tight end, so I've really had to do roles from H-back, where I'm moving around, going in motion, doing stuff from the backfield, to roles where I have my hand in the dirt and I'm trying to block a 280-pound defensive end. The experience I've had here has expanded my abilities and how comfortable I am doing different things."

Along with being the most versatile of CU's tight end group heading into the fall, the CU junior is also the most experienced. He started 11 games last season, caught 23 passes for two touchdowns (sixth-most receptions on the team and most among tight ends), added one catch for a two-point conversion and also played special teams.

But while Russell is the only tight end on CU's roster to catch a pass for the Buffaloes, new tight ends coach Taylor Embree should have a talented room to work with. The group also includes juniors Jared Poplawski and Luke Stillwell, along with some promising newcomers and transfers who should give the Buffs depth and versatility.

"One thing I really like already is the camaraderie of the group," Russell said. "It's really close. Since we've been working out together we've been hanging out together on the weekends. We've grown real close. I think some of the guys that came in and some of the people that were already here, we're all very different in our abilities and our skill sets, so it's exciting seeing what we might be able to do with one or multiple of us on the field."

Exactly what the tight ends' role will be in CU's offense this season remains to be seen. In 2018, Russell's first year playing after a redshirt season, tight ends were used mostly as pass protectors and run blockers. But Russell heard his name called on pass routes much more often last year, and offensive coordinator Darrin Chiaverini has said he plans to utilize tight ends more often as offensive weapons.

But as of now, no one outside the CU football offices knows exactly what the offense will look like. The Buffs were stripped of the opportunity to participate in spring ball by the COVID-19 pandemic, and have yet to conduct a practice under new head coach Karl Dorrell.

"We've obviously gone over the playbook a lot but you never really know until you get on the field," Russell said. "But I feel comfortable with our role and I'm excited with a lot of the new guys we've got. Excited about the personnel we have and what we can do and what we're going to be able to do. I have a good feel for what we're going to do, but you never know until you're on the field exactly what role we're going to play."

Russell has bulked up considerably since his arrival from Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins. Listed at a generous 235 pounds when he arrived, he is now a legitimate 255 pounds — and he has still managed to increase his speed as well. That combination has allowed him to play as an in-line tight end, line up as an H-back in the backfield and even split outside in the slot. Along with those duties, he also continues to work on his long-snapping skills, part of his skill set he has developed throughout his career on the advice of his uncle, former Buffs great Matt Russell.

Now he'll be learning under his third tight ends coach at Colorado.

"I love Coach Embree," Russell said. "We're getting along pretty well already. It's cool having a coach coming from the background that he has and also having a coach who's so young. We can relate to him real well, we can communicate real well with him. He's a good dude."

Russell will also be working with a new quarterback this year. After two seasons of catching passes from Steven Montez, he will — like everyone else — be keeping a keen eye on the quarterback battle in fall camp. Vying for the starting spot will be veterans Tyler Lytle and Sam Noyer, and freshman Brendon Lewis.

Russell is familiar with Lytle and Noyer, having played with them both. He spent his freshman year on the scout team with Lytle, where the two were able to develop a little chemistry.

But he freely admits he has no idea who will be taking the first snap when the Buffs kick the season off Sept. 5 against Colorado State.

"In all reality, we have no idea who's going to start," he said. "Working with guys, trying to get better with three different quarterbacks is kind of fun to me. I think that's going to be exciting to see a quarterback battle this year."

Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu