27 Aug 2024 501 Football Team 2024: Ethan Russell – Morrilton

After missing the playoffs last season, senior defensive lineman Ethan Russell and the Morrilton Devil Dogs are working to get back there this fall.

“Missing the playoffs was a major disappointment,” he said. “We have been practicing hard this spring and summer. We are focused on the details and getting stronger together as a team.”

Russell brings a level of grit to the Devil Dogs that will be crucial to getting Morrilton back into postseason play.

“Ethan is one of the toughest players I have ever coached,” Morrilton Coach Cody McNabb said. 

“He will never give in no matter what is going on around him. He has a great work ethic and knowledge of the game. He is respected by his teammates because of his toughness and his fight. He is undersized for a defensive lineman, but he plays as hard as he possibly can every play.”

Last season, Russell got to do something that not many defensive linemen get to do. 

“I scooped the football in the endzone after a fumble for a touchdown,” he said. “This was memorable because as a defensive tackle you don’t get to handle the football. It was a great feeling to help my team on the scoreboard.”

After high school, Russell plans to attend Arkansas Tech University and study geology.  “Football is a great sport,” he said. “It teaches discipline, perseverance and teamwork. If you want to succeed, you have to buy into the team mentality even if you are not getting individual recognition.”