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As we put it last year about Alonzo Russell, he's a freak. The senior has been making plays for so long, he's the type of guy that when opposing fans see that he's still on the roster, they bemoan how long it seems he has been there.
The guy has the combination of body and athleticism that makes offensive coordinators salivate at the mouth while laying to bed at night with dreams in their heads. At 6'4" 205 lbs. He is on the Biletnikoff Award watch list as one of the best receivers in the country. He has caught 166 balls (good for 10th all-time at Toledo), and ranks sixth in program history in receiving yards (2,458) and touchdowns (19). Oh, and he has caught a pass in every game of his career. No biggie.
He has been remarkably consistent for the Rockets these last three years, catching at least 50 balls every year and garnering third-team All-MAC selections at the conclusion of each season. Now the question is, can Russell take the leap to become a first-team selection? Could he become the best receiver in the MAC? The senior might have to compete with a teammate in that respect in terms of competition for the best receiver on the team. He did have the best touchdown total of his career in 2014 with eight. Well, we all know with the running game that Matt Campbell's crew has, we won't have to worry about fireworks in that aspect of the offense. But whether it's Phillip Ely or Logan Woodside (Ely has the definite edge of course).
And what's lost on some is that Russell can block well. Skills like that are critical in springing long gains to touchdowns (looking at you Kareem Hunt).
So let us remember...
There are plays like this where you yell "GOOD GOLLY GEE, WERE YOU WATCHING? DID YOU SEE THAT? PLEASE TELL ME YOU SAW THAT."
Toledo fans would assuredly love some of that this year. It wouldn't be crazy to envision Russell and Jones as the best 1-2 receiver tandem in the MAC. Sure WMU (Corey Davis/Daniel Braverman) and BG (Roger Lewis/Robbie Rhodes/other arguments can be made) are up there as well, but the discussion is a worthwhile one for those still looking to whittle away time leading up to the season.
You fools. Alonzo Russell hasn't even shown you his final form. -Frieza
Okay, maybe Frieza didn't say that, but be prepped for a potentially huge 2015 season from this dude.