Getting to Know Caleb Russell, Texas A&M 12th Man
Scholarship? That’s not even a word in my vocabulary. This was the first thought Caleb Russell had when Mike Sherman offered him the credit his hard work deserved. Not only is the 22-year-old outside linebacker a scholarship recipient, but he also represents the university as the 12th Man. To wear this jersey, an athlete must show readiness, desire and enthusiasm for the team, the fans, and the game. If this is the case, Caleb is more than qualified; Russell shows all of these qualities and more with his passion for God, family and (of course) Aggie football.
Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Caleb started at Texas A&M as a walk-on. His journey was not easy and he was not handed anything. The first year on the team, Russell was redshirted; the 6’2” freshman was more determined than ever. After months of hard work and practice, he had the honor of wearing the 12th Man jersey in the only game he played for Texas A&M in 2009. In 2010, Russell played the backup “joker” position in 8 games and each time on the field, he pushed harder and harder to prove to he deserved his spot on the field. This year, Russell has finally earned his position on the team as a starter on scholarship.
Russell had many hard times and challenges in between. So many, that he had thoughts about quitting or transferring, and many doubts about his future on the Aggie football team. He wasn’t sure if he’d ever move forward or “make it,” but Caleb’s girlfriend, Chelsey Mackey, would always remind him by asking him a rhetorical question: “Caleb, who are you playing for?” The answer was always understood; they both knew that God had a plan and he needed to fight through the “character building” times. Prayer and perseverance got Caleb where he is today.
Now, if that doesn’t prove that he deserves to represent our school and our fans, his determination to continue getting better as a player and his motivation to pursue success as a football team, DOES.
After reading (and hearing) all of these great things about the 240-pound junior, I have to admit I was a little intimidated to interview him. I met with him and his girlfriend after their FCA meeting in the Hagner Auditorium and as soon as we sat down, Caleb and Chelsey made me feel like we had been friends for years. My respect for him as a football player had already been established after watching him at the Texas A&M vs. Baylor game in 2010, but I developed a respect for him as a person during our meeting. The family-oriented outside linebacker was a mixture of a tremendous amount of amazing qualities that represent the Texas A&M student body in the best way.
Holli Tedder: “Caleb, what do you think will be the toughest game this year?”
Caleb Russell: “Oklahoma. I think they’ll be a good team.”
HT: “So, what does it mean to you to be the 12th man?”
CR: “Very Humbling. It’s a way to represent the student body, to represent a core value system. As a walk-on you dream to be the 12th Man. The experience is unforgettable and truly a blessing.”
HT: “It really is. I know that you struggled trying to play college ball because you were unaware of how the recruitment process worked, so if you had the chance, what advice would you give to college football hopefuls?”
CR: “Don’t give up. Keep asking questions; Persevere and seek, persevere and seek. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. Keep up your faith. Hard times are going to come, and the worst thing you can do is lose your faith. When you do succeed, give it to the Lord.”
HT: “Wow. You are such an inspiring person… who inspires you the most, Caleb?”
CR: “Well, God would be first, but as far as a worldly aspect, I would say my parents. They stood by me since the beginning. They instilled their values and experiences in me. They’ve been there through thick and thin. They helped me believe in myself when it wasn’t the easiest thing for me to do. Whatever I choose to do, they were behind me 100% and I can’t thank them enough.”
HT: “They must be very proud! Now, let’s step away from football for a second. What’s your favorite thing to do in Bryan/College Station?”
CR: “Hang out with my girlfriend and either go to FCA or attend church.”
I also asked Caleb to quickly fill in these blanks with names of teammates, but he actually spent the most time answering these questions:
Which teammate did Caleb say…
…Is the best dancer? Eddie Brown
…Will be the next Justin Bieber? Ryan Swope or Clay Honeycutt
…Spends the most time on their hair? Lionel Smith
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Written by: Holli Tedder, Texas A&M Class of ’13