DL Hammond Russell developing in leadership role

Despite being a veteran on the defensive line, this spring was about both adjustments and improvement for redshirt senior Hammond Russell.

Russell played a total of 325 snaps last season but had to adjust to a new defensive scheme as well as the constant fast-paced tempo that the West Virginia offense is utilizing. That meant making sure you get the calls, get aligned and understand your responsibility in short order.

That communication is critical because it keeps the unit on the same page and moving quickly.

“I do think I also had to get used to the new techniques that I had to use,” he said.

On the defensive line, Russell had to adjust to a more attack-the-block scheme rather than reading…