’25 two-way football star at Russell High is a three-sport varsity performer
We can’t imagine how any one player can get more versatility nor athletic ability than Elijah Hankins from Russell High. Hankins was among the leaders in passing, rushing, scoring, tackling, INTs, IRNYs, and pick-sixes in ’23. The 5’11,” 165-pound performer also stars on the varsity baseball and basketball teams in addition to football. Russell lost a ton of production to graduation. The Red Devils will need big years from Hankins and specialist Ben Totten both if they are to replicate the type of season the team enjoyed in ’23.
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, KPGFootball
KHSAA scoreboard and statistical website
Russell High lost a ton of production from off its ’23 football team. They lost the leading passer, rusher, tackler, 2nd leading scorer, and 2nd leading back-end defender (INT) just in losing the KHSCA’s District Player of the Year in Ethan Pack.
That is not all they lost either. Andre Richardson-Crews will suit up for the Georgetown Tigers next Fall and leading receiver, Parker Mitchell is also departed.
Thank the Good Lord Elijah Hankins is returning. Same for Ben Totten.
Hankins was the club’s third leading passer. Hankins was the club’s third leading rusher (leading returning rusher). Hankins was among the leading scorers, leading tacklers, tied for second on the ball club in INTs, 2nd on the team in IRNYs, and tied for the club lead in pick-sixes.
That is quite a mouthful, especially for an athlete who doesn’t really consider himself a football player. Hankins markets himself as a baseball prospect. We think he should sleep on that football prospect potential.
Hankins was among the leading scorers, leading tacklers, tied for second on the ball club in INTs, 2nd on the team in IRNYs, and tied for the club lead in pick-sixes
KHSAA Statistical Website
Hankins is a 5’11,” 165-pound versatile athlete who plays varsity baseball and varsity basketball in addition to what he contributes to the gridiron. Hankins is a multi-phase contributor in football whose skills are used in a variety of ways.
Now the Red Devils are a football team on the rise. In ’23, TJ Maynard’s men were 7-5 and made it to the second round of the KHSAA playoffs.
It should be noted the team fell two points short to Greenup County on August 26 and one score short to East Carter on October 20. That is just a few scores from 9-3.
Improving on the ’23 work slat will be tough. The Devils do have Hankins back and the very versatile, scoring machine, in position player and specialist, Ben Totten.
There will be young talent coming through the pipeline to replace some of what was lost. First order of business will be replacing a very skilled and impactful QB in Ethan Pack.
Devils return Hankins and the very versatile, scoring machine, in position player and specialist, Ben Totten
Friday Night Fletch
Any football season can be very hard to forecast. On paper (at least) it appears the Red Devils will be “rebuilding” in ’24. However, should Russell High replace some of its lost production, versatile and athletically skilled returning players like Hankins may prove to give opponents, this Fall, one Devil of a Time.
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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