@ColonialMyles3
Myles Russ is entering his fifth season as an assistant coach at
Robert Morris University and coaches running backs.
Despite his three primary options at running back being sophomores or freshmen in 2015, Russ helped his unit to admirable performances against some tough foes. The Colonials had a stellar game at No. 6 South Dakota State as they ran for 228 yards, the second-highest figure the Jackrabbits allowed that season against FCS opposition. Rameses Owens had a big game at No. 17 Youngstown State as he rushed for 152 yards, the most rushing yards the Penguins allowed to a single FCS athlete all season. Russ also had Cole Blake, who entered the season second on the depth chart, prepared for action when an injury occurred, as Blake would post three 100-yard efforts on the season. With assistance from Russ, Robert Morris ran for 200+ yards in back-to-back games for the first time since 2010.
Russ helped RMU achieve a noteworthy feat in 2014 as more than one Colonial contributed multiple 100-yard rushing efforts in the same season for the first time in over 15 years. True freshman Rameses Owens showed off tantalizing potential under Russ as he twice rushed for at least 150 yards in his first four starts. He was on pace to break the RMU rookie single-season rushing record before sustaining an injury in the second half of the year. Ryan Thermil contributed a pair of 100+ yard efforts, including a career-high 113 in a win over CCSU, with Russ’ guidance.
Russ helped primary running back Deontae Howard and primary fullback Ryan Thermil both rush for career highs in yardage during the 2013 season. Russ was also tasked with converting defensive back Phil Peckich into a running back during the year.
In his first year on staff, Russ helped Evan Taylor convert from defensive back into the primary option at running back for the Colonials. After an initial adjustment period, Taylor began to hit his stride under Russ’ guidance as he surpassed the century mark in rushing yards in three straight games in the middle of the season. That effort helped the Colonials rush for at least 170 yards in four straight games, marking only the second such occurrence by the Colonials since 2001.
One of the most decorated players in school history, the Boca Raton, Fla., native remains the program's all-time leading rusher by compiling 4,271 yards from 2007 to 2010.
Named the 2010 Northeast Conference Offensive Player of the Year after helping lead the Colonials to a share of the regular-season championship and the league's inaugural berth in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Playoffs, Russ also owns the Robert Morris career school record for all-purpose yards (4,651).
Russ finished his career ranked fourth all-time in rushing in Northeast Conference history. He appeared in 43 career games, earning 40 starts, and started 27 consecutive games at halfback from 2007 to 2009, a school record. Russ became the first player in school history to post three straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons and scored 134 career points.
Russ compiled 1,363 yards rushing on 236 attempts, an average of 5.8 yards per carry, in his senior season in leading the Colonials to the FCS playoffs. He twice surpassed 100 yards rushing against nationally ranked opponents, including posting 153 rushing yards and 76 receiving yards in a victory over Liberty en route to national player of the week honors.
Russ graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from RMU in 2011. He proceeded to earn a Master of Science degree in instructional leadership in 2014.
