UK running back Russell plans to transfer

Kentucky sophomore tailback Donald Russell has been granted a release and will transfer, according to UK Coach Joker Phillips.

The 5-foot-11, 209-pound Russell showed promise at times. He rushed for 137 yards in mop-up time as a true freshman last year and entered the season as the No. 2 back behind starter Derrick Locke. But Russell eventually was passed for the backup position by true freshman Raymond Sanders, and his playing time dwindled. He had just one carry in a 38-20 win over Vanderbilt and didn't play in the regular-season-ending 24-14 loss at Tennessee.

Russell finished the season with 64 carries for 293 yards and two TDs and also caught 14 passes for 134 yards.

"One thing is that we want guys to be happy, and we want guys to be put in a situation where they can be happy," Phillips said. "Now, do we try to talk our kids into staying? Yes. But once it is ingrained in their minds and their hearts we have to try to give them a chance to explore other options. I don't know if it is final, but we have given him his release."

Also, Phillips said freshman defensive tackle Elliott Porter missed Sunday's practice and is pondering his future at UK. Porter originally signed with LSU but left after being asked to delay his enrollment until January, also known as "grayshirting." Porter arrived in Lexington the second week of fall camp and ended up redshirting this season.

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