Silver and Black Report

Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell

JAMARCUS RUSSELL

• QUARTERBACK
• No: 2
• Height: 6′6″
• Weight: 255
• Birth date: 08/09/1985
• College: LSU
• Acquired: 1^st overall selection of the 2007 NFL Draft

The Oakland Raiders selected JaMarcus Russell with the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. After a lengthy hold out, the Silver & Black inked him to the most lucrative contract in rookie history, six-years, worth up to $68 million with $31.5 million in guarantees.

At the draft, the Raiders were convinced that Russell was their man after a 2-win campaign and no clear-cut direction at quarterback. Russell’s incredible arm strength, physical prowess and leadership while at LSU were some of the reasons the Silver & Black pegged him their ‘franchise passer’ after he declared at the end of his junior campaign.

In his first game as a pro (December 2, 2007), against the Denver Broncos, Russell came on in relief in the 2^nd quarter and completed his first career pass after rolling out of the pocket and connecting with Jerry Porter on a 16-yard toss. A few weeks later versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, Russell threw his first career touchdown pass to tight end, and fellow draft mate Zach Miller.

Russell ended his rookie season with his first career start against the rival San Diego Chargers. In the season finale, he completed 23-of-31 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown.

Going into the 2008 season, Russell will be the starter and begin his journey in trying to change the fortunes of an organization that has struggled in recent years.