Russell was a three-time all-conference wide receiver in the Missouri Valley Conference, and led the Mean Green in receptions on the 1967 league championship team.
A favorite target of North Texas All-Century quarterback Steve Ramsey, Russell caught 44 passes for 624 yards and five touchdowns in 1967. His 14 career receiving touchdowns is tied for eighth most in school history. "He catches the ball in a crowd as good as anyone, and it's not surprising that our quarterbacks always favor him in crucial situations," North Texas All-Century head coach Odus Mitchell said of Russell.
Russell was also the team's punter, averaging 40.8 yards per kick in 1967. Among his accolades, Russell was twice named to the All-Texas College Football first team. Russell was drafted in 1968 by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 10th round, and played in the Canadian Football League.