For much of his football career, Russell Hemby has resisted the family "trade." Rather than follow in the footsteps of his father, Bobby Sr., and brothers Robert II and Ryan who all played defensive back at South Carolina State, the youngest Hemby forged his own path at quarterback.

Even after transferring to SCSU following one season at Western Carolina, the former Orangeburg-Wilkinson standout and North-South All-Star stayed true to his choice of position.

Yet despite performing admirably as the top backup to starter Cleveland McCoy last season, Hemby was confronted with a decision. Following a conversation with Oliver "Buddy" Pough in the off-season, it was decided that the rising senior's future with the Bulldogs would lie with continuing the tradition of Hemby defensive backs at SCSU.

"The feeling was mutual," he said. "Coach and I thought it would be the best decision for me to play and have some fun for my last year. But the feeling was mutual."

As the Bulldogs complete their second week of spring practice today at 10:30 a.m. with their first full scrimmage, Hemby is trying to quickly adjust to his new position. Currently listed second on the depth chart at free safety, Hemby has impressed the coaching staff with his natural instincts and willingness to learn.

"Every time he is deep and sees routes develop, he may not understand exactly the technique, but he understands the placement of the defensive back and where he needs to be to intercept the ball and the cut off angles and sometimes, those are the hardest things to teach to a defensive back," SCSU secondary coach Mikes Adams said.

It also helps to have a pair of extra eyes and ears within speaking distance to provide timely advice and encouragement. While Hemby told his father and older brother Robert about an interception he made during Friday's practice, they in turn advised him about "reading the keys" and keeping a close eye at the quarterback.

"They share a lot of knowledge with me," he said. "They have a lot of knowledge on the position, so I'm always open ears to those guys and the guys that I'm playing with here and the coach (Adams) that I'm playing with here. So I'm just trying to learn everything. But yeah, they try to make it easy for me."

Robert II can relate to his brother's experience, having done the same when he was a Bulldog. Other pro greats who have also made the successful transition from offense to defense include NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Jack Lambert, who played quarterback at Kent State, and All-Pro cornerback Asante Samuel, who played quarterback in high school until his senior year.

Hemby's switch does mimic what Hampton did last season when it looked to move capable backup Antwan Smith to defensive back. Adams believes Hemby's size (6-1, 190 lbs.), family pedigree and offensive knowledge gives him the potential to be more than just a minor presence at either free or strong safety.

"He's definitely going to be a contributor and the biggest thing he adds is the ability to understand formations and adjustments, and I think he gets most of that from being on the offensive side of the football where he has seen the entire field and entire formation."

Hemby said having an offensive background does give him a mental edge when it comes to reading and reacting to the passing tendencies of a quarterback. He admits it's a more challenging task when it comes to reading and reacting to running plays and making tackles after so many years of trying to avoid them.

"Without a doubt, it makes it easier, especially in the passing game," Hemby said. "But right now, I'm just trying to get adjusted to the running game and the proper techniques. But as far as the mental part of the game, I pretty much have a head up. I pretty much can recognize what's going on."

"Anytime you make the switch from an offensive person, where sometimes you have to be very cerebral, kind of let things happen, decipher what you're looking at," Adams said. "When you come on the defense, the first thing you've got to get ready to do is be aggressive above all else and he's trying to make that transition.

With both Stephon Gore (ribs) and Laquinn Ellerbe (foot) unavailable, Hemby has gotten plenty of practice with the second unit. And while this was not how Hemby expected to spend his final collegiate season, he still plans to make the family proud.

"It's definitely an adjustment doing it, but I'm trying to learn as much as I can, stay positioned and have fun," Hemby said.

T&D Senior Sports Writer Thomas Grant Jr. can be reached by e-mail at tgrant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5547. Discuss this and other stories online at TheT&D.com.

You must be logged in to comment.