2025 Interview with Russell Ali from Highlands High School (KY)

 

Russell Ali

Highlands High School

Tackle, Center, and Guard

2026

6ft, 270

Jersey Number: 58

Awards won or earned: team captain , most improved player, and protect the team.

HUDL LINK: http://hudl.com/profile/17774321

Post a small recap of last season with personal highlights and any other big moments you have and/or memories you have from last season, whether it be a game, the bus ride to or from the game, or any other thing that sticks out.

Last season was a great year for me to develop. This context is needed: I started playing football for the first time in my life freshman year as an out-of-shape, weak, and unhealthy player, having little athletic experience. I played JV my sophomore and junior years because I was undersized. (220 my sophomore year and 245 my junior year). Mainly, I took last year as a developmental year for improving my body, strength, etc. My favorite moment from last year would be dominating on JV and the moments I got on varsity to try to make a name for myself while working in the lab trying to find a way to get better every day and to work not only at practice but also in my own time. My work ethic has taken me far.

In watching some of your spring practice Hudl clips, I loved the way you not only got off of the ball but also stayed with your block until the play was over. Is there a pro or college player that you pattern your game after?

Yes, definitely. Paris Johnson Jr. and Jackson Carman are both players I love to watch. Specifically, I like to watch their high school highlights and the way they played aggressively, dominating the line, which is the style I try to imitate.

Something I noticed somewhat was the way you use your hands. So, my question is, what part of your game do you feel is the strongest?

Footwork, aggression, getting off the ball, and my long arms, which help me get a great first punch in pass pro. I am also great at down blocking and hitting the defenders' hips to move them away from the ball.

Which part of your game must you improve before the season kicks off?

I am working on run blocking. One part is drive blocking. Staying low, setting the target, hands inside, and creating a lot of movement are a large part of that game I am working on. I am also working on staying balanced and laying big hits when blocking in space.

In watching some of your junior highlights from Hudl, it seems you play with a controlled anger. How do you keep that style of play from getting out of control?

I try to not let emotions get in the way of the game. It will make me play worse.

Tackle or center, which of the two positions do you feel you are best at?

Tackle 100% I've been playing that since I started playing. I am also up for some guard as well in the future.

What are your personal goals for the season?

Get a lot of pancakes, keep getting bigger and stronger, and go D1. Most of all, enjoy the time I have now because it’s my last year and an opportunity to start varsity for the first time in high school.

Who is the toughest teammate to square off against during practice?

Probably the Benke twins. They have a lot to work with when deciding on moves to make against me because of their size and speed. I also want to shout out Grant Dadosky. He is a smaller defensive lineman (5’7), an incoming sophomore, and he is harder to block because of his motor, his small stature, and how quickly he makes a move. Those guys really give me good work, and they get me better every day!

If you are having a bad practice or game, which teammate do you seek guidance from?

Sometimes my friends are on the team. But I always ask questions of the coaches. Personally, I find my mistakes and how I can get better.

If you could pick one opponent from across the river to play at Paycor Stadium, which team are you choosing, along with why you chose them?

Elder High School. They are a really good team, and we haven’t played them in a while. Elder vs. Highlands is always a great game. We are playing them this year.

What is the best part of being a student-athlete at Highlands?

The school itself is great. I like the coaches and the program that they put together to maximize the potential of each player.

After the season is over, how important is it to you to earn an invite to the East/West game?

That would be amazing. It would be nice to play another game of high school football if that happens!

Have you gone to a Florence Y'alls baseball game?

No, I’m not really a big baseball guy.

What is a food that you enjoy eating that most others do not?

Anything with mustard.

What scares you?

When I’m old, I’ll look back and have regret of not living life to the fullest, being in the present moment.

 Follow me on X @HEARLTANDFAN15