<p>Quotes from those who knew Erk Russell, the former Georgia defensive coordinator and Georgia Southern head coach who died Friday at age 80:</p><p>HASH(0x1cd8178)</p><p>"This is a total shock. ... Erk and I coached together at Auburn as assistants and were a close team for 17 years at Georgia. To say that Erk was a great coach doesn't do him justice. He had a wonderful sense of humor, combined with a tremendous ability to motivate. He had a unique ability to relate to players in a very special way and was the epitome of a players' coach. He had a great influence on people and affected the lives of many. He was loved by all." _ former Georgia coach and athletic director Vince Dooley.</p><p>HASH(0x1cd8244)</p><p>"We had Erk speak to our team a few years back and we still show that video to our team on occasion. He had charisma. He didn't take himself too seriously and people loved him because they knew he cared. He left a huge impression on the Georgia program, the people of Georgia, and especially the players he coached and his fellow coaches." _ Georgia football coach Mark Richt.</p><p>HASH(0x1cd8310)</p><p>"Erk coached through motivation, not intimidation, as some thought. He had the most remarkable ability to make everybody feel good. Secretaries loved him. Custodians loved him. Most of all, his players loved him, which is why the least talented athlete could make a contribution if it was only for one play or one series. He felt that defense was reaction and recognition. He could motivate a kid with heart and an appreciation for team play to help Georgia win championships." _ Loran Smith, Georgia Radio Network sideline reporter and longtime executive secretary of the Georgia Bulldog Club.</p><p>HASH(0x1cdae90)</p><p>"When Erk went to Georgia Southern to start their program, he would bring his team down here and play our freshmen team at FSU. We would sit together and talk a lot back them. He took a school with no program and eventually won championships. He'll probably be remembered as a very animated coach who produced great defenses. And there was no better speaker in front of a group than Erk. I hate to see him leave us, but he is a good man who'll go to the good place." _ Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, who had known Russell since the 1940s when they played for rival high schools in Birmingham, Ala.</p><p>HASH(0x1cdaf5c)</p><p>"Erk Russell is an icon of Georgia football history, and we join all the Bulldog Nation in mourning his passing. "I had come to know him over the years and have great respect for his many contributions to the University and its football program. His tenacity, combined with a loving spirit, inspired loyalty in his players, fellow coaches, and all who love the University of Georgia. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in their time of great loss." _ Georgia president Michael F. Adams.</p><p>HASH(0x1cdb028)</p><p>"This is a sad day for the Bulldog Nation. Coach Russell touched the lives of so many people. His legendary status as a hard-nosed defensive coordinator at the University of Georgia will always be remembered. Erk truly embodied what it means to be a Georgia Bulldog." _ Georgia athletic director Damon Evans.</p><p>HASH(0x1cdb0f4)</p><p>"The entire Georgia Southern community is deeply shocked and saddened by Erk's passing. Just yesterday (Thursday), he spent the afternoon with this year's team, giving our young players a moment they will treasure for the rest of their lives." _ Georgia Southern president Bruce Grube.</p><p>HASH(0x1cdb1c0)</p><p>"We are still in shock after hearing the news about Erk Russell. He was a great leader, his players loved him, and he was a father-figure to them all. Coach Russell will be greatly missed. Although he might not physically be with us, as long as there is football at Georgia Southern, Erk's legacy will live on." _ Georgia Southern athletic director Sam Baker.</p><p>HASH(0x1cdef78)</p><p>"If you needed a picture to put by the word 'humble' in the dictionary, Erk Russell's picture should be there." _ Holmes Ramsey, a longtime Georgia Southern athletic booster and friend who lives in Statesboro.</p><p>HASH(0x1cdf044)</p><p>"We've had many fine assistant coaches at Georgia, but Erk Russell was probably the most instrumental assistant in our history. He had more to do with the fighting spirit of our defenses than anyone and probably the greatest impact of any assistant on the success of the teams during his tenure." _ former Georgia sports information director Dan Magill.</p><p>HASH(0x1cdf110)</p><p>"I had Erk talk to the team (Thursday) and I felt so good leaving that meeting. I woke up with a special spirit this morning and then I got the call. It just changed the day and the whole events surrounding this weekend." _ Georgia Southern coach Brian VanGorder, whose team opens the season Saturday against Central Connecticut.</p><p>HASH(0x1cdf1dc)</p><p>"He was selfless and was happiest with a beer, a cigar and good conversation. To me, the mark of a great man is when the little people admire and love you. That was certainly the case with Erk. He was the heart and soul of Georgia football for the years he was here." _ Smith.</p><p>HASH(0x1ce182c)</p><p>"His accomplishments in the football program were tremendous. ... Just as importantly, however, were the morals and ethics Erk instilled in his players and the positive impact he made on people he met in everyday life. His motto of 'Just do right' was his rule book on how to live one's life." _ Grube.</p>
