Before Michael Jordan was making Bryon Russell fall with a killer crossover and draining the go ahead jumper to win his sixth NBA title with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan was a skinny, determined athlete dominating the competition at Laney High (Wilmington, N.C.).

Before Adrian Peterson was trucking opposing defenses and racking up 2,097 yards in a single season for the Minnesota Vikings he was shining bright under the Friday night lights at Palestine High (Palestine, Texas), averaging 12 yards a carry and scoring 32 touchdowns.

Before any athlete can become legendary they have to lay their foundation in the high school ranks.

Each week I’ll chat with a high-profile athlete’s former coach, mentor, family member, etc., and reminisce about their high school playing days; everything from the greatest moment to the wackiest story.

This week I caught up with reigning Super Bowl champ and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson’s high school coach at Collegiate (Richmond, Va.) Charlie McFall.

Jason Jordan: What’s your best memory of Russell on the field?

Charlie McFall: My goodness there are so many, but his last game was especially phenomenal. We were playing in the state championship and he had an unbelievable day; he threw for over 200 yards and rushed for over 200 yards! It was spectacular.

JJ: What was Russell’s leadership style back then?

CM: Well, he had this rare ability to impact people and push them to the point that all they wanted to do was to make him proud. No one ever wanted to let Russell down; whether it was on the field or in the weight room. That’s remarkable for a high school kid. He’s a natural leader.

JJ: What’s your best memory of Russell off the field?

CM: Probably just that in everything that he did he always approached it like “it’s not all about me.” I love that about him. He’s a consummate team guy on and off the field. One of the neatest things I remember was after his junior year when he won Man of the Year at his church. That was one of the most special times we ever shared away from the field. He’s really a great guy; always has been.

JJ: What’s the craziest story from his recruitment?

CM: Let me tell you, I’d like to have $1 for all of the college coaches that would be in my office back then asking me if he can play defensive back at that level; I’d be rich! I just gave one response, “Yes, but he’s a quarterback!” It was so plain to see, but a lot of them couldn’t see it. Russell probably would’ve ended up at Virginia if they would’ve wanted him at quarterback. They said he was too short, and I’d try to tell them that didn’t matter. They all wanted to know if he could play defensive back and, the truth is, he could’ve. He could’ve punted in college too! It was clear to me that he was gonna have the most success as a quarterback. Both Virginia and Virginia Tech wanted to recruit him as an athlete. Tech had Tyrod Taylor coming in and they said it was so important to them to win the recruiting war in the Hampton Roads area. Some schools got it right though; UNC, N.C. State, of course, and Duke too.

JJ: Word is he was a monster point guard?

CM: Yeah he was; he was very good. He did whatever the team needed and he always got everyone involved. He was the kid you always wanted on the floor. I think, depending on the school, he could’ve played in college. He had speed, quickness, strong ball handling skills and he was an adequate shooter. He was good!

JJ: Russell’s already got a Super Bowl ring and the Seahawks look really strong again this year; when it’s all said and done is Russell Wilson a Hall of Fame quarterback?

CM: I really don’t have any doubt about that. The biggest part to all of that is staying healthy. He couldn’t be in a better situation than in Seattle and he’s thriving! I know people haven’t seen the best of Russell yet either. I think that he’ll continue to get better and come to even higher levels. That’s what he did every year in high school and, if you look at it, that’s what he’s done in college and in the pros.

Follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayUSATODAY