A major motion picture about the life of legendary college football coach Erk Russell will begin production in 2013. Titled “Erk,” the film will be directed by Bulloch County native and Georgia Southern University graduate James Kicklighter.
Jay and Rusty Russell, sons of the late Erk Russell, said in a joint statement: “We are excited about the prospects of this film. His story is unique and he was a ‘one of a kind’ individual. Our family looks forward to seeing his humble yet iconic character portrayed on screen.”
After 17 years of coordinating the University of Georgia’s renowned “Junkyard Dogs” defense, Russell came to Statesboro in 1981 to resurrect a Georgia Southern football program that had been dormant since the World War II era.
With minimal financial support, Russell used his natural charisma to transform a group of walk-ons into national champions in a few short years, laying the foundation for the most successful program in the history of Division I-AA, now Football Championship Subdivision. He coached the Eagles to their first three national titles — 1985, ’86 and ’89.
Russell inspired, motivated and impacted the lives of thousands throughout his 80-year life, which ended Sept. 8, 2006, after a likely stroke.
“Growing up 20 miles from Statesboro, I heard about the stories of Coach Russell all throughout my childhood,” Kicklighter said. “Being a small town boy myself, I am excited to tackle his inspirational all-American story with the support of the Russell family and his closest friends and athletes.”
The project has the full backing of the university in producing the story about a man who remains a legend in Statesboro six years after he passed away.
“The university is excited and proud to take part in this film,” said Dr. Brooks A. Keel, the president of GSU. “Coach Russell’s unique approach to coaching football is an integral part of Georgia Southern’s rich history and culture in athletics. Filming part of this story here in Statesboro will not only draw great attention to our community and university, but will also allow our students a rare opportunity to observe, and in some cases, participate in the making of a major motion picture.”
Much of the filming of the project will be done in the Statesboro and Athens areas. It will be produced by Beau Turpin, who also is a graduate of Georgia Southern. 
Turpin and Kicklighter said: “We are thrilled to be making this movie in our home state and filming at our alma mater in Statesboro and also in Athens. The support of the Georgia Film Commission, the University of Georgia, and Georgia Southern University is going help make this film extremely special.”