It’s March, and we’re already discussing JaMarcus Russell’s physical fitness. Don’t count on this story going away. It is, exactly what it is.

While much was made of Russell’s arrival to the Raiders’ voluntary offseason workouts Tuesday — as the speculation on his weight is quickly becoming TMZ-like — analysts Jamie Dukes and Rod Woodson discussed on Total Access Wednesday whether this is a make-or-break season for Russell.

“Can this guy lead his team? That’s what I want to see,” Dukes opined. “I don’t care if he’s 350 pounds. Can he lead his team, is he willing to do what he’s supposed to do in the classroom to understand what it is to be a QB in this league? They can make all they want to about how fat he is. I don’t care. Can the guy lead men and make the right decisions?”

Woodson believes new Raiders offensive coordinator Hugh Jackson will be the coach who gets through to Russell.

“He’s come into camp overweight every single year he’s been in the league so far,” Woodson added. “I hope this is a first step in the new and improved JaMarcus Russell saying, ‘I take this game serious enough that I’m going to keep myself in shape.’”

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