'09 FB Class Review: QB

Tyler Russell
Ht: 6'4 Wt: 205
Scout	**** #13 QB, #125 overall
Rivals	**** #12 pro-style QB, #8 in MS, #217 overall
ESPN	77 #38 QB

Ah yes, Mr. Russell. Even the most casual of recruiting followers have heard of Tyler by now. He comes in at a position that is by far the worst in the SEC. Not only does Mississippi State need bodies, there are a total of two QBs on the roster outside Tyler, they need talent, neither Tyson Lee or Chris Relf would start for another SEC team. Tyler Russell takes care of both of those problems.

The expectations are sky high for Tyler. The entire MSU fanbase is looking at him as the savior of the program. I don't personally see him as the the savior of Mississippi State football and I find it unfortunate that the majority of fans are putting that kind of pressure and expectation on him before he even takes a snap. They are setting it up where people will call him a bust if he isn't starting by the end of the year, or if he isn't All-SEC by the time he leaves. That is ridiculous and frankly idiotic. Though I do understand where people are coming from. Russell is the highest rated QB in years and probably one of the top QB prospects to ever come to MSU. He plays a position that has been historically horrible for MSU and which amazingly got worse during the last 5 years. Only Croom could produce that feat. After 5 straight years of having the worst QBs in the SEC and possibly of any BCS team, people are hungry for a change. Tyler has the talent and upside to be one of the best to come through MSU, but as we all know recruiting is a crap shoot and nothing is ever guarenteed.

Tyler Russell had offers from South Carolina and Alabama. As a junior Russell led Meridian to the state semifinals, completing 146-274 (53.3%) for 2,481 yards, 26 touchdowns and just 8 interceptions. He also ran for 514 yards and 5 TDs. Although that is a very good and maybe even great year, it was his senior year that the legend of Tyler Russell (among MSU fans at least) really began to grow. He led Meridian to the state title game in which they defeated powerhouse South Panola 26-20, ending South Panola's 89-game win streak and taking home the state title. Russell completed 206-314 passes (65.6%) for 3,284 yards, 40 TDs and only 5 interceptions. He was named Mississippi's Mr. Football and the Gatorade Player of the Year.

The only downside is that Russell is a pocket quarterback. He isn't a statue by any means but he isn't a dual threat either. Traditionally Mullen has used mobile QBs so we'll see how he adjusts the offense to fit Russell's talents, because there is no doubt Russell will be the most talented QB on the roster next year and maybe for the next 4/5 years as well. Mullen has to find a way to use him effectively.

Overall Grade: A

The only thing keeping this from being an A+ is the lack of a second QB. Despite what Croom has led you to believe over the last 5 years, you need more than 3 QBs on the team. In any case, the one QB that is coming is top notch and thankfully Croom was kicked out before he could ruin him. With a real QB coach to work with, Russell will have a chance to maximize his talents. I think ideally Mullen will want to redshirt Russell. Unfortunately thanks to 5 years of Croom the QB situation is far from ideal and Mullen might not be able to. Whether its due to Russell being that impressive and passing up Lee and Relf, or Lee and Relf are so bad that Mullen has to play Russell by default, or maybe some combination of the two. I see Russell sitting the first part of the year but I think he'll be getting some meaningful snaps in the last 6 games with a slim chance at taking away the starting job midseason.