Mississippi State quarterback Tyler Russell enters his senior season this upcoming year for the Bulldogs. 
Russell arrived at MSU as a four-star prospect out of Meridian, Miss., in 2009. After an outstanding high school senior season, which he capped off by leading his team to a 5A state championship, he was named “Mr. Football” in the state of Mississippi and was the top-rated quarterback prospect in the state as well.
He drew consideration from powerhouse programs like Alabama and South Carolina but ultimately decided to play for the Bulldogs. He is now entering his second season as the full-time starter. Russell redshirted his first year at MSU and then in his freshman season, played a limited situational role for the team.
His sophomore season in 2011 was the year he was given the opportunity to play quarterback, and he made the most of it, eventually earning four starts that year.
Last season, he came into the year as the starter for the first time in his career and started every game of the season for MSU. He finished the season throwing for 2,987 yards and 28 touchdowns with only 10 interceptions. His performance was a key factor in the Bulldogs’ 8-5 record and appearance in the Gator Bowl.
The 2013 campaign might be the most challenging for Russell of any he has played so far at MSU. The team lost many veteran players to graduation and to the NFL draft, and will be counting on a lot of unproven players to discover their roles on the team. Using doubters and critics as motivation to the upcoming season, Russell said he does not care what people say, and the Dogs’ expectation is to win.
“People are going to think what they want,” Russell said. “At the end of the day you still have to go out there and compete and work hard.”
Youth and inexperience will be a theme for this year’s team because this squad is a lot younger than last year’s team, especially at the receiver position. The team lost three seniors at that position from last season.  
The inexperience will certainly have an impact on Russell, and as a fifth-year senior, he is expected to step up and be a leader for the Bulldogs in 2013.
Russell said one of the differences between last year and this year is his role as a leader.  
“I’m trying to be a better leader,” Russell said. “We got a lot of young guys, so I’m just trying to get them all on the same page as me and help them understand what’s happening on each play.”
Les Koenning, MSU offensive coordinator, said the coaches are giving Russell more responsibility this year.
“We’re giving him more flexibility this season and letting him do more,” Koenning said.
In a scrimmage on Friday, Russell went 21-for-39 with 258 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions.
Head coach Dan Mullen said Russell was inconsistent in the scrimmage but said there were positives as well.
“I was disappointed in certain things. I think he missed some throws today but also made some good plays today as well,” Mullen said. “We’re trying to get him more comfortable with game management right now to where he can see things on the field and make the adjustments.”
Russell’s individual play this season will be more of a critical factor than previous seasons, and if the Bulldogs offense is to be effective, a big part of that will be how influential he is with this new group of receivers.
Russell said connecting with his receivers is a big priority right now.
“We lost some receivers from last year, but we got some young guys out here making plays,” Russell said. “The chemistry is growing and it’s getting there. You’re not going to just go out there and have the same chemistry with these guys as you had with (Chad) Bumphis or (Arceto) Clark. It’s going to take time but it’s getting there.”
The Bulldogs will scrimmage again Friday before the annual spring game on Saturday.