This week I will outline a different position group every day. I will give my guesses at the starting lineups as well as some analysis for each group.
Starter
Tyler Russell (SR)
There is no doubt who MSU will have behind center for this years opener. 5th year senior Tyler Russell returns from a nice junior year that saw him toss for 2,897 yards and 24 TD’s. It was a heck of a year as he rewrote some MSU single season passing records and his senior year provides his chances to break more records. In my opinion, Russell is the best pure passer in MSU history. He struggled with consistency at times (Egg and Gator Bowls) but his leadership is an asset on the field. Tyler’s career arc since high school reminds me a lot of Jason Campbell. If that comparison rings true, Tyler will have his best year at MSU and position himself to be drafted in next years NFL Draft.
#2
Dak Prescott (soph)
Last year was our first glance at the dual threat backup. In his RS freshman year he was used much like Tim Tebow was used in his freshman year at Florida under Mullen. Dak was a short yardage specialist and wasn’t given a lot of opportunities to throw the ball. Last year he threw for 194 yards with 4 TD’s and added 118 rushing yards with 4 rushing TD’s. He will challenge Tyler Russell all year long and I expect an expanded role in the offense. Next year is his year and this year is his last year of prep work.
#3
Damien Williams (true freshman)
As a 2013 signee, Williams provides much needed quality depth but probably not much more. Williams was a standout dual threat in the Louisiana 5A division which put him against top talent weekly. At 6’1 220, he is physically ready for SEC ball but he needs a redshirt year. Barring terrible injuries at QB, Williams will get a year to learn.
Analysis
You have to feel good about a starter with as much experience as Russell. He has been through it all and has a chance to be one of MSU’s most beloved with a big year. Right behind him, many fans are chomping at the bit to see what Dak can do. Dak is the prototype for Mullen’s system and hopefully he gets to show a bit more in an expanded offensive role. When you look at these 3 QB’s, its easy to realize that this is the best QB depth chart, talent wise, MSU has had in a long time if not ever.
3rdand57 