<h2>Top QB might be a Tide prospect again</h2> <div class="photo-right">
<div class="caption" style="WIDTH: 200px"> Tyler Russell </div> </div>Most likely, AJ McCarron will be the only quarterback Alabama will sign in this year's class. But there's a chance the Tide might get back in the mix for another top quarterback.
Sylvester Croom's resignation last week surprised several prospects committed to Mississippi State, including star quarterback Tyler Russell of Meridian. Croom's departure might open the door for other schools to move in on Russell, and one of those schools could be Alabama.</p>
"It was a big shock to me," Russell says of Croom's decision to step down. "I never expected that to happen. But things change and you have to be prepared to move forward."</p>
In leading Meridian to a 13-1 record this season, Russell has completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 3,041 yards and 39 touchdowns, with just five interceptions. He's also rushed for 327 yards and eight touchdowns.</p>
The 6-5, 210-pound Russell made a huge impression on quarterbacks coach/offensive coordinator Jim McElwain at the Tide's 7-on-7 passing camp last summer. Since then the Alabama staff has kept tabs on Russell.</p>
Word is that an Alabama assistant might be in Jackson, Mississippi for the state championship game this Friday night to watch Russell lead Meridian against perennial powerhouse Batesville-South Panola.</p>
While Russell declines to discuss specifics about other schools, he admits to keeping his options open.</p>
"Right now, I'm still committed to Mississippi State," Russell says. "But I have no idea who they are going to bring in.
<font color="#660000">The athletic director and Coach [Rocky] Felker have called and told me they plan to hire a coach with a wide-open passing style.</font> But if they bring in a running coach, then I don't think that would be a fit for me."</p>
"If other schools talk to me and are interested in me, I will listen," he adds. "I'm not going to burn a bridge by not listening to what other schools have to say, because I don't know what's going to happen at Mississippi State."</p>