Russell tabbed to lead Mississippi All-Stars

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November 5, 2008

By Rocky Higginbotham / Sports Editor The Meridian Star Wed Nov 05, 2008, 10:45 PM CST

The 2008-09 class of quarterbacks in Mississippi is widely considered one of the most talented — and deepest — in nearly two decades.

But when Meridian High School's Tyler Russell was the overwhelming choice as the Magnolia State's quarterback for the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Classic Wednesday, it didn't come as a surprise for MHS coach Larry Weems.

"They had a lot of good choices and I think they made the best one," Weems said after Russell was picked by the selection committee Wednesday, when Mississippi's roster for the 22nd annual game was chosen.

The contest is set for Dec. 13 at Ladd-Peebles Memorial Stadium in Mobile, Ala.

Russell — who is headed to Mississippi State — has emerged as the cream of the crop in a class that also includes Ole Miss commit Clayton Moore of Louisville and LSU committ Chris Garrett of Tupelo.

The 6-foot-5, 212-pounder has already helped Meridian to the Region 3-5A title and has led the Wildcats to a 9-1 record. Despite sitting out 11 quarters during blowout victories, Russell has thrown for 2,150 yards on 136-of-198 passing.

He's thrown 25 touchdowns and just five interceptions and also rushed for five TDs. As a junior, Russell threw for 2,401 yards and 26 touchdowns while missing three games due to a mild knee injury.

While Russell was high on the wish list of the Mississippi coaching staff — which is headed up by Wayne County's Marcus Boyles — he'll have plenty of company from area standouts when the team leaves for Mobile in early December.

MHS teammate Khairi Usher was also selected for the Mississippi squad, as were a total of eight players from The Meridian Star's coverage area.

"I'm obviously real proud for any of our kids to get recognized," Weems said after being told Russell and Usher got the nod. "I'm excited that they're going to get that opportunity and I feel sure they're going to represent Meridian High School and Mississippi well.

"I feel like some of our other kids could have been on the thing, but I'm sure (the committee) went with guys that they felt like gave them the best chance to win under that format."

The selection process has several quirks, including one which limits the number of players chosen from the same school. Each of Mississippi's geographical districts and each of the five classifications must also be represented.

Usher made the squad as a defensive back, while the Wayne County duo of Tracy Lampley and Willie Daniels also made the team.

Noxubee County's Patrick Patterson and Deontae Skinner were chosen, as was Newton County's Fred Smith and Philadelphia's Josh Boyd.

Usher, a 5-foot-10, 183-pounder, has recorded 49 tackles for the Wildcats and has a team-high four interceptions. He has 25 solo stops and two tackles for a loss, as well as three pass deflections and a fumble recovery.

Patterson, considered the state's top player by one recruiting service, had an MHSAA-best 72 catches for 1,415 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior. This year, the 6-3, 210-pounder has 42 catches for 761 yards and 10 TDs, as well as two rushing touchdowns and a punt return for another score.

Skinner, a Mississippi State commitment, had 21 tackles in last week's win over Neshoba Central and has 108 for the year. It's the second straight year he's topped the century mark, and the 6-2, 220-pounder also has seven sacks and nine QB hurries. The Tigers, 9-0, have given up just 20 points all season long.

Lampley, a 5-foot-8, 175-pounder known better around Waynesboro by his nickname "Pound" — has rushed 77 times for 780 yards and has 24 catches for 293 yards. He's totaled 14 touchdowns for the unbeaten and top-ranked War Eagles.

Daniels, meanwhile, is a 6-foot, 190-pound defensive end/linebacker who has 76 tackles for the War Eagles. He also has three sacks, three pass breakups and two forced fumbles for a Wayne County defense giving up just 6.6 points per contest.

Boyd, another Mississippi State commitment, is a 6-3, 270-pounder who has had most opposing offenses going away from all season. Last year, he led the Tornadoes with 154 tackles and also racked up four sacks.

Smith, meanwhile, is a 6-2, 275-pound offensive lineman who has paved the way for a Cougars' offense averaging 31.8 points per game. Newton County, 9-1, is ranked No. 4 in Class 3A by the Jackson Clarion-Ledger and No. 6 by the MPSS.

A host of area players are also expected to be chosen for the annual Bernard Blackwell (North/South) All-Star Classic. Those rosters will be selected Feb. 11.

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