Mississippi State Bulldogs

Finally the full-time signal-caller, Russell impressed his coaches in the spring with his command of the offense. The Bulldogs' attack will be built around Russell's pocket-passing style. He must improve his accuracy (53.5% last season, 24 for 43 in the spring game).

RB LADARIUS PERKINS JUNIOR

He ran well as a shifty change-of-pace back last season, gaining 422 yards on 87 carries. He rushed more than 10 times in a game just twice but this year will be vying to get the majority of the split with sophomore Nick Griffin.

BREAKOUT PLAYER

TE MALCOLM JOHNSON SOPHOMORE

Position switch for a 2011 All-SEC freshman receiver

Though he had only 11 catches as a freshman wide receiver, Johnson seems destined to be a more important target at his new position. With Dan Mullen planning to use his tight ends more as receivers, the 6' 2", 230-pound Johnson, who averaged 18.7 yards per catch last season and had 110 yards receiving in the Bulldogs' spring game, will be a perfect fit.