I remember an interview with Saban early in the year and the red shirt issue on QB's came up and Saban's answer was along the lines of he would do what was best for Flynn and Russell. This was after conversation with the player and thier families. I think it may have been done even before the signatures were on the dotted line. Great move on Coach Saban's part and now we have both of these guys for 4 more years with the possibility of playing with a 5th year sr. Anything can happen, but Flynn or Russell will be the starter by mid year. IMHO
What I have heard is that Flynn is a more talented Matt Mauck type who understands the offense and has good intangibles. He is very mobile and has a strong arm. On the other hand, Russell is said to be a once-in-a-lifetime talent who at this point has not picked up the offense as well as Flynn. He is said to be able to make throws that most college QB's and many pro QB's can't make. I get the impression that if Russell improves his ability to read defenses and understand the offense, he has more upside than Flynn. Flynn, on the other hand, has the right intangibles and more than enough talent to be a starting QB in the SEC. Remember, this is the guy who was LSU all the way and wasn't worried about having to compete with Robert Lane or Jamarcus Russell. I like Marcus Randall, but the reason he was #2 this year was because Saban did not want to waste a year of eligibility for either Flynn or Russell. He said as much this year. Both Flynn and Russell are exceptionally talented, and if Mauck leaves, I don't think Randall will be able to keep either Russell or Flynn from taking over the starting position at QB.
Saban said that Flynn was ahead of Russell in the offensive system that was designed for Mauck. Flynn appears to have similar physical abilities, such as the ability to scramble. However, if Mauck leaves, the system will be changed to a system similar to that used when Davey was the QB. Who knows who is more suited for that system.
I am from Mobile and saw Rusell play High school ball he is tall about 6'6" and can realy throw . He threw a ball flat foot nearly 65 yards and has good touch on short passes for a person his age. When i went to see LSU play Bama this year i saw him close up and he has gained alot of weight (muscle) he should be hard to tackle in backfield. What a great problem to have which quarterback to start GOD IT GREAT TO BE A LSU FAN
sugar bowl warmups I was on about the 10 yrd line on the oklahoma sideline in my seat early watching the qb's warmup. both qb's (flynn and russell) looked like they had strong arms and accuracy, but there was a certain swagger to jemarcus that gave me the feeling that he's gonna be a great one. now, I realize that this is just warmups, not a game situation, but the the kid knows he's good and evidently has confidence in himself. my prediction is that he gets a share of the snaps next year regardless if mauck comes back.
As far as Randall being second string must make him better I think is completely untrue. Saban just didnt want to waste a year of eligibility for mop up duty. I honestly dont think Randall will ever take another snap. At least I hope not...unless its for mop up again.
I think the view that most fans have taken is that Jamarcus will likely be the starter for the next 2-3 years and the Matt Flynn will step in as a senior or junior.
There's nothing "little" about Russell. He's EXTREMELY TALL!!! Good size. No Mike Vick though...not even close. He's more of a....hmmmm...a taller Matt Mauck??? Yeah, I'd say that.
The proof's in the pudding fellas. Coming out first in that combine on reading defenses say a whole helluva lot. These were not just some chumps he was up against....we are talking the Elite 11. If you think about it, of course Matt Flynn is perfectly suited for an offense geared around Matt Mauck. They have identical physical stats (6' 2" 220 lbs) and almost identical speed (4.53). JaMarcuss Russell will flourish under the type of offense that we ran with Davey. And it's not like the guy is immobile (4.7 is not all that bad). With Clayton gone, I think Mauck will follow. And we will be seeing maybe the best QB ever to play at LSU. What a lovely delimna Saban has on his hands.
For those who have seen them play, how accurate are Russell and Flynn? I hear a lot about arm strength, but without accuracy, it will count for little.