"I wanted to hang out with some of the guys and get to know them on more of a personal level off the field. It was nice being able to bond with the guys. We had a lot of time to sit back and talk about other stuff besides football. I really enjoyed that.
"Just getting to know everybody and hanging with all the guys I really enjoyed it a lot. I enjoyed getting to work with some other coaches. It was a good experience."
Russell, who roomed with Jamie Collins and Travis Badley, had the chance to team up with some familiar foes. Three South Panola Tigers helped carry the home state banner.
"Marvin (Burdette), David (Conner) and Big (Don)Blevins were all cool," said Russell. "We didn't really even talk about winning state. We just focused on being one team and what we needed to do."
Despite coming up short in the game on Saturday, Tyler believes his team gave the proper effort.
"I think everybody gave 110% all week," said Russell. "Sometimes we weren't on the same page, but a lot of that has to do with how everybody does things at their own school. It's tough to put an offense together in a short time like that. We were able to move the ball some, but we couldn't put the ball in the endzone."
Tyler and some of the players he played with and against all started the year at the Under Armour/Scout combine in Mobile back in January. The year ended in the same stadium with players from Alabama and Mississippi working towards their futures.
"It's pretty weird to think about it," said Russell. "That was my first combine and then I got to play my last high school game there. I thought about that a few times. We had a good time there."
During the course of the week, Tyler got some calls from college recruiters who were looking to test the strength of his commitment to Mississippi State.
"I really didn't have a lot of time to talk to a lot of people because I was trying to focus on the week," said Tyler. "I got calls from Arkansas, Alabama and Florida State.
"I didn't think about it too much. I was really more focused on the game. I knew my performance in the game wouldn't sway anything either way because people know what I am capable of after this season."
After a coaching change in Starkville, Tyler admits to taking a moment or two to reflect on the situation. The fear of the unknown began to subside earlier this week when Coach Dan Mullen was named to the head coaching position at Mississippi State.
The four star quarterback has an in home visit scheduled with the new top Dawg for Monday.
"I am going to Mississippi State. I have always wanted to go there. I know Coach Mullen is going to bring a great offense there and we are going to get some great players to come. We are putting together a great class.
"I am looking forward to meeting Coach Mullen. I had thought about taking some visits to be sure about things, but I really think it's all going to work out now. They are coming by the school tomorrow and then by my house tomorrow night."
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