HOOVER, Ala. -- You won't find Zach Mettenberger or Tyler Russell at the top of any early predictions for the 2014 NFL Draft. It's not because of experience -- both are senior returning starters -- and it's certainly not because of size or arm strength. LSU's Mettenberger (6-5, 230) throws with plenty of velocity, as does Mississippi State's Russell, who is nearly as big at 6-4, 220.
So what is it? They know. And if they want to eventually play on Sundays, they'd better.
"The guys at the next level, the reason they're playing is that they're good at all the little things. We've been working on that," said Mettenberger. "Whether it's where I point my toe when I throw, when I get to the top of my drop, how I hitch forward. How I keep my eyes downfield and progress through a play. Nothing too dramatic. It's not like I'm Tim Tebow and have terrible mechanics. Nothing like that, just a lot of little things."
Mettenberger also said his speed and mobility are areas he's worked to improve also.
"Everybody knows I have some slow feet on me," he said.
As for Russell, getting used to playing under center as NFL quarterbacks do was a challenge in 2012, and he's worked to become more comfortable with that.
"In high school, I was never under center. We did it a little bit last year, and I went back and watched film, and I saw my footwork was terrible from under center," Russell said. "I've worked extremely hard to get that better. In the spring, my footwork was flawless. Everything was smooth. In play action, you couldn't tell if it was pass or run."
Statistically, Russell had the better season last year. The Bulldogs' returning starter completed 231-of-394 passes last year (58.6 percent) for 2,897 yards and a TD-INT ratio of better than two to one (24-10). Mettenberger's yardage and completion percentage were very similar to Russell's, but he threw just 12 touchdown passes against seven interceptions.
"I just know doing those little things will help me become a better college football player," Russell added. "If that means I become a better player and we win games, and I have a chance to play in the NFL, I'll already be prepared for little things like that."
Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter @ChaseGoodbread.