[Tuck4Bama]

STARKVILLE — Star tailback signee Robert Elliott came to MSU with plenty of immediate-impact buzz, but he may wind up redshirting.

That's what was proposed by Elliott in what coach Sylvester Croom said was "a long conversation" between the two Sunday.

"He's very aware that he's not ready to perform at a high level right now," Croom said. "He even asked to be redshirted. I told him I wanted to take him week by week. We'll get him ready, and we'll make that decision somewhere down the road, because if we get an injury he'll have to go."

Elliott drew rave reviews during the first week of preseason camp, but his stock started to fall when he fumbled twice in the team's first scrimmage.

Croom said Elliott appeared to have improved in recent days, but still had much to learn in terms of knowing the offense and being an effective pass blocker.

Gifted Elliott still learning ropes -The Clarion-Ledger- Real Mississippi