HOOVER, Ala. (AP) - Sylvester Croom and Mississippi State are reaping the dividends of last season's strong finish.

Croom said Wednesday at Southeastern Conference media days that the Bulldogs are way ahead of where they've been on the recruiting trail during his tenure.

That's largely due to an eight-win season that included a Liberty Bowl win and SEC coach of the year honors for Croom.

The Bulldogs have 19 verbal commitments from upcoming high school seniors.

As for the current season, Croom said he is expecting quarterback Wesley Carroll to be better this season and figures to have a more explosive offense. Carroll started nine games as a freshman.

Croom did say he would be willing to play two quarterbacks if junior college transfer Tyson Lee emerges.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)