I've heard that he's really improved on it already. Maybe by the time he is NEEDED, he'll be ready for it.
i dont see it happening, as much as i would like for it to happen, as far as pocket passer, Garrett looked miles ahead of sheppard, and JJ will be with us for another 3 years, unless he just blows up and goes pro after his jr. season. I think Sheppard would be much more effective in a Percy Harvin type role.
I have two specific things that I've been wondering about the defense. Is Eugene's switch to the other side of the field at CB permanent? And how does our 2nd string DL look?
you are right, we dont have to have a pocket passer, and i could be waaaaay off, but based on what i saw, chris garrett is a better quarterback. Shep is a better athlete and better scrambler, and is effective on the boot right to the tight end and fullback, but throwing downfield, he just isnt there yet. I just think he would be more of a threat, if he lined up in the slot or backfield.
You definitely could be right. I agree that Garrett is the better passer, the guy has an arm, he just has to come along like any other QB, but the talent is definitely there. I just think it puts more pressure on a defense to have Shep under center.
Sorry this took a while to get to. But here are you all's answers. I do not see him as Ray Lewis, obviously. But I think he adds a threat on passing downs that will help give the team more speed, etc. Obviously, if it's 4th and 1, he won't be in as a LB, but I think he is more than capable of hammering down backs and tight ends in coverage in the passing downs. Hitt has made some solid strides and LSU has a lot of linemen ready to make their own footprints. Replacing Herm is not seamless, but I don't think it will be a sorespot on the team by any means. Josh Dworaczyk, Will Blackwell, etc... are all very serviceable. Shepard won't play much receiver imo. The coaches see him as a quarterback and for this year, I have been told the plan is for him to be the gadget QB and the #3 QB on the depth chart. What I mean is that if Jefferson gets hurt, Lee will go in. But Shepard will probably plan more designed snaps than Lee will. With Jai, it's just about versatility and about being able to do multiple things. Peterson will probably assume the #1 job at some point this season, but they just want Jai and Hawkins and the others to be able to have the ability to line up to the left, right, slot, etc... Chavis doesn't mix personnel as much as the other LSU coaches did, but he does mix and match where to line up his strong 11. The 2nd string D-Line play has been pretty good, but not where the coaches would want it. They have a number of great individuals, but they haven't gelled as a unit yet. But in terms of talent, it's all there. LSU sure does have a heck of a receiving TE, as you know, but you're right in that there is a big concern at blocking TE. Mitch Joseph and Matt Branch would probably fit the bill if there were a game tomorrow and it was fourth and one. I can tell you that LSU does have a lot of sets of hands at that position. Tight end will be set for years in terms of catching passes.
