A guy like Ryan is not easy to come by, he is a true dual threat...probably a better passer than he is runner. Not probably, he is...and he's a good runner to boot. Shepard is a very good runner and a mediocre passer. Even Pryor is not as polished running and passing as Ryan was coming out of HS. Pryor is a stronger runner, but Ryan is far ahead of him as far as passing/reading/QB skills. One thing you can't say about Dauterive is that he fails to teach his QBs.
Russell Shepherd is a talent for sure and his highlight reels are eye popping, but he is a running QB. Doesn't make sense to me to assemble a top flight group of receivers and a top flight group of RBs like LSU and then recruit a running QB. That said I bet Crowton could come up with a few plays for him.
you make an outstanding point....if he indeed will struggle passing the ball, then that doesn't fit well with our offense and what Crowton likes to do (which is spread out the defense using the passing game). I would rather a polished QB who has the ability to run with the ball and elude the rush (Mauck, Flynn, Perrilloux).
Here's Dandydon's prediction for our class needs. Form all early indications LSU's top priority for the 2009 signing class will be signing two highly-touted quarterbacks and they will recruit nation wide to sign the two. I also believe signing at least three running backs will be high on the list of needs. There will be eight or nine big-time running back recruits in the state of Louisiana for the 2009 signing class and I would not be surprised if Les Miles signs two or three of them. Les Miles will also need to sign three big-time linebackers in the next signing class and has already offered two in-state linebackers in Tahi Jones and Barkevious Mingo. Miles will likely sign three or four wide receivers in the next signing class and has five great instate wide receivers to select from. Miles will likely sign four offensive linemen and four defensive linemen in the next signing class and should not have to leave the state unless he can go out of state and sign one or two great propsects. Miles will likely sign four defensive backs in the next signing class and is almost a lock to sign Janzen Jackson from Carencro who should be a five-star recruit.
