Shep seems remarkable for a high school kid. But maybe we should give him some room to grow. He's not a hero yet. Just a great football player and an apparently great kid. I'd be surprised (and very disappointed) if he's a team leader next year. I'd be happy if he's infecting the team with his attitude and using those wheels of his to draw comparisons for himself with names like Percy Harvin and/or Pat White... I'm sure he reads these boards. And I'm sure he appreciates the confidence. But let's not hang the 2009 season on him yet...
:geaux::crystal::helmet: Totally agree. He needs to have time to get his feet on the ground, etc. My comments were not necessarily meant for 2009 but for his career in general, although he could see the field in some capacity next season. Whatever is best for Shep and the team. He'd probably be the first to say that as well. I'm just lookin' forward to seein' him play, no matter if it's '09 or '10. :geauxtige:champs::LSU231:
Depends on how you view a leader. Even if he is not seeing the field a great deal, I still see him as someone who will be considered a leader in the locker room by his peers. You do not have to see the field to have your leadership and attitude spread across the team.
A freshman is not going to walk into a locker room and set the tone for a football team, regardless of his potential. We need to give him some room. That's my point.
I do not agree with that at all. You can look at programs all around the country and see examples of leadership from freshman. It is not always based on potential as you say. Some of the young leadership is publicized and other not so much but players, coaches, and fans close to the programs do see young guys coming in and taking roles as vocal leaders or leaders by example. You do not think all the recruits that RS has been selling LSU to will not see him as someone to look up to? He has constant dialogue with the LSU coaches and knows what him and his teammates are to expect. He has been on campus numerous times to know the ins and outs that would be benificial to newcomers who have not had that opportunity. I do not see anyone smothering him to require room and I know he wouldn't ask for it because he is going to do what he has always done. Lead by example and be there for his friends and teammates. No one is asking him to do anything he hasn't done in the past everyday of his life and I am sure he would not have it any other way.
If anyone can come in make an impact in a leadership role this would seem to be the kid. It doesnt happen often for a true freshman which I think is the basis for being somewhat skeptical. However, he sure sounds special. Time will tell.
It's a slippery slope, but I would consider that a form of leadership. I wouldn't be promoting this had he not been an early enrollee. I just think a 6-8 month head start is huge, especially for this kid.
He's a great kid. Sounds like he's going to be an impact player. I just think the man-crush thing is getting silly, bordering on nauseating (for me - personal opinion).
