In 2006, Shepard's high school made the front page of the Houston Chronicle, making it sound like the school had a serious drug problem. Basically, the article said: Under the federal No Child Left Behind law, each state has developed a method for designating "persistently dangerous" schools. Schools designated as "persistently dangerous" must notify parents and allow students to transfer to another school within the district. Shepard's high school, "Cy-Ridge," became the first Houston-area campus to be deemed “persistently dangerous,” a label that it earned, in part, for reporting a high number of drug violations. The high school is one of just five Texas schools to make this year’s list (2006). Fewer than 40 U.S. schools were deemed dangerous last year (2005). Nearly 80 percent of the 41 instances that Cy-Ridge reported in the last three years were drug violations. In 70 percent of the cases, a student reported the infraction either through CrimeStoppers or to an adult on campus. Among the remaining nine incidents was one case of arson and possession of illegal weapons, including knives and brass knuckles. To help address its drug problems, the school district will start random testing of teenagers who compete in sports and academic events when school resumes this month. They’re also increasing surveillance at Cy-Ridge and continuing other anti-drug initiatives Chron.com | News, search and shopping from the Houston Chronicle or HOUSTON METRO | KHOU.com | News for Houston, Texas However, according to PublicSchoolReview.com: In 2006, the TEA rated the school as "persistently dangerous". Students were given the option to transfer out of the school for free. ... The rating was challenged and revoked early September 2006 because the school incorrectly reported crimes that only were felonies because the crimes were committed on the school campus as general felonies. Cypress Ridge High School - Houston, Texas/TX - Public School Profile Also, according to a blog of a mother whose daughter goes to Cy-Ridge, this was the letter Cy-Ridge send out to the parents, letting them know they successfully challenged the "persistently dangerous" rating: http://rightmom.net/?p=272#comments
You know, I was just thinking to myself..."Self, I wonder if there were any problems at the high school the Shep attends"??:insane: On another tangent, I believe I now know why LSU doesn't get many studs from John Curtis. When I went there in the late 80's, there was a kid whose name I shall not mention...simply because I don't remember his last name. "A" student, well liked, salt of the earth parents, the works. One day, he came to school with a bandage on his arm that looked like a homemade thing he put on himself, and had some strange excuse. Turns out he had killed an elderly couple in his neighborhood while robbing them...beat them to death with a friggin' shovel...so that he could get money to ride in a Mardi Gras parade...because his parents wouldn't give up the $$$. Long story short, I think it's a GOOD thing that we don't get many Curtis recruits !:rolleye33:
I just watched the video of him at the Baton Rouge Nike camp and he looked fantastic. He was very accurate and had amazing footwork. There is no doubt in my mind that Shep is not only a great athlete but a really good Quarterback. Also he is working with that Qb's coach in Austin every week so he will only continue to get better with time. He is a special talent and an even better guy. Can't wait for him to get into the P&G on saturday nights.
Yes, it was very impressive...But most of all, the Kid has a great demeanor. He's wise beyond his years, and it looks as if he planned his life years ago. He will be a great Student-Athlete, and represent LSU with integrity. I for one, cant wait to see what Crowton has planned for Him.
Previous videos seem to only have him running because that is the style of offense his school runs. He has pointed it out before and I believe he is attending all these camps in an attempt to show the naysayers that he really can throw as well. Perhaps this fall, his school will open things up a bit more. Regardless, I also feel he will play QB for us, and add another dimension to the offense run by Lee/Jefferson. We may have some growing pains this year at QB, but the next 4 years should be pretty exciting. And I doubt that Shep is the last big name QB we will get for awhile. Edit: I Just watched his SPARQ video as well and it's impressive. Incredible feet and vision. Very good arm strength and I was taken aback by his accuracy. Throwing timing patterns at those distances with virtually unknown receivers is pretty tough. UT may have hated us for taking RP, but their hate will continue when this kid hits the field.
