He wasn't tough enough to play RB in the SEC. He was downed on first contact every time. I'll never forget his first carry, when got upendend and pile-driven into the ground. That set the tone for his entire career. Great guy. Not a great player. He'd have done better as a corner and returning kicks on ST's...but we were absolutely loaded in both positions. He just didn't have a place here.
I do not know why we never used him on Kick off returns? Seems to be easier to catch a Kick Off vs a punt and also a little more breathing room with Kick Offs once you catch the ball.
With our depth he didn't have to be an every-down back. That's OK when you're 11 yards downfield. Perhaps, the coaches didn't know what to do with him. Maybe he should have been tried at DB. He made two TD-saving tackles on kick returns last season. He was strong on special teams defense. He was fast, took good angles, and was a sure tackler.
I agree with Red that DB would, possibly, have been a better position for him. But...we were thin at WR and deep at DB (until last year). Had he had any experience at DB, he might have been very useful in that position last year. However, how often does a senior completely change positions, let alone a different side of the ball?
He was a talented athlete, that's for sure. I think the coaches weren't sure where to use him. Hopefully, he will get he coaching he needs at the next level to be successful. He always had a positive attitude and good work ethic. That will pay off for him in the future.
Sounds like he is doing well. Good for him!! http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasyfootball/players/playerpage/2060184/russell-shepard
RS is dominating Eagles' camp...! http://www.csnphilly.com/football-philadelphia-eagles/rookie-wr-shepard-dominating-eagles-camp
Reading articles like this about him make you say hmmmm.... I wonder what could have been. Of course, he needs to perform in real games before casting full judgement. Timing can be such a big part of success in life. His timing at LSU may have been off regarding OCs who happen to be there when he was, but perhaps it's right on w/the Eagles and Coach Chip Kelly. You could say the same about Reuben Randle, and Terrance Tolliver. Their timing w/LSUs offensive approach was just not symmetric.
I suppose you could say that about anybody who has come through here in the last four years or so. Along with those you mentioned, how good could JLee have been under the right tutelage? Ridley? Murphy? Holliday?
