Russell Shepard's character outshines incredible talent

I don't want this kid playing WR and then switching to QB, etc...

the way QBs develop is by getting the practice reps at the position.

I love that he is willing to do anything to win and I totally trust the coaches ability to develop his talent. I just hope he picks one position and sticks with it.

 

In the long run, it won't really be his decision.

But I am very very excited that he is a Tiger. He seems like a guy who could become a leader early in his career.

 

wow. what a kid.

he has what my sister would call an "old soul". an inner strength that is wise and mature beyond his years.

not to mention a heck of a smart player!:thumb:

 

oh no doubt. I rather have this kid on our sidelines than one someone else's.

The hat will manage him well. :miles:

 

Great young man. Thanks for posting this link.
ldskule:

 

If we decided to only train Shep as QB, grooming him to be the next great dual-threat QB in modern history (Michael Vick, Vince Young, etc), what happens to Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson? Do Lee and Jefferson start over Shep during their time at LSU, only giving Shep one season for the Tigers as QB? Or does Shep beat out Lee and Jefferson at some point... or do we go with some sort of two-QB system? And don't forget about Chris Garrett, he has some good potential as well.

If we just decide to make a straight-up WR/kick returner out of Shep, wouldn't we get a lot more from him than if we made him compete solely as a QB vs. Lee, Jefferson and Garrett?

To me, I'd love to see Shep be groomed as a QB, WR, and kick returner, and I'd love to see him developed and used prudently at all three positions. I'd like to see him used primarily as a WR/kick returner at first, while giving him many opportunities to show what he can do for us as QB as well. Depending on how all that works out should give us a better idea of what to do with Shep during his time at LSU.

I do agree that there is a lot to be said of only making a QB out of Shep if we truly want him to be a mega-star dual-threat QB, or of only making a WR/kick returner out of Shep if we truly want him to be a mega-star WR/kick returner... but all that stuff differs by the person... those decisions have to be made on a case-by-case basis. In Shep's case, the kid is so special that I think he's one of those (maybe rare) cases that it wouldn't hurt him grooming him as both a QB and WR/kick returner (I say "maybe rare" because cross-training isn't always a bad thing).

But, like Clair, I do trust our Coaches, and I believe they will make the best decisions that will most maximize the potential Shep offers to LSU (which will make Shep a star, and a highly prized draft prospect when he goes into the NFL draft). I'd love to be a fly on the wall when Coach Miles, Coach Crowton & company sit down and discuss just what in the heck they plan on doing with Shep when he gets to LSU.

Of course, if RS is the next Michael Vick or Vince Young, then remember that Vince Young was used in a two-QB system during his first year as a redshirt freshman at Texas (2003), and then was the starter at QB for the next two years (he left Texas after his redshirt junior year to go pro, where he was taken as the #3 overall draft pick in the NFL Draft). Vince Young never got Heisman votes until his last year at Texas as a redshirt junior, when Texas went undefeated (he finished #2 in the Heisman vote that year). As for Michael Vick, he started at QB for Virginia Tech as a redshirt freshman, and during his very first year (1999), he finished 3rd in the Heisman vote (the highest finish ever by a freshman). He also finished in the Heisman voting as a redshirt sophomore, and then went into the NFL Draft, where he was the #1 overall pick.

 

Wait until he gets to campus and becomes a player-host. Texas made a massive mistake not letting him compete for the QB position.

 

Is Shepard's passing ability and arm superb enough to pass the other QB recruits? Or is he more of a runner than a passer as a QB?

I think when he gets here and gets on the practice field the coaches will see his abilities and decide which way they think he should go. The kid sounds like he will go to any position as long as he gets PT quickly, which is an attitude seen in very few kids. That is an admirable characteristic.

I could definitely see him having special plays at QB for him, ala RP, while getting time at WR during his first couple seasons and then maybe transition or compete for QB his junior year. Or maybe even compete in his soph year but if he is 2nd string then they have him play WR.

All I know is that it is great to have a player with his ability, but it is extra special to have the attitude that he has where he is willing to play any position as long as he gets PT quickly. Great guy and can't wait to see him at LSU.

 

This kid is going to be something special. I really look forward to seeing him in purple and gold.