here is the problem with people trying to believe that. Texas offered Shep as a DB or WR. Miles told him, that he wouldnt redshirt and would have a shot at the QB job. Why would he come to LSU to redshirt. Then wait behind JJ for 2 more years, while he is playing slot receiver or wildcat running back, exclusively? I think he wants to see the field next season, playing some QB and other positions, not only at WR. If he can earn the backup job and take some snaps next season while playing other positions, I think he would be pleased with that and produce results next season. We dont have plenty of consistent Mr. Excitement, just glimpses of Holiday which our staff doesnt even use that much because of his size. Shepard has the size and the ball skills to be that Mr. Excitement next year, while taking some snaps as well.
In regards to that 3 year debate you mentioned, you and I are just getting ours out of the way early, so dont take it personally.:hihi::grin:
LOL, getting it out of the way early, or simply starting it early??:hihi: And Shep WANTS to be a QB. That much is obvious. You mean to tell me that after all the camps and schools and clinics he's gone to...after all the interviews where he says he wants to prove he is a passer as well as a runner...that he'll settle for playing WR for three years and try to hope to win the QB job in his Senior year after not practicing at that position for the previous three? The only way he gets to EVER play QB is to play behind JJ and learn every aspect of the position. He doesn't need to be wasting his practice time learning how to be a WR when he knows he could be DYNAMITE as a QB in his Junior / Senior years...possibly even his RS Soph year if JJ goes early. I believe that he and his coaches will come to this decision if he doesn't win the starting job before the Fall.
My understanding is that RS wants to be a QB, but he also wants to play and he will do whatever is asked of him if it gets him on the field. Although the redshirt scenario would be the best way to go for Shep to eventually be THE QB, I don't think it's an option.
I completely understand this aspect of it. But if scouts say this kid is the Percy Harvin with the ball in his hands. I wouldnt redshirt him, because of the impact he would have on every defense we played against this year at the QB position or any other position. As a D.Coordinator, there is no way I could possibly gameplan against Shepard, JJ, Randle, Scott, Dickson, Lafell, and Toliver.
I've said it before and I'll say it again...there's no real indication yet that he's more explosive than Murphy, Williams, or Holliday...and we can't even seem to use them to their abilities.
While you bring up a great point that RS hasnt done anything yet at the college level. He is a different player than the aforementioned players. RS has much more wiggle, explosive speed, and dynamics than any of those guys have. Yes Holliday has serious straight speed but he doesnt have the change of direction nor moves of RS. Same for Williams. Not a knock at all on those guys because they each bring a hell of a lot to the table. There is no denying though the moves and sheer explosiveness of RS. The key is as has been mentioned. How does he develope as a QB, while also attempting to practice some at other positions so he may be used? I think he gets most reps at QB, then just let him use his athleticism in other plays/positions/formations.
Murphy is plenty shifty...almost too much so. It's when they start "wiggling" that they get hammered in the SEC! This is a half-step away from the NFL here...see Reggie Bush for an example.
Hmm Percy Harvin doesnt do too bad with his "wiggling." Ive never been too impressed with Murphey despite all the talk about him leading up to the season. His change of direction isnt like RS.
Meyer and Co. use Harvin better than we use our guys. Their A+ offense is almost entirely built around him and we like to spread out the love. You guys may be right, but my thoughts are that he sits out next year. If he doesn't, the chances of him ever being the starting QB he WANTS to be are severly damaged.
