Shepard had 45 carries in the 10 games he had playing time. If he plays the other 3 games, that works out to roughly 58 carries. Am I crazy to think he can receive that many carries + 30 or more receptions? :geauxtige
Shepard is very talented and will most definately be used to a greater extent this year. I want to see him at running back, but he will probably line up at receiver. Hopefully, he will play at both. Either way, he will be fun to watch and productive.
The reason I ask is because I get the impression that alot of people believe he won't get as many carries now that he is receiver. The coaching staff and players have said multiple times that he will be used like Percy Harvin was. At Florida, Harvin had more carries than receptions all 3 years.
It's more so the threat Shepard poses in the backfield that a defense has to account for. Harvin was too fast and shifty to cover in space with a LB. Think the way the Saints use Reggie Bush now if he were still at USC. When you have a dual threat like that, plus a power running game (like Tebow effectively playing as a FB), you can give a defense fits. LSU will have that ability now with an improved OL and solid stable of RBs....IF Crowton and company come up with solid game plans.
He will probably be used as a reciever predominantly, and put in at RB for some trick plays. I also think he will be a reciever that can rush in wide receiver sweeps and plays like that. But if the coaches want him at WR instead of RB, it has to be for a reason, and it all depends on how much you trust them.
I think Miles said that he was moved to receiver because it would allow him to always be in the game. Last year when he lined up at RB, after coming off the bench the defense was able to adjust and substitute. When lined up at receiver, he can be motioned over to RB. At least, I hope so.
I hope so too. However, I also hope that Miles worrying about adjusting and substituting while someone comes off the bench is not an indication that we are going back to the meerkat offense. Perhaps it would work, given a more experienced QB and better OL, but I would rather not find out.
I've pretty well established that I want Shepard to get alot of carries. As far as him being a receiver, I'd love to see him get the ball in slip screens and I would also love to see him stretch the field vertically with deep routes. I never understood why we didn't try this with Trindon Holliday.
So do I, as well as a lot of people on this site. Probably because of Holliday's size, but I think that he would have gotten some long balls if we had used him in this regard. Not all the time, and maybe not every game, but that every now and then reception that breaks open and gets the offense motivated. However, it just didn't match Crowton's "genius" game plan.
I have been very critical of Les Miles during his time here, especially lately. Given the way Keiland Williams was often forgotten at times, I am not confident that Shepard will be used properly. I want to be a Miles fan; I really do. He is a likeable guy and I hope he gives me a reason to have faith in him.
