Russell Shepard - A stud QB for LSU

LSU head coach Les Miles got a stud at quarterback when dual-threat Russell Shepard of Houston, Texas committed to the Tigers...

Russell Shepard, QB, 6'1"/179 lbs
Houston, Texas - Cypress Ridge High
- Runs the 40 in 4.4...
- Is rated the fifth best high school player in the country by Rivals...is rated the number one QB by Rivals...
- Rivals stated, "Called the most dynamic offensive playmaker in Houston since Vince Young and his numbers speak for themselves. In 12 games as a senior, Shepard has rushed for 1,947 yards and 29 touchdowns. His passing numbers are just as impressive with 1,849 through the air and 18 touchdowns. He’s also only thrown four interceptions." ...
- Is rated the number one high school player in the country by ESPN...

As of January 7, 2009, ESPN had this assessment of Shepard...
Shepard is a rare athlete who resembles University of Florida receiver Percy Harvin when lined up at quarterback--a scary thought. Shepard is lean, flexible and plays with a lot of wiggle. He might seem like just a great athlete playing quarterback at first, but he's the real deal as a complete player. Still, he makes most of his plays with his legs, either on called runs or on scrambles after the initial play unravels. Causes headaches for defenses because he can break down a defender in the open field as well as anyone. Stays low to the ground and doesn't take a lot of big hits. Has excellent vision and the lateral mobility to bounce runs outside after starting inside.

Excels at locating cutback lanes. Takes little time to reach his top speed. Has the burst to get through holes quickly and to turn the corner. Accelerates out of cuts, changes directions quickly and shows fluid suddenness in space. Wins most footraces. Has a smooth, fluid release and a quick, compact delivery on his throws. Flashes the ability to place the ball anywhere on the field when on time. Shows some zip on underneath throws and can fit balls into some tight spots in the short range. Has good touch and timing on the deep ball. Throws on the run very well and has the arm strength to throw off balance and across his body.

He's explosive in all areas: change-of-direction skills, elusiveness, speed and arm. Shepard is much further along as a passer than Terrelle Pryor was at this stage, and Shepard is more explosive. He's the type of player any college program would want to get his hands on the ball as often as possible because he is a gamebreaker. He will be given every opportunity to remain at quarterback, but also has the elite skills to play a number of spots which gives him possibly the biggest value of any prospect in this class.

Where is he headed?
Shepard verbally committed to LSU on December 5, 2008...it is a solid verbal commitment...he also had offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, USC, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and Florida...

Below is an 8:03 clip of Shepard - a MUST see...