Scouting Russell Shepard

Scout.com’s top athlete of the Southwest region, QB Russell Shepard, decided this week that LSU is where he wants to play college football. Shepard is a special athlete and has loads of talent. Today, Scout.com Texas HS Recruiting Analyst Ahmard Vital will provide a quick overview of why there is some serious upside to Shepard.

Russell Shepard Profile (6-2/185)

With teams across the country vying for his services, LSU pulled in commitment No. 7 when Cy Ridge (TX) quarterback Russell Shepard gave his verbal commitment. Here is a quick breakdown on the strengths of Shepard:

Running: Once you see his highlight reel, it speaks for itself. This guys definitely someone who needs the ball in his hands because he makes the plays that only few can. He has legitimate speed (4.4 40-yards) and has the ability to score at will, and makes it look easy. He rushed for 1,525 yards, 18 touchdowns, and had multiple touchdown runs of 40 yards or more. Enough said.

Passing: In case you were unaware, Shepard has a great ability to put the ball in the air, but rarely did he have to. But when he did, you could see that he has a strong arm and has the ability to get the ball downfield. But, most of the times teams had enough trouble containing him, and teammate Hasan Lipscomb, on the ground so the passing game was not used quite as often.

Quote from Cy Ridge coach Gary Thiebaud: “He has really developed as a passer,” Thiebaud said in a preseason interview. “We always knew he could throw deep, but now he is throwing better routes. He is doing the things to become a complete quarterback.”

Leadership: Shepard is very firm with his “team-first” attitude. To me, this is what makes him one of the top players in the country. He shows a lot of character and humility on and off the field. He also constantly brags on his teammates by saying they are a big reason for his success as a player. He is definitely a guy you want at the end of a huddle.

Overall: Shepard is one who is destined to do big things on the college level. He has the speed, the instincts, and the talent to be a major player. With his athletic abilities, the sky is the limit. So keep an eye on him because he’s likely to be playing in a BCS-level bowl game in the near future.