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Remember the Name Russell Shepard
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6 CommentsAlthough Terrelle Pryor hasn’t officially eliminated Michigan yet, the general feeling is that the Wolverines are on the outside looking in. I won’t write him off completely until he signs his LOI, but in the meantime I think we should start looking ahead to the Class of 2009. Specifically, I’d like to talk about Houston dual-threat quarterback Russell Shepard.
Shepard is a perfect fit for the new Michigan offense. He is lightning fast (runs a 4.4 40-yard dash) and can break a defender’s ankles with his footwork. That may actually be the most impressive attribute that Shepard brings to the table. He can change direction very quickly and has great field vision, allowing any play to turn into a touchdown.
All of this sounds great and the thought of Shepard playing for Michigan is intriguing, but what does he think about Rich Rodriguez and the Wolverines?
“I would say Texas is still up there, but Michigan is really at the top of my list, especially if they don’t get (2008 top recruit) Terrelle Pryor,” he said. “I feel like I could go there and play right away. I’m also looking at Florida and LSU. Both of those schools have pretty good depth-chart situations for me.”
Don’t chalk Shepard up as an ’09 commit or anything like that just yet, because his recruitment has a long way to go. Some would be surprised to see him go anywhere other than Texas, but luckily the QB position for the Longhorns is pretty congested right now. In fact, Texas just got a verbal from a 5-star QB for the Class of ’09, adding to the filled depth chart that UT will have in the future. Shepard did say that all he wants is a shot at playing QB and then would switch positions if that didn’t work out, so you can’t write Texas off just yet.
One of the nice things about Shepard is that he wants to commit to a school before his senior season. Also, he is on track to graduate from high school in December to enroll early at the college he chooses. If he does end up picking Michigan, then enrolling early would give him the ability to learn the offense before spring practice starts, which is a huge advantage for any new quarterback.
I don’t want to get too ahead of myself considering we do still have to wait for Terrelle Pryor to make a decision, but at least this shows you that Pryor going somewhere else isn’t the end of the world. Although it would be great to bring in Pryor for next season, I think Steven Threet and Justin Feagin will do a solid job of handling the quarterback duties. Also, I have no doubt that Rich Rodriguez will bring in a highly rated dual-threat QB from the Class of ’09 if Pryor doesn’t come to Michigan considering there are so many out there. As you can see, life will go on with or without Pryor.
Anyways, Shepard does look like he will be a great football player in college, especially if he plays in a spread offense. To see why I think that, just check out his highlight video from YouTube below.
Two interesting facts about Shepard worth mentioning involve his family tree. He is a cousin of former Ohio State Heisman winner Eddie George, and also is a cousin of fellow 2009 recruit Craig Loston. Loston is a safety and really looks like a great player. I don’t know if Michigan will start recruiting him, but they definitely should, especially if it helps with Shepard.
Is this the kid that played on ESPN2 against Sam McGuffie last year? If so, that kid had a breakout game. Great athelete.
Until he signs for the maize and blue, I am not paying attention. I am concerned that one of the $EC teams will buy him off such as UF, Bama, or LSU. THe SEC is just as dirty as USC, which is very dirty.
And the Big Ten is squeekie clean LOL Sorry boys this guy has SEC talent Geaux TIGERS L S U
Hi, this is anonymous above with the LSU fever. My bad – I forgot to tell everyone I’m an asshole.
well too bad you guys will have to watch him and Craig Loston in purple and gold. GEAUX Tigers!!
By the way if you don’t think that every major program in college football gives their players “benefits” then you smokin something.