In looking at the statistics for LSU, I see that Russell Shepard averaged 5 1/2 touches per game for the entire season. Comments?
He had a lot thrown behind him but he also dropped a lot he should've caught. What does that amount to? Lack of production and certainly NOT more touches imo...and his 254 total receiving yards will back me on that.
First year in a new position. Will be a junior next year, and doesn't strike me as the type to bolt to the NFL if he doesn't feel ready. My guess is he's here for two more years and becomes an even bigger part of the offense. Also will probably take over for PP7 in the return game.
I agree, I think Shep is smart enough to realize that he's going to have to be a 4-yr player to maximize his NFL stock. A lot of people thought he'd take to the WR position like a duck to water, and he seems to be struggling a bit with the transition.
He's not there JUST to get touches. Jefferson got an 80 yard TD run simply because RS was in the backfield with him.
Shepard as a quarterback last year had the highest rush average of any Tiger--over 6 yards a carry. This year as a wide receiver, Shepard averaged over 7 yards a carry, again leading all rushers. Am I the only one that thinks maybe Shepard should be playing at running back and getting more handoffs and pitches?
The first thread I ever started was about this very topic. I agree with you big time on this one. Onterio McCalebb is 5'10" 171lbs and has carried the ball 86 times this year.
Does it really matter what they "call" him. I think he ran the ball more than they threw it to him. He could the 4th DE on the depth chart for all I care, as long as he gets the ball, goes the right way very fast, and doesn't let go of it until he is in the end zone it doesn't really matter to me.
Yes! I agree 100%! I still can't understand why GC didn't run the wildcat with RS in the backfield. Seems to me with JJ as a decent running threat along with RS and Ridley (Ford and Ware as well), the offense could have found success with some misdirection a la Auburn and Ole Miss. Could have been another wrinkle to our look on offense, and we certainly have the talent to change things up, bring in different personnel, etc... And before I get flamed here, I am keeping the focus on RS, and not saying that JJ is in the same league as Newton or Masoli in terms of successfully running the wildcat. The thing is, we'll never know! :geauxtige
