Russell Shepard (May 11, 2008), currently ranked #2
| N2FL: At what age did you start playing football? |
| R.S.: I started playing at 11. |
| N2FL: When and who was your first scholarship offer? |
| R.S.: It was Texas A&M and it was during the middle of my sophomore year. |
| N2FL: How many scholarship offers do you currently have? |
| R.S.: I have over 60. |
| N2FL: What was your favorite college team growing up? |
| R.S.: It was Virginia Tech. |
| N2FL: Have a favorite NFL Team? |
| R.S.: Ha - The Colts. |
| N2FL: Do you try and emulate any specific player? |
| R.S.: No I take something from different players: Peyton Manning for his knowledge, Vick's athletic ability, Donovan McNabb's hearth and love for the game and Tom Brady's leadership qualities. |
| N2FL: You committed to LSU in early March, why did you decide to end the process so early? |
| R.S.: I wanted to concentrate on my senior football season. I wanted to get this process over with so I could continue to get better and not do all that traveling when I can be working out. |
| N2FL: What were some of the considerations when choosing your school? |
| R.S.: The location because I didn't want to be in the cold and I didn't want to be too far away from home. But I wanted to be far enough where I could grown up and be a man on my own. The offensive coordinator for what type of quarterbacks he liked and he was known for developing so many very solid quarterbacks. The depth at the position played a big roll too. I want to go somewhere that I can play early and contribute to my team in a big way and I want I head coach that isn't scared of nobody and will take chances cause that's me as a player. |
| N2FL: Are there any schools who continue to recruit you despite your commitment? |
| R.S.: Oh yes sir - Texas, Florida, Michigan, and more just not as hard as they used to. |
| N2FL: Despite your pledge to the Tigers, will you take any "official visits" anywhere else? |
| R.S.: No sir, I think of committing like a relationship: You cant go see another girl and chill with her if you are in a prior relationship, that's just flat out "cheating" lol. |
| N2FL: Was there another school(s) in consideration before you pulled the trigger on the Tigers, and what was it about LSU that ultimately sold you on them? |
| R.S.: The schools were Texas, Florida and Michigan. It was the depth at LSU, the atmosphere and the love for the fighting tiger and the tradition. |
| N2FL: What do you see as some of your playing strengths? |
| R.S.: I am a leader. I will do whatever it takes to win whether that's making plays with my arm or legs. |
| N2FL: What are some things you would like to work on between now and college? |
| R.S.: Developing myself as a quarterback and that includes mechanics, leadership qualities, and knowledge of the game. |
| N2FL: How do you feel about Redshirting? |
| R.S.: I feel alright about it, but if I have a chance to play early I will definitely do that. |
| N2FL: Do you have a major in mind? |
| R.S.: Marketing Communication. |
| N2FL: What are your goals for your senior season? |
| R.S.: To lead my team to a state title and putting my community as well as my school on a national stage. |
| N2FL: What is the craziest recruiting "pitch" you have heard so far? |
| R.S.: "Russell, every time you see me on TV. I want you to know I am thinking about Russell Shepard." |
| N2FL: Have you communicated with any prospective recruits about attending LSU with you? |
| R.S.: Yes; Rueben Randle, Jamarkus McFarland, Hasan Lipscomb, Willie Ferrell, Chris Garrett and more. |
| N2FL: Who has been the biggest influence in your life? |
| R.S.: My parents. They have been through a great deal and still manage to keep on fighting and are taking care of their responsibility's. |