'09 TX QB Russell Shepard (LSU Verbal)

[wadc45]

Rivals $

3/10

From the Texas site...talks about the fact he is in Austin almost every week and is still talking to other schools. Despite all of that, says his LSU commitment is strong.

[wadc45]

ESPN - Shepard's character outshines incredible talent - Football Recruiting

Updated: August 5, 2008

CYPRESS, Texas -- Gary Thiebaud likes to tell this story about Russell Shepard. It's one that defined the moral fiber of a teenager and spawned a leader.

Thiebaud prefaced the story by noting it is unparalleled in his 30 years as an educator and head football coach. He said "nearly every college coach was teary-eyed when I finished telling it."

Shepard, the No. 2-ranked player in the ESPNU 150, who plays for Cypress Ridge High, not only touched a gathering at a Houston-area funeral home last July, he earned the respect and admiration of a grieving family which included Cypress Ridge assistant coach Zac Quinlan.

"It took a 16-year-old young man to take charge of a sensitive day," Thiebaud recalled.

At the funeral services for Quinlan's father, Mark, the celebrant invited those in attendance to speak on the deceased's behalf. Nary was a word spoken. Thiebaud said the priest from a local Roman Catholic parish stood awkwardly until Shepard strode to the podium.

Thiebaud thought, "Russell, what are you doing?"

Shepard's message was unrehearsed and came straight from the heart.

Continued...