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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...