2009 5 Star QB about to announce for Texas...

[The Realist]

This should help with Russell Sheppard.

[presidentMPJ]

?

[Hogstocking]

This should help with Russell Sheppard.

That is awesome news.  We could be a real player for Sheppard now, I've always read he's a huge horn fan, but it's hard to imagine them getting two 5 star QBs.

[presidentMPJ]

Oh ok. Sweet. I thought you were saying that Sheppard was going to annouce for Texas and didn't understand. That could be like the MM and RM situatioin in a way.

[arklahoman36]

I know Scout lists Shepard at QB and Rivals lists him as an ATH -- obviously what they list him as doesn't matter.
But I wonder if this kid will actually play QB. He completes less than 50 percent of his passes and is a little on the smallish side unless he grows some during his SR year.

[songofthesword]

ther eis no way in hell he will not play QB. get him a QB coach and he will be fine. he's the goods.

[shshark00]

I know Scout lists Shepard at QB and Rivals lists him as an ATH -- obviously what they list him as doesn't matter.
But I wonder if this kid will actually play QB. He completes less than 50 percent of his passes and is a little on the smallish side unless he grows some during his SR year.

I'm calling BS here. How in the world can someone give 5* to a QB that completes less than 50 percent of his throws? If it's for his running ability only, then label him an ATH.

[J.A.Y.]

Are you talking about Gilbert?

[cashmoneyman_04]

we already have great qb's....but i just watched his film and if he is willing to play wide receiver here....we need to get him because his running ability is amazing....he should realize he probably couldn't play nfl qb so he should come here and play wide out

[russell33]

now if he can keep his word for 364 days

[COCHISE]

I know Scout lists Shepard at QB and Rivals lists him as an ATH -- obviously what they list him as doesn't matter.
But I wonder if this kid will actually play QB. He completes less than 50 percent of his passes and is a little on the smallish side unless he grows some during his SR year.

I agree.  If Russell really wants to go to Texas, this won't matter.  It's unlikely that he would play QB at the next level anyway.  He's listed at QB but he's an all around athlete and lines up at QB just so he'll have the ball in his hands to make plays, much like DMAC in the wildcat.

[J.A.Y.]

I don't see Petrino offering him as as QB.

Look at his style of QB's in Brohn, Mallett, and Wilson.

Nothing against Youngblood either but I think Wilson would have been his first choice if he would have been here in the beginning.

One thing that does seperate Youngblood is his size and armstrength, both are way better than Sheppard.

[Sportsguy120]

sheppard is kind of like a poor mans vince young , heck who wouldnt want another matt jones???

[J.A.Y.]

He has made it abundantly clear that he will play only QB in college, we will see how this pans out.

Somebody will bend over backwards to land a 5 star, and ride him to a 6-6 record to keep him happy at QB.

Reminds me of Brent Schaeffer, just one more star.

[jim hog]

I hope we go after these guys early. Get ahead of the game so to speak.

[The Realist]

Shepperd is definitely interested in Arkansas. 

[shshark00]

He has made it abundantly clear that he will play only QB in college, we will see how this pans out.

Somebody will bend over backwards to land a 5 star, and ride him to a 6-6 record to keep him happy at QB.

Reminds me of Brent Schaeffer, just one more star.

If he is only willing to play QB then let him go. That style of play doesn't mesh with Petrino's system.

[Nutts and Bolts]

As said above, Sheppard has publically told all schools recruiting him that he will ONLY play QB.

[Nutts and Bolts]

My advise is if Petrino wants him, he needs to recruit him as a QB and tell him that he will be given the shot to be the QB.... When he gets here, give him that shot....If he is not better than RM, ND, TW, etc....Then that is just the way it is... He was given his shot... Sorta like the Broaderick Green Scenario at USC... BG told the dork that he wanted to play TB... The dork told him he was recruiting him as a FB... So he went to USC because PC told him he could play RB... BG knows that he will be given a chance....BG also knows that if he does not beat out the other RB's, he will be moved somewhere else....

[Bacon The Saddle Again]

If he is only willing to play QB then let him go. That style of play doesn't mesh with Petrino's system.

Is it that he doesn't have the talent to play QB?  Is his arm strength no good?  If it's a matter of throwing mechanics, that can be fixed and he'll have some time to work on it.  Mallett will most likely be a redshirt sophomore Russell's freshman year.  Youngblood and Wilson likely will be redshirt freshman. 

If the kid has the tools to play Petrino's system- strong arm, poise in the pocket, intelligence and vision to read secondaries, then why not be all over him?  If he can be taught how to play the position, don't pass him by just because at the current time he's considered a dual-threat guy.  A TRUE dual-threat means he can kick your ass with his legs AND his arm. 

I don't think Petrino is going to say, "Man, this kid has a live arm, is teachable, smart, and I think he could turn into a very prolific passer.  Too bad he runs a 4.42 forty.  NEXT!"

[pedrothelion]

My advise is if Petrino wants him, he needs to recruit him as a QB and tell him that he will be given the shot to be the QB.... When he gets here, give him that shot....If he is not better than RM, ND, TW, etc....Then that is just the way it is... He was given his shot... Sorta like the Broaderick Green Scenario at USC... BG told the dork that he wanted to play TB... The dork told him he was recruiting him as a FB... So he went to USC because PC told him he could play RB... BG knows that he will be given a chance....BG also knows that if he does not beat out the other RB's, he will be moved somewhere else....

BP did something similar to what you have suggested at Louisville with Michael Bush who was a highly touted high school QB.  That seemed to work well.

[shshark00]

Is it that he doesn't have the talent to play QB?  Is his arm strength no good?  If it's a matter of throwing mechanics, that can be fixed and he'll have some time to work on it.  Mallett will most likely be a redshirt sophomore Russell's freshman year.  Youngblood and Wilson likely will be redshirt freshman. 

If the kid has the tools to play Petrino's system- strong arm, poise in the pocket, intelligence and vision to read secondaries, then why not be all over him?  If he can be taught how to play the position, don't pass him by just because at the current time he's considered a dual-threat guy.  A TRUE dual-threat means he can kick your ass with his legs AND his arm. 

I don't think Petrino is going to say, "Man, this kid has a live arm, is teachable, smart, and I think he could turn into a very prolific passer.  Too bad he runs a 4.42 forty.  NEXT!"

45% completion percentage, 8 TDs, 4 INTs. He's one dimensional. When I watch the highlight reels of him, he runs on at least 80-85% of the plays. And 4 of the first 5 passing plays I saw was the same play ran at different times (roll out right (run/pass option) and throw a basic 10-15 yard out route). If he can be taught, then great. But with the QBs we already have, and then from what I've seen of his throwing ability, he has a LONG way to go to be an effective QB at the next level. He's a 5* ATH no doubt, but no where close to a 5* QB.

[Bacon The Saddle Again]

45% completion percentage, 8 TDs, 4 INTs. He's one dimensional. When I watch the highlight reels of him, he runs on at least 80-85% of the plays. And 4 of the first 5 passing plays I saw was the same play ran at different times (roll out right (run/pass option) and throw a basic 10-15 yard out route). If he can be taught, then great. But with the QBs we already have, and then from what I've seen of his throwing ability, he has a LONG way to go to be an effective QB at the next level. He's a 5* ATH no doubt, but no where close to a 5* QB.

That's the whole point of recruiting as a QB.  Because we will have a lot of young, talented QB's on the depth chart ahead of him.  He would almost certainly redshirt a year with Mallett, Youngblood, Wilson, Dick ahead of him. (in all honestly one or two will probably transfer out before all this is said and done)  But the fact that we have 2,3, maybe four years to get him learning proper technique, footwork, the system, etc, to play two in the SEC could be a selling point IF he not only wants to play QB in college, but in the NFL as well.

[shshark00]

That's the whole point of recruiting as a QB.  Because we will have a lot of young, talented QB's on the depth chart ahead of him.  He would almost certainly redshirt a year with Mallett, Youngblood, Wilson, Dick ahead of him. (in all honestly one or two will probably transfer out before all this is said and done)  But the fact that we have 2,3, maybe four years to get him learning proper technique, footwork, the system, etc, to play two in the SEC could be a selling point IF he not only wants to play QB in college, but in the NFL as well.

2,3, maybe 4 years? Your talking about recruiting a 5* ATH, letting him stay at a position we're stong at, and not playing him until maybe he senior year? How does that help this team? Did you see the separation he gets? He needs to be a WR and returning kicks and playing as soon as possible. However, if he refuses to play anywhere but QB then I think we waste our time. I don't believe he can develop into a good enough passer to play QB at the next level in Petrino's type of sytem. If he goes to Michigan or Oregon or West Virginia then yea he could be good. But letting someone with his athletic abilty sit and rot at the bottom of the QB depth chart for years just doesn't make sense.

[EastMemphisHog]

I noticed Applewhite is recruiting him for Bama...that can't help

[shshark00]

I noticed Applewhite is recruiting him for Bama...that can't help

I thought Applewhite went back to Texas?

[Bacon The Saddle Again]

2,3, maybe 4 years? Your talking about recruiting a 5* ATH, letting him stay at a position we're stong at, and not playing him until maybe he senior year? How does that help this team? Did you see the separation he gets? He needs to be a WR and returning kicks and playing as soon as possible. However, if he refuses to play anywhere but QB then I think we waste our time. I don't believe he can develop into a good enough passer to play QB at the next level in Petrino's type of sytem. If he goes to Michigan or Oregon or West Virginia then yea he could be good. But letting someone with his athletic abilty sit and rot at the bottom of the QB depth chart for years just doesn't make sense.

What recruiting service do you work for again?  Have you talked to him or his coaches to measure his intelligence to read defenses?  Have you evaluated his arm strength?  Do you know if his head coach has a history of not developing quarterbacks?  Has he always run the spread?  Could his poor completion percentage be due to poor coaching?  How many times a game do they throw the ball? 

I understand the guy could be a monster in the option spread.  I understand that he could play right away at WR or DB or RB or as a return specialist here.  But if the ONLY way you can get the guy is to play him at QB, why not do it?  There is no sin about signing a QB to learn a system and work on mechanics for 2-4 years to compete for the job as a redshirt junior or senior.  If he's willing to learn and has the tools, the fact that he can outrun a 747 in flight is just a bunch of icing on a really big and already tasty cake.

[EastMemphisHog]

I thought Applewhite went back to Texas?

Yeah he did...forgot about that. Good call.

[shshark00]

What recruiting service do you work for again?  Have you talked to him or his coaches to measure his intelligence to read defenses?  Have you evaluated his arm strength?  Do you know if his head coach has a history of not developing quarterbacks?  Has he always run the spread?  Could his poor completion percentage be due to poor coaching?  How many times a game do they throw the ball? 

I understand the guy could be a monster in the option spread.  I understand that he could play right away at WR or DB or RB or as a return specialist here.  But if the ONLY way you can get the guy is to play him at QB, why not do it?  There is no sin about signing a QB to learn a system and work on mechanics for 2-4 years to compete for the job as a redshirt junior or senior.  If he's willing to learn and has the tools, the fact that he can outrun a 747 in flight is just a bunch of icing on a really big and already tasty cake.

Both his soph and jr and soon to be sr years have been spent running the spread. He avg. about 110 passes the past 2 years which, depending on how far each team got in the playoffs, comes to about less than 10 passes per game. I see your point, and I respect you opinion, but I see it as a waste of talent to let him sit on the sideline for a couple years when he could be a major contributor elsewhere on the field. I just know 4 years from now we'll be talking about what if.

[arkmark]

Shark, your on the right track.
Consider the quality of QB Petrino has brought in in the 21/2 months he has had to recruit.  He got Mallett and kept Wilson and Youngblood in the fold.  If this is representative of Petrino's ability to attract QB's for his system you can expect it continue in future recruiting classes.
So, why bring in a kid insisting to play nothing but QB when his stats, regardless of HS coaching, shows him to be an option player, agreeably a darn good one. 
But to bring him in and expect to change him to fit Petrino's offense makes him a project.  If Petrino can pull a Mallett or close to it every couple or three years there is no need for projects taking up space.  Especially project who project themselves to be QB's and nothing else.  If they don't work out you either have a head case on your hands or a quick transfer and another wasted scholly.

[hawgfandude]

Just don't Nutt him.  Tell it like it is and if he really believes he can be a starter, he will come.

[TX HOG]

My best friend is a huge Texass fan................he already bragging about this kid!  I hope BP goes into Texas and takes blue chippers from texASS

[Bacon The Saddle Again]

Both his soph and jr and soon to be sr years have been spent running the spread. He avg. about 110 passes the past 2 years which, depending on how far each team got in the playoffs, comes to about less than 10 passes per game. I see your point, and I respect you opinion, but I see it as a waste of talent to let him sit on the sideline for a couple years when he could be a major contributor elsewhere on the field. I just know 4 years from now we'll be talking about what if.

Is it a waste of talent to offer any 5* quarterback that would end up sitting behind Mallett or just a guy that can run real fast?  The point isn't whether or not we could use him somewhere else.  Obviously, that would be great.  But if have to promise not to take him off QB and he develops into Randall Cunningham over the course of 2 years of learning and gives us two great seasons of a prolific passer with amazing escapability, would it still be a considered a waste all that time?

[shshark00]

Is it a waste of talent to offer any 5* quarterback that would end up sitting behind Mallett or just a guy that can run real fast?  The point isn't whether or not we could use him somewhere else.  Obviously, that would be great.  But if have to promise not to take him off QB and he develops into Randall Cunningham over the course of 2 years of learning and gives us two great seasons of a prolific passer with amazing escapability, would it still be a considered a waste all that time?

I get that and I understand what you are saying. What I am saying is that in my opinion based on what I've seen from at least 5 different videos of him, is that I don't think he can reach that level of play as a passing QB. That's it. I'm on an opinion board stating my opinion that I don't think we should waste our time on a QB that will not be able to develop. I'm not saying I know how to evaluate or that my opinion is right. This is just my opinion, and if we recruit him and get him and he proves me wrong, good for him and I'll take the heat.


By the way, +1 for having a good hearted discussion with me and not using insults and stuff that too many on here do. Much respect.

[junkyardhog]

How many speedy(4.4) QB's have won and NCAA or NFL championship?
Vince Young and ...

[condohog]

The Manning brothers are speedsters...

[back2back]

Vick played for one, Dixon would have if he hadn't been hurt.

[Bacon The Saddle Again]

How many speedy(4.4) QB's have won and NCAA or NFL championship?
Vince Young and ...

Just so I understand your argument...that a quarterback can be too fast?

It reminds me of the movie, Major League where the guy hits a towering bomb and the guy in the wigwam doesn't believe it will be a homerun and says, "It's too high."  The ball flies over their the fence and over their head and the guy next to him says, "Too high?  What do you mean it's too high?"

[Oklahawg]

How many speedy(4.4) QB's have won and NCAA or NFL championship?
Vince Young and ...

Chris Leak at Florida.
Was Kordell Stewart the QB at Colorado when they won? Might have been Sal Aunese. Both were rather fast.
Eric Crouch at Nebraska was fast.

We're not talking DMac or Felix "fast". We are simply talking about topflight speed as far as QBs go.

Vick never won a NC, btw.

[The Realist]

Tommy Frazier comes to mind for some reason. 

[SPAL]

Chris Leak at Florida.
Was Kordell Stewart the QB at Colorado when they won? Might have been Sal Aunese. Both were rather fast.
Eric Crouch at Nebraska was fast.

We're not talking DMac or Felix "fast". We are simply talking about topflight speed as far as QBs go.

Vick never won a NC, btw.

leak was nowhere near 4.4

his time out of high school was listed at 4.6, but gator fans felt he was slower than that. Leak could scramble, but was not fast by any stretch of the imagination.

[back2back]

Vick played for one, Dixon would have if he hadn't been hurt.

Chris Leak at Florida.
Was Kordell Stewart the QB at Colorado when they won? Might have been Sal Aunese. Both were rather fast.
Eric Crouch at Nebraska was fast.

We're not talking DMac or Felix "fast". We are simply talking about topflight speed as far as QBs go.

Vick never won a NC, btw.

Who said anything about winning one? I said he PLAYED for one. Oh yeah... Pat White was within an eyelash of playing for the NC  this year. Ryan Periloux played for one this year also.

[shshark00]

I guess Shepard has come off his "I'll only play QB" statement because in a recent interview he mentions he would switch positions if he had to ride the pine for a couple years at QB.

[Hog inAustin]

Are you talking about Gilbert?

Gilbert announced early for Texas...the kid is awesome.  Live in the Lake Travis area and have followed him closely.  Could move others our way...WPS!

[KING TUSK]

Did anyone else see CSTV's interview with Sheppard, He stated he would know where he was going before september 1st, maybe sooner. Kid will be an early graduate in December. So in all likely hood he could be enrolled and playing in springball 2009. There were 4 schools listed as interest. Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas A&M and one other maybe Texas or Alabama i think.

[SpringTxHOG]

Guy's,

I think it comes down to this...if Gilbert is already commited to Texas I doubt Russell Sheppard follows.  As stated earlier by Hog in Austin, Gilbert is the best in Texas.  The last time I read about Gilbert was in the Houston Chronical yeasterday...they could not say enough good things about him. 

I also have a hard time believing that Sheppard will come to The Hill with RM already on campus.  I know BP is a great recruiter...I just don't see a kid wating around to play with as much talent as Sheppard has.  Maybe he will take the stance of Ryan P. at LSU...I doubt it, today's HS player wants to play now.

With that said, Texas and Louisiana are loaded this year with players.  I'm glad we have BP going after them, rather than a Good ole boy.

Recruting will change this year!  BP will make sure of that!!!

Thanks
SpringTxHOG