Five-star QB has a few things lined up

When it comes to recruiting for five-star Cy Ridge QB Russell Shepard, it is a process that continues to evolve daily. With more than 10 offers in hand, Shepard has to decide what schools he would like pursue. He spoke of a couple of schools that will see him soon. So where does Shepard stand on junior days, visits, and offers? TexasPrepInsider has the update on Shepard’s recruitment.

With recruiting heating up for the Class of 2008, there are plenty of official visits set to take place over the next couple of weeks. But that hasn’t stopped coaches from actively pursuing top juniors across the country.

Recruiting for an athlete like Cy Ridge (TX) quarterback Russell Shepard is one where many pay attention and want to know what his next move is. The five-star Scout.com quarterback talked briefly about a few of his plans over the next few months.

“I’m talking to a lot of schools right now and really every school that is recruiting me has invited me to their junior day,” the 6-foot-2, 185-pound Shepard said. “Even though I have more than 10, I only plan to go to three or four.”

As far as junior days are concerned, he did not allude to what schools he expected to go to except for one.

“I am for sure going to Texas’ junior day,” Shepard said. “I plan to go to two or three others, but I have decided where to yet. I talk to coach (Oscar) Giles nearly everyday and I am talking with him about my cousin, Craig Loston. I am bringing him with me to the junior day.”

Shepard holds a dozen offers that include Florida, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Iowa, Texas Tech, Tulsa, Arkansas, Alabama, Boston College, Arizona State, Stanford, and Minnesota. And soon enough, the list will grow.

Aside from this, Shepard said that West Virginia is another school that is in hot pursuit, along with strong interest coming from USC, Notre Dame, and Florida State.

At the moment, Shepard does not have a favorite and has a good feeling that he will end up with a few more offers before his senior season begins. He also plans to take a few unofficial visits to some programs in the off-season.

He talked about one in particular.

“I plan to go to A&M unofficially and meet coach Mike Sherman and see what kind of offense they run,” Shepard said. “I didn’t really want to get involved with coach (Dennis) Fran’s type of offense. But I think Sherman is coming in with the pro-style offense and I have no problem running that type of offense.”

Shepard made quite a statement on the field this past year with his performances. Through the air, he threw for 794 yards and seven touchdowns. On the ground he had 1,525 yards and 18 touchdowns. 

This weekend Shepard, along with teammate Hasan Lipscomb and Loston, is participating in the LSU High School Invitational (indoor track meet). He said since he will be on campus, he plans to check a few things out while he is in town.