WR Shepard decides to stay at LSU
Disappointment followed disillusion but were eventually trumped by resolve for LSU wide receiver Russell Shepard.
Shepard announced on his Twitter account Friday that he would return to LSU for his senior season after indicating earlier this week that he might transfer or enter the NFL draft.
“I would like to tell everyone that I had a great talk with my family and Coach (Les) Miles and I will be attending LSU for my senior season,” Shepard said via Twitter.
A few moments later, Shepard added: “I couldn’t leave yet … I (have) never been to Miami.”
Miami will be the site of the 2013 BCS National Championship Game.
LSU spokesman Michael Bonnette confirmed late Friday night that Shepard is staying with the team.
Immediately after LSU’s 21-0 loss Monday to Alabama in the BCS Naitonal Championship Game, Shepard expressed his frustration over what he said was a lack of playing time. He caught no passes and said he was in for only three plays.
Wednesday, Shepard posted a message thanking LSU fans for their support but that “I have to do what’s best for my family and myself.”
Shepard arrived at LSU as the most-heralded recruit of its 2009 recruiting class.
Despite his lofty blue-chip credentials, Shepard has spent his entire college career as a regular contributor but hasn’t risen to all-conference status.
This season, Shepard ranked fourth on the team with 14 catches for 190 yards and four touchdowns, but none in the Tigers’ final two games.
He also had seven rushing attempts for 55 yards, his statistics limited by the fact he served a three-game NCAA suspension to start the season for violating protocol during an offseason NCAA investigation.
Shepard will be LSU’s second-leading returning receiver behind only freshman Odell Beckham Jr. (41 catches, 475 yards, 2 TDs). Leading receiver Rueben Randle announced Thursday he is giving up his senior season to make himself eligible for April’s NFL draft.
Tight end Deangelo Peterson was a senior this season.
Junior cornerback Morris Claiborne and third-year sophomore defensive tackle Michael Brockers have also decided to enter the NFL draft early.