Former LSU wide receiver Russell Shepard tried something unfamiliar Wednesday when he worked out at LSU’s Pro Day.
Shepard could be seen reading the ball, switching his hips and retreating back into pass coverage with the defensive backs.
Shepard, who never played defense at LSU or in high school, said he was asked by a number of NFL scouts to work out as a defensive back.
“That was my first time back-pedaling,” Shepard said. “For my first time, I think I did pretty decent. A lot of teams said they were impressed and I could be a [defensive back] at the next level.”
Shepard said he didn’t prepare to work out at defensive back and he didn’t know he was going to do so until he arrived that morning.
Despite his unfamiliarity with the position, Shepard said he did not feel uncomfortable because he has watched so many great defensive backs play while at LSU.
He worked out alongside former cornerbacks Tyrann Mathieu and Tharold Simon and former safety Eric Reid. Reid said he could see Shepard making the transition to defense at the next level.
“He is very quick and explosive,” Reid said. “He is going to have to learn the position because he didn’t play it in college, but if he can learn the position, I think he could be a great corner.”
After not receiving an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine in February, Pro Day was Shepard’s best opportunity to audition for NFL scouts and coaches.
He said being snubbed from the combine did not bother him because he knew Pro Day would attract more than enough pro scouts.
“They all came here,” Shepard said. “We had 10 [general managers] and four head coaches. The body of works speaks for itself. It’s LSU Pro Day and the athletes here are going to bring the athletes and the coaches, so it’s not that bad.”
Shepard measured well, running a 4.51-second 40-yard dash and registering a 38.5-inch vertical jump, but said there were more important things to him than demonstrating his athleticism.
“They know I can run and they know I can jump,” Shepard said. “I just wanted to take it to the football field and look smooth and look like an athlete. I felt like I looked smooth catching the ball today.”
Shepard was the only wide receiver working out and caught passes from former LSU quarterbacks Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee. He said he received positive feedback from most scouts and coaches he talked to.
He also demonstrated some versatility by catching kick-offs and punts in front of the scouts.
“The more value you bring to a team, the more they are going to want you,” Shepard said. “As far as the draft, I have no idea how that is going to go — it’s out of my hands. Hopefully, I can make a 53-man roster when it comes time for camp.”
