A group of 50 or so media members sat in the south end zone of the Charles McClendon Practice Facility two weeks ago awaiting the start of LSU Football Media Day.The indoor facility, normally full of football players donning vibrant purple and gold jerseys, was empty while LSU players were given the day off from fall camp, like every year, to enjoy some down time and to make themselves available for interviews.But there was Russell    Shepard, hidden in the corner on the opposite side of the field, 10 yards away from a JUGS machine that fired ball after ball into the sophomore’s hands.This scene wasn’t anything from the ordinary for Shepard, who is amid a transition from quarterback to wide receiver.”I’ve never worked this hard for anything in my life,” said Shepard, who catches anywhere from 50 to 100 balls a day on his own. “To be a great receiver you should never go a day without catching balls.”Shepard has finally found an identity at LSU after becoming a household name in 2008 as one of the top recruits in the country. He was recruited as a quarterback out of Cypress Ridge High School in Houston and began his freshman campaign with hopes of becoming LSU’s next great quarterback.Ironically, Shepard was on the field for only 90 snaps and never even threw a pass, but did rush 45 times for 277 yards and two scores.”I’m an LSU receiver,” he said emphatically. “When my name goes down after I leave here, there will be a ‘WR’ next to my name.”Although Shepard’s primary focus was on quarterback in 2009, it was at halftime during a 13-3 loss to Florida on Oct. 10 when he and LSU coach Les Miles discussed a transition to wide receiver. After some convincing, Miles agreed, and the transition began.It became official five months ago during spring practice, where the 6-foot-1-inch, 188-pound Shepard was under the tutelage of new wide receiver coach Billy Gonzales.Gonzales spent the last five years at Florida and has been known to transform receivers into superstars, most notably former Gator Percy Harvin.”Coach Gonzales, the best thing he’s done is not mention Percy Harvin,” Shepard said. “I’m Russell Shepard. He told me, ‘You need to learn to Russell.'”Shepard has turned heads with how quickly and easily the position change has come. He now devotes 85 to 90 percent of practices working with the receivers, with the remaining time being split between running back, quarterback and other special packages.Following the departure of quarterbacks Chris Garrett and Zach Lee, there had been speculation of Shepard being moved back to quarterback. But Miles immediately dismissed that notion during an Aug. 17 press conference.”I don’t think Russell really wants that quarterback spot,” Miles said. “He’s looking forward to getting better at receiver and the ways we will use him there.”Shepard should have no problem making plays in Gonzales and offensive coordinator Gary Crowton’s scheme. He is penciled in to start at the slot receiver position, formerly held by Brandon LaFell, which should provide matchup problems against opposing linebackers and safeties.”Russell is an elite guy,” said junior cornerback Patrick Peterson. “Seeing him touch the ball in practice and going through camp, he’s so dynamic with it. I can’t wait to see him.”In order for Shepard to be a playmaker with the ball, he still has some skills to polish.The former Parade All-American caught only five passes last year and only lined up at receiver 22 times.Even so, it is still not stopping him from teaming up with senior Terrence Toliver and sophomore Rueben Randle to form arguably one of the most talented wide receiver trios in the country.”[The hardest thing] is learning your concepts,” Shepard said.  “Catching balls — that’s concentration. Running routes — that’s discipline; but learning how to be a receiver … that’s a mental aspect you have to learn.”While his switch to receiver might signify the end of his full-time duties under center, Shepard has made a promise to fans who figured he’d be a Heisman Trophy candidate as a quarterback at some point.”I will not leave here without throwing a pass,” Shepard said with a smile. “I guarantee that.”
 
 
 
—-Contact Sean Isabella at [email protected]