Russell Shepard Mathematics -- LSU Media Day

Russell Shepard Mathematics is simple.

LSU wide receiver + quarterback + running back + 5-star recruit + recruiting ambassador + engaging personality + top end speed + game changer = Elite SEC GameBreaker.

Is my math correct?

Well, for LSU, we will have to wait and see. Last year, the Tigers were toward the bottom of the SEC in offense, particularly in explosive plays.

Shepard led LSU in yards per carry last season with 6.2, minimum 45 attempts. The speedster also had the long run of the season with a 69-yard touchdown scamper versus Auburn.

The way offensive coordinator Gary Crowton uses Shepard this season could decide his future at LSU.

This is part of the reason why Florida wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales was hired to be the passing game coordinator at LSU. Crowton has said that he and Gonzales have a positive relationship, citing both of their playing experiences at Colorado State.

Gonzales coached former Florida first-rounder Percy Harvin, whom Shepard has said he idolizes. Harvin and Shepard both posses similar characteristics, but people must allow the former Parade All-American to make the transition because it won't happen smoothly.

Shepard came to LSU as the top dual-threat quarterback in the nation, and was used mainly as a running back last season. At receiver, Shepard only caught five passes for 34 yards granted he had limited attempts. But in the Spring Game, number 10 dropped passes and had trouble locating the football while it was in the air.

Many believe that the trio of Shepherd, and former 5-star recruits Terrance Toliver and Rueben Randle will score big in the 2010 season. But let's slow down when calling them the best group in the SEC.

This receiving core may have more stars than Pulp Fiction, but that doesn't make them Willis, Jackson and Travolta.

We know what Toliver can do as a number two option, but can he sustain being the unabridged number one? Randle did show flashes though towards the end of the season against Ole Miss and Arkansas, but will he make the next step as elite playmaker?

But most importantly, can LSU find ways to get the ball to Shepard in space? Shepard with the ball in his hands is not only a treat for Bayou Bengal fans, but for college football fans across the country.

LSU's best game last season was their 31-10 thumping of Auburn in Tiger Stadium. That also happened to be Shepard's best game of the season.

I believe that wasn't by coincidence. Shepard has an "It" factor about him that not many others on LSU have. It was present in the postgame presser, when he was asked about his performance.

The funny thing is that true freshman aren't allowed to be interviewed, but LSU has so much faith in Shepard they allowed him to answer questions.

Les Miles knows it. Fans know it. And even the team knows that Russell Shepard has "It." Players can rally around Shepherd.   

Russell Shepard Mathematics can be simple, but there is more importnat factor...

The dependent variable.

I thought I was done with all my math requirements at LSU. This could get rough, I might need more time.

So later this week, I'll try and tackle that nasty problem.