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Shepard's character outshines incredible talent

Originally Published: August 5, 2008
By Christopher Lawlor | ESPN.com

CYPRESS, Texas -- Gary Thiebaud likes to tell this story about Russell Shepard. It's one that defined the moral fiber of a teenager and spawned a leader.

Thiebaud prefaced the story by noting it is unparalleled in his 30 years as an educator and head football coach. He said "nearly every college coach was teary-eyed when I finished telling it."

Shepard, the No. 2-ranked player in the ESPNU 150, who plays for Cypress Ridge High, not only touched a gathering at a Houston-area ...

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2009 ESPNU 150

After the most intensive research effort in Scouts Inc. history, the rankings are in. A pair of talented signal-callers and a gun-slinging athlete lead the first edition of the 2009 ESPNU 150.

Features

• Luginbill: Breaking down the 2009 WRs
• Luginbill: Talented arms top 150
• Lawlor: Shepard a born leader
• Haubert: Plenty of talent on the cusp
• Conley/Tucker: Ten Sleeper Prospects
• Luginbill: Breaking down the 2009 quarterbacks
• Conley: Breaking down the 2009 OTs
• Luginbill: USC new No. 1 in class rankings
• Tucker: Breaking down the 2009 OLBs
• Haubert: Breaking down the 2009 DEs
• Luginbill: Breaking down the 2009 wideouts
• Conley: Breaking down the 2009 safeties
• Haubert: Breaking down the 2009 TEs
• Tucker: Breaking down the 2009 RBs
• Luginbill: Breaking down the 2009 athletes
• Conley: Breaking down the centers and guards
• Tucker: Breaking down the 2009 DTs
• Tucker: Breaking down the 2009 ILBS
• Haubert: Breaking down the 2009 DTs
• Tucker: Breaking down the 2009 CBs

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