LSU linebacker Sheppard asserts himself as leader
http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/103599314.html
On veteran LSU defenses the past two seasons, linebacker Kelvin Sheppard left little doubt he was a huge part of whatever success that unit produced.
With veterans around him, many of whom arrived at LSU with him in 2006, Sheppard excelled without taking much of the spotlight.
When the 2009 season ended, Sheppard had a decision to make. He was eligible for the NFL draft and likely would have found a spot high enough on draft boards to wind up somewhere this season.
Instead, the Stone Mountain, Ga., native opted to return and take a place as the veteran leader on a revamped defense where he is surrounded by redshirt and true freshmen.
For some that might seem like a recipe for a step backward as offenses geared up to neutralize Sheppard while his young teammates learned the ropes.
But the opposite has been the case with the 6-foot-3, 240-pound fifth-year senior.
Even though there are new faces all around him, Sheppard is playing at a high level — perhaps as well as he ever has.
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