No new commitments for LSU at Under Armour game

• Advocate staff report
• Published: Jan 5, 2009 - UPDATED: 6:45 a.m.

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In the second quarter of Sunday night’s Under Armour All-America Game, LSU commitment Russell Shepard tossed a 92-yard touchdown pass to Black squad teammate Andre Debose.

As Debose celebrated with teammates on the sideline, Shepard, who wore a microphone during the ESPN-televised all-star game, said what every LSU fan watching must have thought.

“He better commit to LSU after that,” the quarterback from Houston said.

Two quarters later, Debose made his commitment. He chose Florida.

A five-star prospect from Seminole High in Sanford, Fla., Debose was one of six players at the game in Orlando who announced their college choice during the telecast.

Four had LSU as a finalist. But none picked the Tigers.

After receiving a commitment from Texas safety Craig Loston — Shepard’s cousin — on Friday afternoon, LSU went without one Saturday at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, as well as Sunday.

Still, National Signing Day isn’t until Feb. 4. LSU, which already has 21 commitments, will have plenty of time to improve one of the nation’s most highly regarded classes.

The class is now ranked second by Scout.com, which moved LSU two spots Sunday. It remains at No. 1 in the Rivals.com list.

Shepard is a big reason.

He showed that in Sunday’s game, accounting for the one TD with his arm before adding a 15-yard rushing score.

Former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville, who joined ESPN’s broadcast team in the booth during the third quarter, praised Shepard, saying he’d likely contribute in some fashion for LSU as a true freshman.

But it doesn’t appear Shepard — or any LSU quarterback —will have Debose as a target in the passing game.