Shepard will be on field for practice

After missing SEC Media Days to deal with a personal issue, Tigers junior WR is on the 105-man roster to the first day of practice on Thursday.

Russell Shepard is expected to be on the field Thursday when the LSU football team convenes to start practice for the 2011 football season.

The junior receiver has been working through a personal matter related to off-campus housing since mid-July and was pulled out of a spot with the Tigers’ crew at SEC Media Days.

LSU media relations director Michael Bonnette said Tuesday that Shepard is on the 105-man roster submitted by Tigers’ coach Les Miles.

Shepard is projected as the starter at an inside receiver spot after grabbing 33 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown last season. He also rushed for 226 yards and two scores.