Interview: Ten Offer 2018 Arkansas TE Adam Shepherd Evolving into Every Down D-I Talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The tight end position is constantly being redefined in modern day football. The position has ebbed and flowed from an extra tackle on running plays to a third-down target in a passing attack to a hybrid role as an H-back/fullback capable of blocking out of the backfield while snaring the occasional pass. Few tight ends can do it all. Few can lineup with a hand on the ground working over defensive ends and linebackers blowing open holes for running backs with the talent, speed, and hands to be an impact in the passing game, but Adam Shepherd appears to be able to do it all.
Shepherd, much like the tight end position at all levels, continues to evolve as time passes. During his junior season with Catholic High School, he pulled in 38 passes for 600 yards with nine touchdowns proving to be an impact player against opposing Arkansas 7A talent. The hard work paid off earning first team All-Conference honors. As his senior year begins, the 6-4, 230 pound, powerhouse has become a run blocking weapon blasting open holes for Class of 2019 scat-back Samy Johnson while aiding in the aerial attack with three receptions for 30 yards.
The Rockets are off to a 3-0 start ranked No. 7 in the Natural State by MaxPreps after a big 28-21 win over Top 10 program Bryant. Tough games remaining against squads like Jonesboro, Fort Smith Northside, North Little Rock, Conway, and Little Rock Central are guaranteed to bring more college scouts to the yard. Shepherd already has growing interest from Wake Forest, Texas State, and Vanderbilt with offers 10 presented by Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Dartmouth, Brown, Air Force, Louisiana-Monroe, Central Arkansas, Southeast Missouri State, and Stephen F. Austin.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with one of the top tight end talents in the state of Arkansas covering the Rockets 2017 season to date, his play on the field, and his recruiting process.
Interview
Adam, when did you get the call up to play at the varsity level for the Rockets?
“I’ve started since the beginning of my sophomore season. I started but also shared time with a senior at tight end.”
What type of offense does Catholic High run?
“We run a pro-style offense. We run the ball about 60 percent of the time.”
Where all do you lineup on the field for the Rockets?
“I play tight end, wide-out, H-back, and sometimes I’m in the slot, and at outside linebacker on defense.”
How does the offense suit your abilities?
“Last year, it really helped me playing a lot of receiver. I was about 200 pounds last season. I was glad to play a lot of wide out. This year I am more of an all-around tight end. I have more meat on my bones now. I am a better blocker, have better feet, and have better form out there.”
What did you work on during the offseason to prepare for your senior year?
“During the offseason, I focused on gaining weight without losing speed. I worked on being better at run blocking a lot. I still practiced with the receivers. I am quicker this year and faster getting out of my breaks. I also did a lot of ball drills to make sure I did not lose my hands.”
Did you go to any college camps this summer?
“I did. I went to Arkansas, Yale, Harvard, and Princeton camps.”
Of all the camps, which was your best camp performance?
“My best overall was probably Harvard. I ran my best 40 there, had my best receptions there, and ran my best routes there.”
How have the teachings at the various camps helped you on the field this season?
“What has helped me the most so far is learning how to get into a defensive back’s mind with my route running. I learned a lot of good fundamentals with blocking as well.”
Did you max out in the weight room this offseason?
“I did on clean, which was 280 pounds, and on squat, which was 405 pounds.”
You mentioned you ran your best 40-yard dash time at the Harvard camp, what time did you post?
“A 4.7.”
You have double-digit offers but which schools are showing interest but have not offered?
“Wake Forest, Texas State, and Vanderbilt.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“Yes. I have taken visits to Arkansas, Mississippi State, Yale, Harvard, Princeton, ULM (Louisiana-Monroe), UCA (Central Arkansas), and Air Force.”
Do you have any unofficial or official visits set for this fall?
“I have a planned official to Harvard on Sept. 23.”
Based on your offer sheet, this next question should be fun for you to answer, what is your cumulative GPA and what is the best score you’ve posted on a standardized test?
“My cumulative GPA is a 3.92 and my best score on the ACT was a 30. I took that during my sophomore year.”
Let’s put the spotlight on the 2017 season and the team. Are you one of the team captains for the Rockets?
“Yes, sir. I am one of three team captains.”
Nice. With a couple of games under your belt into the 2017 season, how has your game improved from last year?
“I have improved a lot with my run blocking. I have not missed a block yet. I have more power behind me, I can drive defensive linemen now.”
What are the strengths of your game?
“One of the strengths of my game, DBs that guard me do not expect me to be quick. I have that advantage. That is an advantage as a receiver. With my blocking in the run game, my football knowledge helps me understand what I need to do on the field more than a lot of guys.”
What goals have you set for your senior year?
“My goals – I am hoping to get a state championship. We have not gone deep into the playoffs in recent years, I want to make a deep run this year. Another goal we had was winning all of our non-conference games, we have accomplished that.”
What games left on the schedule are you excited to play?
“The Central game, I am excited about that one. The North Little Rock game is another. We play them this year at their newer stadium. We played them there two years ago. No one thought we would win then – we beat them (32-25 OT). This will be our first time to play there since then. I am excited for that one.”
Adam, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the 2017 season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; No. 86 Adam Shepherd vs. NLR (2015)
Photo credit: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; No. 86 Adam Shepherd skies for a pass vs. Bryant (2017)