Several of the best assistants in the game have come to Alabama with Kalen DeBoer, but one coach in particular sticks out. Many people rank JaMarcus Shephard as the nation’s greatest wide receivers coach and one of the best on-field assistants. Shephard has worked with Willie Taggart, Bobby Petrino, Jeff Brohm, Mike Leach, and Kalen DeBoer, among other notable figures in the sport.
Shephard served as the offensive quality control and receivers coach at Western Kentucky under the direction of Jeff Brohm, Bobby Petrino, and Willie Taggart. Shephard’s receivers were particularly impressive in his debut season, as Jared Dangerfield tied the team record for single-season touchdowns and broke the school record for single-season receptions. Taywan Taylor, who was selected in the third round of the NFL draft, was also developed by Shephard and made the first team of the Conference USA.
Shephard went with Jeff Brohm to Purdue, where he was hired as the wide receivers coach and coordinator of the passing game before being promoted to offensive coordinator. Shephard was a notable coach at Purdue, where he worked with future NFL second-round pick Rondale Moore and future third-round selection David Bell. Moore was recruited by Shephard from Alabama to Purdue, where he addressed his worst shortcomings and developed into an NFL-caliber player. Rondale Moore became one of the top route runners in college football thanks to Shephard’s words,
“The days of simply going outside and running the route we tell you to run and calling it a day are long gone. These people must be geniuses.”
– Shephard, JaMarcus
Coach Shephard did his finest job as a coach during his tenure with Kalen DeBoer as the Washington Huskies receiver’s coach. Rome Odunze, a top-ten pick, will take the stage during the NFL Draft in April. Odunze might end up being the program’s most highly selected offensive recruit. Jalen McMillan and Ja’Lynn Polk will present their choices of Shephard items on Day Two. Odunze gave Shephard’s wise counsel some thought before deciding to declare for the NFL Draft before to the 2023 season. Odunze and Shephard could not have imagined that 2023 would unfold as it did. With 92 receptions, Odunze gained 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Shephard will have selected Taywan Taylor, David Bell, Ja’Lynn Polk, Jalen McMillan, and Odunze in the first round, Rondale Moore in the second round, and Odunze in the third round of the draft. Odunze, along with McMillan, David Bell, and Rondale Moore, were all four-star prospects. Taywan Taylor was a two-star recruit and Polk was a three-star prospect.
With Ryan Williams as a five-star and notable four-stars in Germie Bernard, Kobe Prentice, Kendrick Law, Emmanuel Henderson Jr., Jaren Hamilton, Jalen Hale, Cole Adams, Rico Scott, Amari Jefferson, Aeryn Hampton, Rico Scott, and Caleb Odom, the team Shephard currently has at Alabama will be by far his best group to date.
Shephard will have the best team to work with in his coaching career in terms of raw talent. He brings back Kendrick Law, Germie Bernard, and Kobe Prentice, three well-established producers. If Jalen Hale’s injury keeps him out for an extended period of time, players like Emmanuel Henderson and Ryan Williams can have a significant impact.
A number of wide receivers under Holmon Wiggins failed to live up to their potential. While players like Aaron Anderson and Traeshon Holden continue to develop elsewhere, Javon Baker transferred to UCF and is expected to be chosen this year. JaMarcus Shephard is an exceptionally talented coach, therefore this pattern ought to reverse.
While JaMarcus Shephard is here, enjoy
JaMarcus Shephard is in Tuscaloosa, therefore the Alabama football team should make an effort to maximize his potential while he’s here. Although he is Alabama’s co-offensive coordinator, the 40-year-old is one of the most well-known coaches, and after this season, full-time offers are sure to come his way. Ryan Grubb and Scott Huff have already left Kalen DeBoer’s starting staff, and names like Shephard, Kane Wommack, and Colin Hitschler will all be in high demand this off-season.