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2024 juco DL Ashun Shepphard breaks down Mississippi State decision

Paul Jones Mississippi State Bulldogsby: Paul Jones10/19/23PaulJonesOn3
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2024 DL Ashun Shepphard (credit: EMCC Athletics)

Growing up in the Magnolia State, 2024 defensive lineman and On3 three-star prospect Ashun Shepphard received major news on the recruiting trail last month. The East Mississippi Community College product received his first Power 5 offer from Mississippi State and instantly, Shepphard had the Bulldogs on top of his list.

On Thursday morning, those feelings about State increased as the former Brandon High School standout committed to the Bulldogs’ Class of 2024. The 6-foot-3 and 285-pound Shepphard becomes the 16th commitment for the Bulldogs and the second juco commitment, joining teammate and On3 three-star safety Tyler Woodard. Shepphard is rated as the nation’s No. 8 juco defensive lineman and the nation’s No. 40 overall juco prospect by On3.

“I called Coach (David) Turner this morning and told him,” recalled Shepphard. “Then I talked with Coach (Zach) Arnett and the whole staff. Coach Arnett wanted to get everyone in his office and it was cool. They were pretty excited when I told them.”

Shepphard also holds offers from West Virginia, Western Kentucky, Troy and UAB among others. This season Shepphard has been a regular visitor to Davis Wade Stadium and with each trip, he kept getting more comfortable with the staff.

“I really like the atmosphere they play in and the players in the program,” Shepphard mentioned. “I fell in love with the staff on my game visits and it is close to home. I am excited about my decision. I was looking around at all of these schools to see what fit me and it was State.”

Shepphard is expected to officially visit Mississippi State on December 8th and he is on track to enroll at Mississippi State in January. In particular with the staff, Shepphard talked of his connection with Turner.

“I really like the bond I have with Coach Turner,” added Shepphard. “He coached my high school coach (Nelson Adams) so I know he is a good coach. I respect his coaching career and the type of person he is.”

Last week the Bulldogs’ staff watched Shepphard in person against Coahoma Community College. He also visited with Turner last week and mentioned what Turner likes about his game.

“Coach Turner likes my motor and my size,” noted Shepphard. “They want me at defensive tackle and I can play on that side. It doesn’t matter to me where I play, though. I have only played noseguard and defensive tackle but I played some defensive end back in high school.”

With his sophomore season winding down, Shepphard has felt optimistic about the improvements he has made in the trenches this season. And his future in the SEC also has him motivated to keep working on his game.

“I feel like I am on a good track this year,” Shepphard mentioned. “I really feel like my motor is better and I play a whole lot harder. I feel good about going to the SEC now. I can’t wait to get there and get in the SEC and I know I have to go even harder.”

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