Vols in three-team race for Sheppard

The linebacker from Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Ga., said LSU, Tennessee and Georgia are tied for the lead atop his list of schools. He said he is also considering Virginia Tech, Nebraska and Maryland among his 16 scholarship offers.

Sheppard told the News Sentinel in July that LSU and UT were his two leaders. Georgia has since made a strong push.

"Georgia has really been knocking," the 6-foot-2, 218-pounder said. "Things down in Athens are rolling. They've been calling me just about every week and so has Tennessee and LSU. So right now it's just tied."

Sheppard said the opportunity to play early at Georgia has caught his attention.

"The coaches told me if I went there I could compete to start," he said. "I went down there and saw the linebackers play in the game. Not taking anything away from them, but I think I can go in there and compete with those same guys at my position."

Sheppard said he did not give Georgia strong consideration early because they had not shown heavy interest. But after he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.58 seconds in July at a Georgia camp, Sheppard said the Bulldogs took notice.

"They saw me do that with my size," he said. "Right then and there they complimented me on everything and they offered me on the spot and gave me my offer letter."

Sheppard said he watched UT play LSU this past Monday. He said he liked what he saw from UT's defense, the linebackers in particular.

"They were very impressive," he said. "The linebacking core impressed me a lot. I know they all are seniors or juniors. That impressed me a lot to know that if I went there I would be working my way into a very good defense."

Sheppard said he believes his style of play is similar to UT's linebackers. He said their scheme and technique are the same he uses at Stephenson High School.

Sheppard said he has spoken with UT defensive coordinator John Chavis. He said he likes the idea of playing for Chavis, who also coaches UT's linebackers.

"He said that if I came there he would work with me and try to make me not only a better player but a better person," Sheppard said. "He told me that every linebacker that ever came and played for him, he made better on and off the football field. He sends a lot of guys to the NFL at the linebacker position."

Sheppard visited Knoxville in June for UT's seven-on-seven passing camp. Sheppard said he was comfortable with UT's coaching staff.

"The coaching staff would laugh and joke with me," he said. "I talked with the head coach (Phillip Fulmer) and he's a really good guy. It's just a family atmosphere there. I like that about Knoxville."

Sheppard said he hopes to take an official visit to Knoxville on Oct. 8 to watch UT play Georgia.

Sheppard had planned to visit LSU last weekend for the Tigers' game against UT, but he changed his plans when the game was moved to Monday. Instead, Sheppard said he will visit Baton Rouge on Oct. 15 when LSU faces Florida.

Sheppard said he also plans to take an official visit to Virginia Tech on Nov. 5 to watch the Hokies play Miami.