Timing not right for Epperson

So far, UT has shown strong interest in the 6-foot-3, 230-pound athlete from Humboldt. One would think a scholarship offer is forthcoming? Then, that aforementioned timing issue crops up again.

"They kind of wanted him to come to camp," Humboldt football coach Carey Craig said, referring to UT’s mid-June junior event. "The problem with that is it falls the same time E.J. is going to FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) camp."

Epperson has no plans to miss the FCA camp. After all, he’s the president of the school’s chapter and the trip has long since been paid for by area sponsors.

Without Epperson on campus in June, UT will likely wait until he hits the field in the fall to further evaluate an intriguing prospect with plenty of upside.

Epperson played wide receiver, tight end, defensive end and linebacker in high school, but will outgrow receiver if he hasn’t already. Tight end, outside linebacker and defensive end are college possibilities.

"When he got over here, he was a beanpole," Craig said. "He’s just one of those kids that’s really filled out."

Craig said Epperson’s wide shoulders and long arms mean 30 to 40 more pounds of muscle should be in his future.

College coaches have taken notice. UT, led by recruiting coordinator Matt Luke, will have to face off against Arkansas, Mississippi State and Ole Miss, which have already offered Epperson a scholarship, as well as Alabama, Colorado, Nebraska, Miami and Memphis, which have shown interest.

Epperson said nearby Memphis has always caught his eye, but SEC schools will be tough to turn down.

"The SEC’s in my blood," he said.

Epperson said he plans to take an unofficial visit to UT later this summer and all five official visits this fall before making his decision sometime after his senior season.

"I’m just wide open, undecided," he said. "I’m looking for a team that’s going to win ball games. I like to compete. I’m a competitor."

UT’s coaches have Epperson excited about defending his home turf.

"Man, I like the way they talk to me," Epperson said. "It means a lot when your reping your state."

Said Craig, "He’s an aggressive kind of player. His motor runs all the time. He’s really good off the edge defensively."

Epperson hasn’t just helped Humboldt’s football team. He’s also been a force for the basketball program. Humboldt made it to the state semifinals before being bounced out of the playoffs in a heartbreaker.

"He plays in the post like he’s 6-6," Craig said.

Epperson thought about playing college basketball before the football interest mounted. Small colleges showed interest in basketball. Big schools were thinking football.

"I think he knows his ticket is in football," Craig said. "He’s getting SEC attention in football. I think that kind of opens your eyes."