Sterling Shepard became a hometown favorite over his four years in Norman. The son of former OU great Derrick Shepard — who died unexpectedly in 1999 — Sterling came into OU with high expectations.
He eclipsed his dad in nearly every statistical category, finishing his collegiate career as Oklahoma’s No. 2 all-time leading receiver with 3,482 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Measurables
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 191 pounds
40-time: 4.48
Oklahoma wide receiver Sterling Shepard finishes a route guarded by Oklahoma State cornerback Kevin Peterson at Boone Pickens Stadium Nov. 28, 2015. Shepard had 10 catches for 87 yards and a touchdown in the 58-23 victory over OSU.
Stats and accolades
Senior season stats: 86 receptions, 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns
Career stats: 233 receptions, 3,482 yards and 26 touchdowns
Accolades: Semi-finalist for the Biletnikoff (2015), 2015 first-team All American (ESPN), 2015 second-team All American (USA Today and CBS Sports), 2015 first-team All Big 12, 2014 winner of the Disney Sports Spirit Award, 2014 first-team All-Big 12.
Expert opinions
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: “Silky smooth with terrific route quickness. Plays with consistent play speed into and out of his breaks and can hit the gas out of his breaks to create instant separation for anticipatory throws. Runs variety of routes from the slot. Almost impossible to stay with his 'whip' route. Clean with his double moves and if cornerbacks bite, is able to get over the top to track throws and run under them for the big play. Will adjust routes to ball placement. Not afraid over the middle. Born to catch a football. Just eight drops with 253 catches and is able to adjust to high, low or behind him for difficult catches. Loves to compete. Willing to jump into a cornerback and get after him as a blocker from slot. Takes pride in his work ethic and scouts say his personal and football character is extremely high. Was a talented basketball player and long-jumper in high school.
"The similarities in backgrounds, playing style, production and football character and between Shepard and Seattle's Tyler Lockett are obvious. Shepard doesn't possess Lockett's explosiveness as a return man, but is a better overall receiver. With more and more teams using '11' personnel (3 WRs) as their base offense, Shepard's stock should be on the rise. Teams looking for a slot receiver who can make plays and rack up a high volume catch count on any given Sunday will find their man in Shepard."
Dane Brugler and Rob Rang, CBSSports.com: "Shepard routinely proved to be a mismatch during one-on-one drills against cornerbacks at the Senior Bowl, using his short-area burst to create spacing and give his quarterback a clean target. If the corner doesn't make contact with Shepard off the line of scrimmage, it's too easy for the smallish, but talented receiver to make something happen."
Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com: "For the NFL, Shepard is a small, shifty slot receiver. He can get separation with his quickness and route-running, but looks limited to a slot role. Shepard had a strong combine performance to help his draft stock."
Our prediction
Second round: Shepard became an all-time great Sooner during his senior season in Norman, and there’s no reason to believe his success won’t translate to the next level. With a slim chance to sneak into the first round, Shepard is a good bet to be Oklahoma’s first draft pick in 2016.
Senior wide reciever Sterling Shepard catches a touchdown pass during a game against Baylor at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas, on Nov. 14, 2015. The Sooners defeated the Bears 44-34.
