MIAMI GARDENS, Florida — From his jersey number to his competitiveness, it’s hard to spot a difference as players between senior Sterling Shepard and his late father and former Sooner receiver, Derrick Shepard.
Sterling’s journey to becoming one of OU’s most prolific receivers was kickstarted in 2012 as a true freshman.
It was only appropriate his career at Oklahoma ended in the same bowl his father solidified his legacy at OU as a member of the school’s 1985 national championship team. He even tied his father's Orange Bowl school record for receiving yards with 87.
Shepard came up one game short of playing in his own national title game. But OU’s magical 2015 run was still a success to the senior from Oklahoma City.
“We had to overcome a lot of stuff as a unit,” Shepard said. “I feel like we did a great job of doing that. This season was great; I couldn’t be more proud of taking charge and getting these guys, this team, this program back to where it’s supposed to be.”
Almost a year after Clemson throttled Oklahoma in the 2014 Russell Athletic Bowl, No. 4 Oklahoma fell to the top-ranked Tigers once more. But entering this season’s match-up, Shepard and the Sooners weren’t a downtrodden, four-loss squad trying to puts its season out of its misery.
Shepard and this year’s group of seniors won their second Big 12 title — this time outright. They also won 11 games and avenged four of OU's five 2014 losses.
But as coach Bob Stoops phrased it in his postgame press conference, Clemson showed why it’s ranked No. 1 and undefeated.
OU’s defense was gashed for 530 yards while junior Baker Mayfield and the Sooner offense sputtered too often and mustered only 17 points.
Following Clemson’s 37-17 victory at Sun Life Stadium, Shepard wasn’t dejected.
His collegiate career had just come to an end, but he couldn’t help but praise the heart his teammates showed in their final outing.
“I mean, they played their heart out — played their heart out all season,” Shepard said. “It’s kind-of hard for me to be mad. I love these guys like brothers, and I’m just trying to take it all in.”
It’s been a productive four years for the Sooner receiver. His 3,482 career receiving yards are the second-most of any OU receiver and his 26 touchdown receptions rank third.
He thrilled fans with a jaw-dropping hurdle over a Kansas State defender as a freshman in 2012. He dazzled in OU’s upset win over Alabama in the 2014 Sugar Bowl with 63 yards receiving and a crucial touchdown in the second quarter to keep OU’s momentum alive over the Crimson Tide.
His junior season was hampered by injury. Shepard returned for one more season, however, and left quite the impression on the head coach he’s known for so long.
“It was a lot of fun,” coach Bob Stoops said. “He’s a great young man. He’s been a great leader for us — one of the most competitive players I’ve ever coached. Sterling’s had a great career. I’m proud of him.”
When Shepard’s father died in 1999 due to a sudden heart attack, Stoops immediately was at Sterling’s side.
Shepard was given the opportunity to be around Oklahoma football at a young age, and Stoops’ gesture still resonates with him.
“Ever since I was little, (Stoops) has impacted me,” Shepard said. “He may not know, but I used to watch some of the stuff that would go on at practice. Just the way he handles himself on-and-off the field, and then being able to be with him my four years in college has been great. I learned a lot from him. I love that guy.”
Stoops will be tasked with replacing Shepard’s playmaking ability next season. But the Oklahoma coach believes the senior has set a good example for the next receiver to step up.
And as Shepard closes this chapter in his playing career, he’s happy with how his career unfolded.
“Obviously, I wanted a national championship. And that’s anybody who comes to Oklahoma,” Shepard said. “That’s the dream. That’s what we want to accomplish.
“But other than that, I’ve played with some great guys. I’ve learned from a lot of great guys. I made so many long-lasting friendships. So I’m happy. It’s hard for me to hang head down low, because God has blessed with me these guys. Ultimately, I can’t be mad.”
