JaCorey Shepherd gets another NFL opportunity
By Stan Unruh
Another former Kansas football players is back in an NFL training camp. JaCorey Shepherd is getting a great opportunity with the Steelers.
Former Kansas football standout JaCorey Shepherd knows about injuries. Coming off an outstanding senior season for the Jayhawks, I expected great things for him in the NFL. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as anyone planned.
He went to the Philadelphia Eagles in round 6 of the 2015 NFL draft, attended his first training camp and promptly tore an ACL. . When former Eagle coach Chip Kelly took over in San Francisco he added Shepherd to the Niners roster. Shepherd signed a two-year deal in October and returned 21 kicks for 456 yards last season. What could go wrong?
The head coach got fired. When the Niners dumped Kelly, they also released Shepherd. While nine other Kansas football standouts were off to NFL training camps this month, Shepherd had to sit by the phone. With injuries to others on the roster, the Steelers finally called, according to Jacob Klinger on Pennlive.com
As a matter of fact, Shepherd is finally with a team that will keep a head coach. The Steelers love Mike Tomlin. He also just signed a new contract. This situation is ideal for Shepherd to earn a roster spot. He just needs another opportunity to prove himself.
More from Through the Phog
- Kansas basketball: Esteemed recruit Jalil Bethea to announce college decision tomorrow
- Kansas football: Lassiter brothers exchange good-natured banter on social media
- Kansas basketball: Liam McNeeley cuts list to two, includes Jayhawks and Indiana
- Kansas football: Reviewing Jayhawks PFF grades, snap counts from win over Nevada
- Kansas football: JB Brown emerging as star for Jayhawks defense
Shepherd is big and fast. The Steelers need both. He ran a 4.7 40-yard dash while injured during his pro day a couple of years ago. I know he will return kicks and they can use him as a defensive back. Shepherd and Steelers are set to open the preseason Friday in New York.