Meet Qaadir Sheppard, star on the field and in the classroom

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Ole Miss edge defender Qaadir Sheppard

Balancing college academics with playing SEC football is a unique challenge, but one that Ole Miss edge defender Qaadir Sheppard has excelled at throughout his career.

One of the Rebels’ top prospects in the 2020 NFL draft class, Sheppard recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his ability to win on the field and in the classroom, which offensive line units have impressed him, and how he’ll look back in his Ole Miss career.

JM: You were on the 2018 SEC Academic Honor Roll, as well as the Athletic Director Honor Roll in the fall. How did you balance academics with football?

QS: Coming from the high school that I came from, I was really able to make a smooth transition to college. My high school offered a couple of collegiate level classes that I took. The transition was actually pretty easy for me. It taught me how to manage my time. There’s a time and a place for both academics and football. I had a heavy workload in high school and that prepared me accordingly.

JM: What advice would you offer any student athletes out there who are maybe struggling with balancing academics with their athletics?

QS: I know it’s hard. You just gotta stay focused. You have to stay committed to the grind and you can’t give up. When you’re struggling to problem solve or life just gets tough, understand that it’s okay to seek help. Stay committed and understand that your school will provide you with the resources to be successful. There’s always help. The tutoring programs are always available to you. They’re always open to help us student athletes out.

JM: What’s your favorite part about playing on the defensive line?

QS: I like being versatile and multiple. I like to act like I’m coming after the quarterback when I’m really dropping in coverage. Confusing the quarterback post-snap is a fun wrinkle to me. It goes both ways. I also love when the quarterback thinks I’m dropping in coverage but I’m really coming after him.

JM: Who are some of the best offensive linemen you ever went up against throughout your time at Ole Miss?

QS: I wouldn’t say that individuals really stick out to me. I tend to notice overall units more. Auburn and Temple come to mind. LSU had some good tackles. Really, I just like playing against LSU in general. That’s always a fun one. Those three teams definitely come to mind.

JM: You’re about to go through the NFL draft process. What are you most excited for?

QS: I’m just excited to see how it all plays out for me. I’m excited to see what’s gonna happen next. Am I gonna get drafted or not? Where am I gonna get an opportunity? I’m ready to work hard and try to make an NFL roster. I’m ready to take that next step.

(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

JM: I know you had a lot of great teammates at Ole Miss, but if you were going into battle tomorrow and could only bring one with you, who would you bring and why?

QS: I would bring Austrian Robinson with me. He played on our defensive line alongside me. We’re both from New York and we get along very well. We both came from New York out here to Ole Miss. Football brought us together out here. I would definitely bring him with me. We both have a chip on our shoulder. That’s a New York thing right there.

JM: Is there one NFL player you’d love to play against one day?

QS: Anybody, really. I just wanna get to that level and show them what I’m all about. That’s where my mind is at right now to be honest. I’m just ready to be humble. I’m ready to put my head down and go to work.

JM: How will you look back on your time at Ole Miss 5-10 years from now?

QS: I’ll look back at it as the right decision for me. It was a tremendous learning experience in every aspect of life. It was a pleasure and I grew a lot throughout my time here. It truly is a place of growth.

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