Most Impactful Rebels for 2019: No. 12 Qaadir Sheppard
OXFORD, Miss. — As we count down the days until the Ole Miss season opener against Memphis in the Liberty Bowl, we are releasing who we think the Top 50 Most Impactful Players will be for the Rebels this season. This series is a way for Ole Miss fans to learn more about players to keep an eye on this fall.
With 12 days before kickoff, coming in at No. 12…
Qaadir Sheppard
Qaadir Sheppard sacks Arkansas QB Ty Storey in 2018. (Photo: Dan Anderson, The Rebel Walk)
Qaadir Sheppard transferred to Ole Miss from Syracuse after signing as a three-star recruit with the Orange in the Class of 2015. As a true freshman at Syracuse, he appeared in nine games at defensive end and on special teams.
After transferring to Ole Miss, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Sheppard had to sit out a season per NCAA rules. As a redshirt sophomore in 2017, the Bronx, New York native played in three games, including a start against No. 1 Alabama, notching eight tackles.
Last season, Sheppard made a big jump in playing time, appearing in all twelve games and starting in ten at defensive end. He finished 5th on the Rebels’ team in total tackles with 48, and he led the team in tackles for loss with ten and quarterback hurries with eight on the season.
During the offseason, the Rebels transitioned from the 4-2-5 to the 3-4 defense under new defensive coordinator Mike MacIntyre. Sheppard, along with several other defensive ends, was moved to the outside linebacker spot during the spring—and by all accounts, he has thrived in his new role.
The Iona Prep product has also excelled in the classroom, being named to both the Athletic Director’s Fall Honor Roll and the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll for 2018.
The Rebel Walk caught up with the fifth-year senior at Ole Miss Media Day and discussed his transition to outside linebacker so late in his career. “It’s amazing,” Sheppard said.
“I love it! I’m just excited. This new transition can really show that I can be a hybrid. My coach, T. (Tyrone) Nix, has been coaching me up on everything that I’ve been doing wrong. He’s been a great help. He’s a great coach.”
Qaadir Sheppard
After his outstanding performance in spring camp, Sheppard entered the fall as the starting outside linebacker. He’s been battling a hand injury which has kept him out of practices, as of late, but he should be back before the Memphis game.
Qaadir Sheppard class of 2015 getting ready for his Senior Year @OleMissFB #IPPD4SA pic.twitter.com/vGIDK07a5w
— Iona Prep Football (@ionafootball) February 5, 2019
On Monday (August 19), Sheppard was wearing the green “no contact” jersey and had his let hand wrapped. Head coach Matt Luke told media he expects Sheppard will play against Memphis and will likely wear a “club” that is similar to what linebacker MoMo Sanogo wore at times last year
Sheppard had a very productive season last year at defensive end, and there’s talk circulating that he has the capabilities at outside linebacker to have an All-SEC type performance this fall.
If he lives up to those expectations, don’t be surprised to hear the talented senior’s name called in the NFL Draft in April, 2020.
Keep an eye out on No. 97 this fall!
Hotty Toddy!
Most Impactful Rebels for 2019
12. Qaadir Sheppard
13. Jacquez Jones
14. Miles Battle
15. Jerrion Ealy
16. Braylon Sanders
17. Eli Johnson
18. Myles Hartsfield
19. Dontario Drummond
20. Jon Haynes
21. Montrell Custis
22. Demarcus Gregory
23. Bryce Mathews
24. Royce Newman
25. Tylan Knight
26. Tariqious Tisdale
27. Octavious Cooley
28. Jalen Julius
29. Luke Logan
30. Nick Broeker
31. Austrian Robinson
32. Quentin Bivens
33. Willie Hibbler
34. Isaiah Woullard
35. Jadon Jackson
36. Grant Tisdale, Kinkead Dent, John Rhys Plumlee
37. Keidron Smith
38. Snoop Conner
39. Michael Howard
40. Vernon Dasher
41. Ryder Anderson
42. D’Vaughn Pennamon
43. C.J. Miller
44. Charles Wiley
45. Sincere David
46. Mac Brown
47. Jason Pellerin
48. Chandler Tuitt
49. Dannis Jackson
50. Jonathan Mingo
Derrell Hart
Derrell has covered Ole Miss athletics in the past for Rebels247 at 247Sports. He attended Delta State University where he graduated with a B.S. in Biology. He is currently pursuing his Pharm.D. at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy with an expected graduation of May, 2020.
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