Sheppard grew up in Zephyrhills, Florida, and attended Zephyrhills High School. In his high school career, Sheppard made 66 total tackles (42 solo and 24 assisted) and one tackle for loss. Sheppard also had six interceptions for eight yard, 21 pass breakups, and a fumble recovery, while playing in a total of 44 games.[2] He was a three-star rated recruit and committed to play college football at the University of Cincinnati over offers from Kentucky, Marshall, UMass, NC State, Samford, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Temple, Tennessee State, Toledo, Troy, Tulane, USF, Western Kentucky and Western Michigan.[3]
College career
Cincinnati
During Sheppard's true freshman season in 2019, he played in nine games while mostly being on special teams. He finished the season with six total tackles (four solo and two assisted).[4] During the 2020 season, he played in eight games as a special teamer and defensive back reserve. He finished the season with five total tackles (four solo and one assisted) and one tackle for loss.[5] During the 2021 season, he appeared in nine games while on special teams and as a backup defensive back. He finished the season with three total tackles (two solo and one assisted).[6] During the 2022 season, he played in 12 games, finishing the season with 50 total tackles (33 solo and 17 assisted), 4.5 tackles for loss for 16 yards, one sack for 13 yards and 10 pass breakups.[7]
On December 5, 2022, he announced that he would enter the transfer portal.[8]
Maryland
On December 11, 2022, Sheppard announced that he would transfer to Maryland.[9]
During the 2023 season, he played in and started all 13 games, finishing the season with 31 total tackles (28 solo and three assisted), three tackles for loss for 14 yards, one sack for seven yards and eight pass breakups.[10]
