Proud Papa Update

[Shep]

The #5 in the nation Westlake Warriors won their opener 42-14 (up 35-0 at the half, pulled most starters) over Oxnard.

LB Jack Shepherd had 17 tackles (now official on Maxpreps), 1 short of the all-time team record of 18. He also had 3 TFLs, including one on 4th and 1.

He had two scouts talk to him afterwards and I got an e-mail from a LB coach at a college he likes. Saw the Maxpreps numbers.

[NDneighbor]

[dencyguy]

Very cool. You know, I don't know if you've ever spent much time in Tennessee, Shep, but it's a fine, fine state, filled with friendly people, passionate football fans, a team short at LB and in need of people who can make a tackle...you know, all the good things in life.

Dennis

[Shep]

That stadium in Knoxville is nothing short of breathtaking.

He'd have to switch to safety, of course!

[Inspecta]

Dude, 17 tackles? That's effin' sick.

He must be a beast inside the hashmarks....

[Shep]

Thanks, Spec. He's really explosive -- 3.97 pro shuttle and 33" vert. He clears 10 yards in a blink. Got an e-mail from SDSU's recruiter for our area yesterday, too. They basically send compliments and ask for transcripts, SAT, and game highlights.

I think Thursday night's game is "national" to anyone who gets Fox Sports Prime Ticket. There's some question between that and the Oct. 1 Oaks Christian game, which is regional and which is national.

[samoth]

Congrats, hope his talents allow to make an early retirement in a couple of years.

[Greythan]

That's frickin' awesome Shep!

I can't imagine how proud you are. Very very cool.

My kids are still in elementary school but I can't wait to see them excel in whatever it is they have a passion for. If its football, that would just be gravy so you have to be really thankful.

Good good stuff. Keep us posted as the season progresses!

[Shep]

Thanks, G. It's really fun... but also nerve-wracking. Last week it was his knee, this week it's his hip flexor again before the biggest game of the year (well, one of three). He's playing D and every single special team (literally) and takes a beating with all those tackles.

I just hope he makes it through the season! Never remember him being so fragile.

[hammertime]

Shep- very cool

keep detailed records on how to go about dealing w/ all the colleges that will be after him.

i may need some advice in few years for my kids(i hope)

(my 7th grader is 5'10" 172lbs. and was timed 4.78 in the 40)

[Inspecta]

Shep, did Jack play football from a young age as well?

I sometimes worry about having my kids in football this young for fear they will burn out on it and not want to play when it's really fun and they can use it to get scholarships.

I know I'm a bit biased but my oldest Nick plays like a man among boys out there. He's super tall for his age and is going to be a big big dude when he gets older. If he sticks with this I could see him being exceptional.

Also I know what you mean about Jack and injuries. The boys haven't gotten any yet (knock on wood) except stingers in practice, but now that they are playing football, I get really anxious and nervous when they're doing boys stuff like climbing a tree or a fence.

I'm a nutcase....

[nickers]

Good stuff Shep and Congrats...I hope he does well wherever he ends up.