Muleskinner

Issue date: 10/8/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Drew Woolery: Muleskinner Randy Shepherd (bottom) is second on the team in total tackles with 32 and has one interception and one sack this season for the Mules.

Sometimes, football teams are hard to understand. At other times, players on the team are more worried about their statistics or being the superstar. The Mules' football team has made a statement to not be that team. One player that epitomizes the team philosophy is Randy Shepherd.

The Mules' strong safety battled through injuries last season after having two standout seasons his freshman and sophomore years. As a freshman, Shepherd received an honorable mention to the All-MIAA team and was named the team's defensive MVP in four games. In his sophomore season, he was picked as a second-team All-MIAA performer at cornerback and finished the season tied with a team-high three interceptions.

Coach Willie Fritz had more to say about Shepherd both on and off the field.

"He's a very good football player," Fritz said. "He has great quickness and speed. He's had a tough time with his durability, though."

During the 2008 season, Shepherd was able to play in just seven of the 11 games due to injuries. Shepherd started five of those games at cornerback, a position he made a transition from for the 2009 season.

"When you play slow and timid, that's when injuries occur," said Shepherd about last season. "You have to go out there and play fast and not think about getting hurt."

This season, Shepherd said he feels like it was a natural transition for him to make. "Playing cornerback is more of a finesse position," he said. "At safety, you need a different mindset. It's more physical. Overall, I love the transition."

Despite Shepherd's injuries, Fritz said Shepherd is one of the leaders on defense.

"We're definitely a better team with him out there," Fritz said. "When he's out there, he
does a sensational job. Randy is very popular among his teammates. He is a good teammate with everyone."

Off the field, Shepherd is a friend to many on the team. Defensive lineman Chris Gilchriest, Shepherd's teammate for the last two seasons, said Shepherd is an all-around, good guy.

"Randy Shepherd is a laid back, quiet guy; he pretty much stays to himself," Gilchriest said. "He is a great person at heart, though and he's also a jokester. He's sarcastic. That's why we call him Shep, because he's his own person."

He added that the two of them are avid fans of the Madden NFL videogame.

"Everybody knows I'm the king of Madden 2010," said Shepherd about playing the game.

So with all of this interest in football - both on and off the field - where did it start? In an unlikely way, Shepherd said his love for football began on the soccer field.

"A lot of people don't know this, but soccer was my first love," he said. "I was always faster than everybody. Then I tried football."

Shepherd seems to have chosen the right sport. Throughout high school to Division-II, Shepherd has continued to get better at football.

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