The Orange is looking to finish the recruiting season strong with National Signing Day coming up in less than a month. Qaadir Sheppard is a part of that recruiting class, a 3-star defensive end/linebacker ranked near the top players in all of New York.
While Sheppard plays both defense Рwhere he has made his name Рand offense at tight end for Iona Prep, Sheppard told the Fizz he prefers playing defense and has will be a defensive player for the Orange. Even more evidence of that decision are the coaches who have recruited him to SU—Tim Daoust, Chuck Bullough and Scott Shafer.
Although there have been rumors that Daoust and/or Bullough could be heading to Pittsburgh to be the defensive coordinator for new head coach Pat Narduzzi, Sheppard says he is not concerned, adding that he thinks SU could get another good coach to come in. Or maybe Daoust told Sheppard that he wouldn’t be leaving, not that coaches haven’t stretched the truth with recruits before.
Overall, Sheppard seems up beat and excited about coming to SU. He committed to the Orange nearly a month ago, while holding offers from Central Florida, Boston College, Pitt and others.
Sheppard can be an important pickup for the Orange. He is a New York kid. While it is great to be able to bring in kids from the Midwest and Florida, it is much better to build a program when you can bring in kids from your own state.
Sheppard is a big time player from New York State, and said that really factors into his decision. In his discussion with the Fizz, Sheppard said he wanted to go somewhere close enough where his parents could come watch. He also said that he went to the MetLife game this year and loved the environment. That is why the Orange played those games.
A kid from New York who wants to play for the Orange and is excited to come to SU is a big step for the program. Heading into Signing Day, Sheppard remains on track to sign with no real thoughts of switching squads at this point. He says he can’t wait to come to SU, and is just looking forward to getting some playing time, which should be available with both Cam Lynch and Dyshawn Davis graduating.
Posted:  Seth Goldberg
