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How will Cam Sutton matchup against Oklahoma’s Sterling Shepard?
By Jason Hall
Published:
Sterling Shepard is a playmaker.
The junior receiver is on pace to have a career season for Oklahoma, leading the team with 226 yards, two touchdowns and 12 receptions. Shepard has become a favorite target for sophomore quarterback Trevor Knight as both players have benefited from the other’s presence in the starting lineup. Despite an impressive season in 2013, Shepard was capable of seeing better numbers had there been more stability from the quarterback position. For Knight, Shepard provides a playmaking ability to Oklahoma’s arsenal and is always a reliable option to make big plays.
On Saturday, Shepard will face an improved Tennessee defense looking to make a statement. Tennessee head coach Butch Jones is well aware of what Shepard brings to the matchup.
“Speed, elusiveness, can go up and high point the ball, play the ball in the air, can make people miss, complete wide out,” Jones said. “He’s not just a deep ball individual. They can throw him a five yard hitch and a five yard hitch turns into a fifty-five yard touchdown. He can do it all. I’ve been very impressed, blocks on the perimeter, complete football player.”
Shepard will likely matchup against sophomore cornerback Cameron Sutton. Sutton has enjoyed a stellar second season with eight tackles and an interception. Through two games, Sutton held both Utah State’s Brandon Swindall (37 yards) and Arkansas State’s Tres Houston (48 yds) to a combined 85 yards. However, neither player matches the caliber of Shepard, a nationally recognized top receiver.
Sutton will need to have the best game of his career in order to match Shepard on Saturday. Last week, Sutton played in almost 90 plays including special teams and will handle punt returning duties. He is Tennessee’s most reliable option to face Shepard. It will be a tall task, but the experienced cornerback should be able to provide a decent matchup against the playmaking receiver.
A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky
