Sheppard gives FAMU threat at tight end

Photo: #49 Kalif Sheppard, TE

By Heath A. Smith, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITERWhen Rubin Carter took over Florida A&M's football program two years ago tight ends and fullbacks were about as easy to find on the roster as Waldo.

Carter made do his first year by converting former defensive end Taj Jenkines into a tight end. The recruiting trail netted tight end Terrence Pittman and fullback Mykel Benson last season to go along with Jenkines.

The additions of redshirt-sophomore transfer Kalif Sheppard and freshman D.J. Folsom this season continue to give Carter the talent and depth that he has been looking for at those two positions.

"Those are positions where we needed some depth," Carter said. "He (Sheppard) can do a lot of things for us with his size, ability to catch the ball and move around within the scheme of our offense. We foresee him making quite an impact with our offense.

"Tight end was a position that needed to be developed when I got here. There weren't any tight ends here. You've seen it in the NFL and at other programs where the tight end can be key player in your offense with catching and blocking ability."

Sheppard and Folsom have been welcome additions in particular during preseason camp with injuries to Pittman and Benson keeping them out of action for now.

Sheppard, who transferred from Division II Saint Joseph's College in Indiana by way of Plant City High School, has been working with the first team as a fullback.

"A good fullback has to be physical player," Carter said. "Fullbacks have to be good blockers. They are blocking linebackers, so they have to have a linebacker mentality. They have to enjoy contact."

Photo: #47, D.J. Folsom

At 6-2, 245 pounds, Sheppard should be able to handle the contact that comes with the position.
"He has done a great job of picking up the offense," Carter said. "He has a thorough understanding of what we are doing. He also has very good body mechanics."

Sheppard said he originally wanted to come to FAMU right out of high school but is happy to have this opportunity to play at his first choice now.

"I feel like I'm doing pretty well," Sheppard said. "In order for me to improve, I feel like I have to play every down like I have something to prove. I have to go hard every play.

"Before I came here, I was mainly a tight end. There was a little learning curve, but I picked it up."

Folsom came to FAMU out of Madison County High School where he said he played mostly fullback in a Wing-T offense. Folsom has been working almost exclusively at tight end during preseason camp.

"I like coming out and hitting somebody straight up," Folsom said. "Coming from the Wing-T in high school, this is a totally different offense."

Carter said Folsom has done well with the transition so far.

"D.J. has been doing extremely well," Carter said. "Number one, we know he comes from a great program over at Madison County. He's a talented athlete that we really wanted in our program. He's a very physical player with good hands and good technique."