Shippy Emerges As Alcorn's Defensive Captain After Career Was In Jeopardy

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Historically, the Alcorn State University football program selects different team captains each week for the pregame coin toss.

Though, for the last four weeks it's been senior Sterling Shippy representing the defense. The Braves have won all four games during that stretch.

"I always select guys who earn it during the week of practice. Needless to say, Shippy has taken ownership of being captain. He's really the guy who helps me when I'm not around and holds everyone accountable," said Alcorn defensive coordinator Cedric Thornton. "When I was named defensive coordinator, Shippy was the first guy to come to me and ask what he can do to help us be successful. From that very first conversation, he's been able to do every single thing that I've asked him to do."

Shippy, a 6-1, 300-pound defensive lineman, sat out his first season in 2014 and the plan was to redshirt him. Though, during that fall he suffered a pectoral injury from over-lifting and the doctors told him he couldn't play football anymore or else he wouldn't heal properly.

Thus, Shippy left Alcorn after his freshman year and returned home to Miami, Florida to re-evaluate his career and took time off from football. He transferred to Miami-Dade Community College where he continued his education and earned college credits.

"My goal was always to come back to Alcorn, but I didn't know if I was going to be able to play," Shippy said. "I didn't want to give up on my dream of being a football player so I kept getting checked out by the doctors and did everything they told me to do."

During the 2015-16 year, Shippy lived at home and worked at a furniture store while taking classes. He helped his mother Patricia Shippy pay the bills, but did not participate in any football related activities.

Heading into the 2016 football season, Shippy received the good news he had waited for from the doctors when they informed him that he was cleared to play. Former Alcorn defensive coordinator Tony Pecoraro drove out to Miami, told him he still looked like he was in good shape and told him to report to fall camp.

Pecoraro left that summer for a position at Southern Miss, and Cedric Thomas was named Alcorn's defensive coordinator.

"Coach Thomas and Coach [Fred] McNair both welcomed me back with open arms. It felt great just being back with the guys. We are all brothers on defense," Shippy said.

Even though Shippy was on the 2016 roster, playing time did not come easy. Originally listed as No. 99 that summer, Shippy had to earn his spot in the rotation. Before the first game, his number was changed to No. 55 but he did not see action in the season-opener against Alabama State.

Shippy got his first opportunity to play against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Week 2, and by Week 4 he was a starter.

"When I first got back, it was really tough. Nothing was ever handed to me and I had to earn every single rep, every minute, every second that I saw on the field. That actually motivated me because I knew I could be a big help to the team. I just wanted to work hard and get better after each practice and each game," Shippy said. "I have to thank the coaches for making me earn it."

Shippy ended the 2016 campaign with 39 tackles which was sixth on the team. He continued his steady play as a redshirt-junior in 2017 and was a staple to the defensive line.

Heading into 2018, Shippy was named to the Preseason All-Conference Second-Team. He currently has 13 tackles this year including 1.5 sacks and 4.0 tackles for a loss. Shippy has started in all five games.

"Shippy is a really good young man and a pleasure to have on the team. He does all of the right things and leads by example by working hard, being where he's supposed to be, not being selfish and doing all the right things," said Alcorn head coach Fred McNair. "He's a tremendously hard-worker and puts in extra hours both in the weight room and in the classroom. Shippy is one of those guys you never have to worry about because you know he's always doing what he's supposed to both on and off the field. He gives it his all every day and that's all we can ask for as coaches."

Shippy captain's an Alcorn defense that currently ranks top-five in the FCS in total yards, allowing just 242.4 per game. The defense also leads the SWAC in fewest points allowed (15.8 ppg), rushing yards allowed (99.6 ypg), passing yards allowed (142.8 ypg) and fewest first downs allowed per game (14.8).

"Shippy is a great example to our younger players on how we're going to work every day and on every snap so we can be the best that we can be. He does a great job of providing leadership and I'm proud of him for stepping up and being a positive influence for the group," said defensive line coach Damon Frenchers.

Shippy said the goal for the Braves this year is nothing short of winning a SWAC Championship.

"It really would be a blessing. My brothers and I are going to fight 'til the end, and I just feel like this is our year. We've worked so hard and it would be special to do it my senior year," Shippy said. "I know I still have a lot to improve upon in my game personally, but I try to get better each week as the season goes along."

Shippy is on pace to graduate in May 2019 with a degree in criminal justice.

"After I graduate, I would like to pursue a career as a professional football player and play at the next level. Though, if that's not in God's plan for me, I'd really like to be a firefighter," Shippy said.

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY BRAVES ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS