Profile: Dominic Sheppard
High School: Gulliver Prep (Miami, Fl.)
Height/weight: 6-2, 226
Ranking: Rivals 3*, ESPN 3*, 247 3*
Additional offers: Alabama, Clemson, Duke, Miami, Ohio St, Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin (and a lot more)
The Skinny:
Sheppard is a bit raw as a MLB prospect, but he's got all the tools. He's got good size, and he covers a lot of ground. He's not the fastest of LB prospects, but he is fast enough. He's also very strong. Sheppard had committed to Wisconsin, but decommitted when they changed coaches. He announced his decision to attend Virginia just this morning.
The above video is his senior year highlights, courtesy of Hudl. When he's attacking, he's tremendous. He hits hard. He makes plays all over the field.
Sheppard hits hard. He doesn't always wrap up, which is something he'll have to learn in college, or he'll miss too many tackles.
Sheppard could also potentially end up on the outside. His quickness and strength could make him a very good pass rusher. As it is, he's shown an ability to get into the backfield and make plays from the middle. His athleticism may be too much to keep off the field if there is an MLB ahead of him.
He's likely not even going to be a man coverage guy, but he's ok in zones.
Shephard's biggest weakness is his hesitancy. He'll make a read, but he doesn't always trust himself. So he's a half-step behind the play. He'll need to spend time in the film room as he learns to trust his instincts.