JaCorey Shepherd Named 2014 Senior CLASS Candidate
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas senior cornerback/kick returner JaCorey Shepherd was named one of 30 candidates for the 2014 Senior CLASS Award Thursday afternoon. Shepherd, a native of Mesquite, Texas, is the first Jayhawk tabbed as a candidate since Darrell Stuckey in 2009, and one of five players representing the Big 12 Conference.
The Senior CLASS Award is intended to honor student-athletes who excel both on and off the field in collegiate football. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I FBS senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence – community, classroom, character and competition.
An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.
On top of being a two-time Academic All-Big 12 Second Team honoree, Shepherd is an active member of Big Brothers Big Sisters, spending time weekly with his little brother despite his demanding schedule. He has also been active in the local community volunteering at various local elementary schools as a reader/mentor and taking part in several elementary school carnivals and field days. He has also participated in several football clinics with both the special needs community and local area elementary school children.
Shepherd, who recently picked up the Best Jayhawk in a Supporting Role award at the 2013-14 Rock Chalk Choice Awards, was Kansas football’s 2013 Galen Fiss Award winner for demonstrating exemplary service to community and campus. He was selected to attend the 2013 Big 12 Conference Leadership Summit and has served on the Kansas football leadership council. Additionally, he was chosen to take part in the Jayhawk Emergent Leader Retreat in the summer of 2012.
The 30 candidates will be narrowed to 10 finalists midway through the regular season, and those 10 names will be placed on the official ballot. Ballots will be distributed through a nationwide voting system to media, coaches and fans, who will select one candidate who best exemplifies excellence in the four Cs of community, classroom, character and competition. The Senior CLASS Award winner will be announced during the football bowl season in early January.
Shepherd and his Kansas teammates play host to Central Michigan, Saturday, Sept. 20. Game time is slated for 2:30 p.m., with a live broadcast on FOX Sports Net Regional. Tickets are available by visiting KUAthletics.com or calling 800-34-HAWKS.
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