Panther Plus: Looks to back up Austin Howard at the left tackle position.

2007: Redshirted.

High School: Earned first-team all-conference honors as an offensive lineman ... served as team captain as a senior ... took part in the state playoffs in 2005 and 2007 ... earned letters in football (3) and track (2) ... honor roll student ... high school coach: Tom Kopatich.

Personal: Born Nov. 26, 1988 ... son of Julia Shepherd ... has a sister, Lynsey ... majoring in criminology.