Prospect Stock Report: DE Jabaal Sheard

Heading into the April 9th, 2006 Nike Combine, Hollywood Hills, Florida DE Jabaal Sheard was a relative unknown. However, his performance that day led to a number of bigtime college programs jumping into the race for the 6'4 240 pounder's services. The first major program to offer Sheard was the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Since then Sheard has seen schools such as Alabama, Auburn, Pittsburgh, Rutgers and Arizona State come through with written offers.
Perhaps the most impressive athlete in that combine, Sheard posted a 4.6 time in the 40-yard dash, ran a 4.25 shuttle, and did 19 reps with 185 pounds on the bench press. He also posted an impressive 28.7 inch vertical leap. He is a raw but explosive athlete with tremendous upside. Rivals.com recruiting analyst JC Shurburtt had this to say about Jabaal, after personally evaluating him at the Nike Combine. "Jabaal Sheard has as much potential and natural ability as any defensive end prospect in the nation." While Sheard has not yet been rated by Rivals.com, he is rated a 4 star prospect by scout.com and the number 19 DE nationally.
Sheard grew up a fan of his hometown Miami Hurricanes. However, "The U" has yet to extend an offer, as the 'Canes have but 12 scholarships to give. The Florida Gators are also a team that Sheard grew up following, but early commitments at the DE position have taken the Gators out of the running. As we head into the summer months, Sheard's top choices appear to be South Carolina, Rutgers, and Pitt.
In a recent interview with Gamecock Central recruiting analyst Tony Morrell, Sheard had this to say about the Gamecocks: "I talk to their coaches a lot, and it just seems like they would be cool as coaches to play for," he said. "I think they would take care of me if I went there. Steve Spurrier is their coach now, and I'm familiar with him from when he was at Florida."
Sheard, who bench presses 345 pounds was visited in May by RB coach Robert Gillespie, who recruits Broward county for the Gamecocks. He has also spoken by phone with DL coach Brad Lawing, who also saw Sheard stand out in another local combine last May. Don't look for a decision anytime soon from this jumbo-athlete, as he wants to wait and see what all his options are before choosing his college destination. However, Sheard does have a few criteria for the school he is looking for. "I want to play for a coaching staff that I can talk to, and one that I know will take care of me even if I get hurt or something. I just want to know they have my back. I also want to go to a place where I'll be comfortable with the whole atmosphere, even outside of football. I'm not looking to start, but I'd like to at least get a little playing time as a freshman."
Jabaal Sheard is a player who's stock is rising. Will this South Florida emerging star choose USC? Stay tuned!