Record-setting receiver Dominic Shepardson has more goals to shoot for in 5th year at Coe

CEDAR RAPIDS — Dominic Shepardson considered the sky the limit for his college football potential.

So, when the wide receiver from Phoenix, Ariz., reached the Coe campus he was ready to shoot for the moon. He has been out of this world for the Kohawks.

“I came in putting my head down, getting straight to work,” Shepardson said. “I had no expectations. No boundaries. I felt there were no boundaries here. I felt I could go as far as I wanted to take it. I worked as hard as I could, so I can go to the lengths I am able to go now.”

Shepardson owns multiple school records and ranks among the program’s best pass catchers in a few more categories. He is coming off a career day with 182 yards and four touchdowns on seven receptions in a 56-6 season-opening victory over Cornell, earning a spot on D3football.com’s Team of the Week. Shepardson will look to add to his totals against Wisconsin-Eau Claire on Saturday at Clark Field.

“He brings a lot of that experience and leadership that is good to have on the field.” Coe Coach Tyler Staker said. “He’s the ultimate competitor. He works extremely hard. He flies around every single practice. I call him a mustang because he goes 100 miles an hour in everything he does.

“He sets a good tone for our offense and that receiving corps on how to practice and practice hard, take advantage of every opportunity that you have.”

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Hunger and humility have lifted him to new heights. He has worked to be his best without an ego to expect he has reached it, beefing up from a 5-foot-11, 170-pound freshman to 200 pounds the last two seasons.

More than any statistic, record or in-game achievement, Shepardson values his role as a leader.

“It’s nothing I do on the field numbers-wise,” Shepardson said. “It’s what I do off the field in the weight room or locker room, talking to these guys. It’s more than me and the team. It’s us. Preaching that and getting these guys’ heads wrapped around that they are going to be great men, not just great football players.”

His team-first attitude was apparent at Mount Vernon last Saturday. Of all the plays Shepardson made, he was more interested in an 86-yard TD reception by Devon Kollasch. He reveled in his teammate’s successes, noting the strides Kollasch has made the last year.

“The TD my boy Dev made,” Shepardson said of his favorite play. “He’s right behind me and makes me better every day. His touchdown made me proud and happy to see him. His score makes me most proud in this game.”

Shepardson is coming off a record-setting season, grabbing 79 receptions to break Demetrius Harper’s record of 73 set in 2017. He also set the record for catches per game with 7.9 a year ago. A proven go-to for starting quarterback Carter Maske.

“Dom is in his fifth year,” Maske said. “he knows exactly where to be. We have a good little connection going on.”

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After his 182-yard performance against the Rams, he has moved about 800 yards away from Tom Marshall’s career record of 2,792 set from 1978 to 1981. The first-team all-American Rivers Conference performer said he “had no clue” he was within reach of the career mark. The record is a goal now.

“I just want to play the game with a high pace,” said Shepardson, who tied the school record for TD catches in a game at Cornell. “I have high expectations each game. Each goal gets leveled up each game throughout the season, so I know 1,000-yard benchmark is where I want to be.”

Shepardson has been a versatile weapon the last three seasons. He finished with 857 receiving yards and eight TDs last season with 819 and three in 2021. Staker has utilized him in different positions and formations, creating tough matchups for the defense.

“I feel good about the weapons we have around him,” Staker said. “Hopefully, that will allow him to go do what he does best and work in space.”

Fifth-year seniors are not as common at the NCAA Division III level. Many factors impact that decision, including academics, money and a desire to move on in life. Shepardson didn’t think twice about a return with a chance to correct mistakes he noticed from last year’s games and practices.

“Coming back this season, you look at game films, you look at practices and you’re like ‘Dang, I regret that. I regret that (and) that,’“ Shepardson said. “Now, I’ve got that extra year to let loose my capabilities and this team’s capabilities.”

Sky is still the limit.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com