JaMarcus Shephard is paying tribute to the coaches who helped get him where he is today.
The Oregon State coach wore a special ensemble for the Beavers’ 52-17 win over Montana this past weekend, their first victory of the season. His “Oregon State” hat and “State” sweatshirt were similar to those of former Washington State head coach Mike Leach, whom Shephard served under as wide receivers coach in 2016.
“I’ve been trying to pay homage to each of the head coaches who I’ve worked for over the years with the various uniforms I’ve worn through each game so that they know that I’ve got a lot of love, respect and admiration for all the men,” Shephard said in a news conference when asked about his ensemble. “So God rest his soul, Mike Leach. This one’s for you, big dog.”
Leach died Dec. 12, 2022, due to complications related to a heart condition.
The Beavers’ Instagram posted other ensembles Shephard has worn paying tribute to Kalen DeBoer (whom he worked for at Washington and Alabama) and Jeff Brohm (whom he worked for at Western Kentucky and Purdue).
Beavers fans should pay close attention to any of Shephard’s future game-day fits as there might be a story behind them. Oregon State faces UTEP this Saturday.
