If good things truly come to those who wait, University of Cincinnati cornerback Ja'Quan Sheppard is in position to have the season of a lifetime.
Sheppard has waited, and waited. Now, his wait is over.
As the Bearcats begin their 2022 campaign, Sheppard, a senior, sits atop the defensive depth chart for the first time since joining the Cincinnati program in 2019.
"I was very patient," he said. "When I was struggling, honestly, I wanted to leave, but my boys kept me here. That's why I love it here."
The Bearcats fielded the best secondary in program history last season, highlighted by two All-American cornerbacks in Coby Bryant and Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner.