2024 Tennessee OL Kison Shepard Commits to Mississippi State

Kison Shepard, a standout offensive tackle from Germantown, Tennessee, plans to further his football career at Mississippi State.

The 6-foot-5 and 315-pound 3-star recruit was ranked No. 97 by 247Sports at his position. Shepard was also ranked the No. 40 overall player in the state of Tennessee.

Shepard received offers from a plethora of universities across the nation, including Florida, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Nebraska and Louisville. However, out of all 17 offers, he ultimately went with Mississippi State.

The Bulldogs have continued to compile a strong roster with the latest addition. Shepard will make his way to Starkville in the next year along with two other 3-star offensive tackle recruits: TJ Lockhart and Luke Work.

Shepard was recruited by assistant coach Mike Schmidt and is just one member of a talented recruiting class that will join the Bulldogs. Mississippi State's 2024 class is ranked 29th in college football and has an excellent group of 4-stars, including defensive lineman Terrance Hibbler and quarterback Josh Flowers, that will be supported by the trio of incoming offensive linemen.

The Bulldogs have also added many 3-star athletes, including linebacker Fred Clark, running back Xavier Gayten, athlete Caleb Dozier, wide receiver Matt Mayfield and tight end Jay Lindsey.

Shepard became the fifth commitment for MSU in the month of June and the 10th commitment of head coach Zach Arnett's 2024 class.

Shepard discussed his decision to play for the Bulldogs with 247Sports after making an appearance in their rankings.

"Mississippi State was the first college that showed me interest so I've always liked them," said Shepard. "I really hit it off with Coach (Mike) Schmidt when he got to Mississippi State. We have a good relationship, and recruiting is all about relationships. We talk on a daily basis, and it's been good."

Shortly after Shepard visited the MSU campus in the spring, he returned later for Top Dawg Camp.

"Like I said, Mississippi State was the first school that really opened my eyes," he said. "I saw how big football is there. I saw it in the spring and then I saw it at Top Dawg Camp. I always love my visits there and I feel at home there."

Shepard played his first three years of high school football at Collierville High School in Tennessee before transferring to Germantown for his senior year. He will soon continue to grow under a new MSU coaching staff.

"I think Coach Arnett is a great coach, and he is a cool guy," Shepard said. "I also like Coach (Kevin) Barbay and I think their offense is the best fit for me, and I am ready to learn more about their offense."

"Mississippi State is a place that I can see myself playing possibly as a freshman," Shepard added. "They have a lot of guys on the offensive line graduating after this season, so that played a big role for me, too."

Along with the other offensive tackle recruits, Shepard made an early commitment after debating about whether or not to commit later in the summer.

"It takes a lot of pressure off of me," Shepard said. "I was going to wait until August, but I thought today was the perfect time since I already know where I want to be."