Thomas Jefferson's Shep Turk attempts to snap a football during the Pitt Football 7-on-7 tournament on June 23 at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Brentaro Yamane | Cover Three Athletics)
SHEP TURK
School: Thomas Jefferson
Position: OT
Year: Senior
Height: 6-5
Weight: 275
ABOUT SHEP
Shep took a major leap in his junior year in 2023. His performance on the offensive line stood out so much that after the 2023 season ended, he received offers from Maine, UMass, Eastern Michigan, Duquesne, Pitt, Army, Temple, Lehigh, Buffalo, Bucknell, Stony Brook, Monmouth, Central Michigan, Navy and Bowling Green. At the end of the day, Shep committed to the only Power 5 school that offered him in Pittsburgh back in May. Shep's Jaguars team finished 9-3 last season as they are looking to win a title again for the first time since 2020. Turk is also a standout wrestler winning the WPIAL 3A Individual Title at the 285 lb. class back in March.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
So, you enter your senior season not having to worry about picking a college. What ultimately helped you make your decision to commit to Pitt?
Having the opportunity to play for the hometown team was too good to pass up and it checked all the boxes.
You've had success in wrestling as you won the WPIAL 3A Title at the 285 lb. class this past school year. Did you have many offers for wrestling?
My wrestling recruiting was nothing special. No real interest, it was always just football for me.
So, give me some insight on how wrestling has helped you in your football fundamentals.
It's helped so much. 2 biggest things have been flexibility and leverage. Flexibility has healed me, reduce many injuries and helps me bend well. Leverage helps me tremendously on the o-line.
There has been a pattern of some Pitt football players enrolling early and beginning classes in the Spring in recent years. Can we expect to see you fighting to repeat as a WPIAL wrestling champion or will you try to enroll early at Pitt?
I will not be enrolling early. I’m excited to wrestle one more year.
With your senior season of football close to a month away, what are some things that you are trying to improve on?
All aspects of the game. Speed, strength, size, etc…
As an offensive lineman, is there any particular players to watch to improve your game. If so, who is it, and what do you like about them?
I really like watching Trent Williams and Penei Sewell. Also, I love Troy Fautanu. I love how fast and physical all these guys play the game.
Your team hasn't won a WPIAL or PIAA title since 2020. That might not be long ago for a lot of schools, but it might be a long time for Thomas Jefferson. What do you think it's going to take for your team to reach the "top of the mountain" again?
Leadership. It starts with that every year.
You play for one of the best coaches in WPIAL history in Bill Cherpak (4th all-time in head coaching wins). What's it like playing for him?
It’s awesome playing for him. Great coach and great guy. Very knowledgeable coach.
Ok, thinking back, how did you get into football?
Just my dad putting me into it when I was little. It was all I have ever known and that’s why I continued to play.
Ok, a little bit of fun questions. If someone, could play you in a movie, who would you choose?
Probably one of my friends just because they know me so well.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing that you would want to do with your winnings?
Buy a nice house and car and save most of it.
Say that you and your teammates are going to an ice cream shop after football practice. What flavor are you picking?
Cookie dough, every day of the week.
Which team that isn't on your football schedule do you wish you could play this season, and why?
Central Catholic, I’ve always wanted to play a 6A school.
What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
God plays a huge part in my life.
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