JaMarcus Shephard Insists Ducks Have Nation's Top Secondary

The UW wide-receivers coach is doing and saying whatever it takes to get his players ready to play this weekend.

JaMarcus Shephard is all in this week in doing whatever it takes, saying whatever is needed, in order to in get his veteran University of Washington receiving corps ready to play Oregon, even if it borders on hyperbole.

Typically a loud, extroverted and an extra interactive assistant coach, Shephard was asked about the challenge that awaits his pass-catchers in Saturday's game at Husky Stadium.

His response compelled no fewer than three media members to roll their eyes all at once as Shephard's words came tumbling out. 

"They're the best pass defense in the United States of America," Shephard said of the Ducks on Tuesday to anyone who would listen. "Probably the best pass defense I've seen in my entire coaching career."

Wow, that would encompass 19 seasons and counting now for Shephard, who has Western Kentucky, Washington State and Purdue among his previous stops. 

Maybe people should christen these visiting defenders as the Legion of Eugene Doom, considering this calling card suddenly coming out Montlake. 

"These guys are long, physical at the line of scrimmage, physical with great technique," Shephard said, almost reading from a checklist now. "They've got guys who want to hit you. They're going to attack the football. They're going to attack the football in the air."

OK, we get it, these Duck defensive backs must be pretty good, not to be taken lightly.

Yet how about the guys they're supposed to cover this weekend at Husky Stadium? Don't Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan and Ja'Lynn Pok come fairly highly regarded and even find themselves considered the nation's best at what they do in some circles?

"I wouldn't say that," Shephard said, trying to maintain the upper hand in his mind games. "I'd say we have a good collection of guys who want to go out there every week and want to prove that they've gotten better."

With that, let the hype wars continue.

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