ADAM SHEPHERD LITTLE ROCK CATHOLIC

Adam Shepherd wants to be involved with football for as long as he can and the Little Rock Catholic graduate will continue that quest in the Ivy League.

Shepherd will play for Harvard this fall.

“I didn’t really have a backup plan,” said Shepherd, a 6-4, 235-pound tight end. “If I had not been able to play football, I probably would be going to [the University of] Arkansas. Honestly, I didn’t expect a lot of offers, but when that offer came, Harvard was the clear choice.”

Established in 1636, Harvard, located in Cambridge, Mass., is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Harvard is recognized as one of the most prestigious universities for business, medicine and law. Only 4 percent of applicants are accepted. Athletic activities are normally secondary pursuits.

Although he has not decided on a major, Shepherd plans to keep physical education as a top priority for his studies.

Shepherd said he found the Harvard campus to be charming.

“The location of Harvard is beautiful and lively,” Shepherd said. “There’s always something going on. And the people are so friendly. I think they’re the most normal people I’ve ever met.”

Shepherd’s senior season was cut short because of a sprained left ankle suffered in the fourth game of the season against Cabot.

“That played a role my whole season,” said Shepherd, who was a two-time all-conference player. “I came back for the final game of the year, but I was playing at only 80 percent. It was frustrating.”

Shepherd made his official visit to Harvard the day after suffering his ankle injury. He hobbled the sidelines as Harvard played Ivy League rival Brown.

“I probably should have been using crutches,” Shepherd said. “But I was trying to tough it out.”

Shepherd was also tough in the classroom, maintaining a high grade point average throughout his time at Catholic.

“I came into my second semester of my senior year with a 4.0 GPA,” Shepherd said. “I was glad I didn’t let senioritis get a hold of me.

“I was also proud that I was selected as a team captain. That was a cool feeling.”

Shepherd