University of Oklahoma Athletics

Derrick Shepard Most Inspirational Walk-On Award

OU Football History & Tradition | Updated Nov. 22, 2024

Derrick Shepard joined OU as a walk-on in 1983 before earning a prominent role as a wide receiver and return man on the Sooners’ 1985 national championship team. Shepard passed away at the age of 35 in 1999 after suffering a heart attack.
 
The Derrick Shepard Most Inspirational Walk-On Award is given to a walk-on player who displays extraordinary commitment and leadership during the year.

Season Winner Position Hometown
2024 Luke Elzinga P Grand Rapids, Mich.
Zach Schmit K/P Oklahoma City, Okla.
2023 Pierce Hudgens DB Flower Mound, Texas
Tawee Walker RB North Las Vegas, Nev.
2022 Kyle Ergenbright OL Midwest City, Okla.
Gavin Freeman WR Oklahoma City, Okla.
Carsten Groos TE Austin, Texas
Pierce Hudgens DB Flower Mound, Texas
2021 Colt Atkinson WR Denton, Texas
2020 Spencer Jones WR Nashville, Tenn.
Bryan Mead LB Owasso, Okla.
2019 No award issued
2018 Bryan Mead LB Owasso, Okla.
2017 Erick Wren OL Mesquite, Texas
2016 Najee Bissoon RB Houston, Texas
2015 Ruben Hunter LB Oklahoma City, Okla.
2014 David Driskill DE Oklahoma City, Okla.
2013 David Driskill DE Oklahoma City, Okla.
2012 Aaron Ripkowski FB Dayton, Texas
2011 Dominique Whaley RB Lawton, Okla.
2010 Brian Lepak OL Claremore, Okla.
Trent Ratterree TE Weatherford, Okla.
James Winchester LS Washington, Okla.
2009 Brian Lepak OL Claremore, Okla.
Trent Ratterree TE Weatherford, Okla.
Carter Whitson WR Broken Arrow, Okla.
2008 Trent Ratterree TE Weatherford, Okla.
2007 Hays McEachern QB Austin, Texas
Ian Pleasant FB Alexandria, Va.
2006 Michael Cohen P Houston, Texas
Derek Shaw OL Sand Springs, Okla.
2005 Dan Dixon DB Tulsa, Okla.
Hays McEachern QB Austin, Texas
2004 John Flynn OL Anadarko, Okla.
David Robinson WR DeSoto, Texas
2003 Mark Bradley WR Pine Bluff, Ark.
2002 Eric Hilaire DE Oklahoma City, Okla.
2001 Danny Cork RB Owasso, Okla.
2000 Josh Smith OL Oklahoma City, Okla.
1999 Cory Heinecke DE Edmond, Okla.
Roger Steffen LB El Reno, Okla.