After recently wrapping up National Signing Day on Feb. 1, new Panthers will look to follow in the footsteps of those who came before them. The Kentucky Wesleyan football program boasts seven former Panthers who are currently playing football at the professional level. Throughout the next seven weeks, KWC Athletics will spotlight these professional Panthers and their impressive careers.
Shedrick Kirk is a cornerback that recently signed with the Pittsburgh Maulers in the United States Football League (USFL). Kirk grew up in Laurel, Mississippi before moving to Nashville, where he attended McGavock High School. Shedrick will tell you himself that his experience was not your typical journey to professional football.
“From high school to college I was never ‘the guy’, I had to prove to my coaches day in and day out that I was,” Kirk said. “Where I’m from you have to grind hard for what you want in life…I felt like I didn’t have a choice but to make it out.”
Kirk began his collegiate career at nearby NAIA Cumberland University. In his first two seasons he recorded 63 tackles and two interceptions, as well as a 90-yard fumble recovery touchdown against Faulkner University his freshman year. After his sophomore season, Kirk transferred to Wesleyan to give himself a better shot at chasing his dreams.
“With the vision and goals that I had for myself I felt that my time at Cumberland was up,” Kirk said. “I wanted to mature on and off the field and the best way for that to happen was to be away from home. KWC was different from what I was used to, so I had to adjust. It helped me stay focused on what mattered most to me.”
During his very first game suiting up for the purple and white, Kirk returned an interception 35-yards for a touchdown against Findlay. Although Shedrick would go on to have a solid first season in Owensboro, his path was never an easy one. Adversity stuck as he was forced to redshirt what would have been his senior season. The following year, Wesleyan’s season was postponed to the spring due to Covid-19, where they were only allowed to play five games.
“My experience at Kentucky Wesleyan was eye opening to say the least,” Kirk said. “Many ups and downs but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It grew me, built my faith, and I met brothers along the way. It was just dedication and keeping God first.”
Kirk overcame all the obstacles on his way to an outstanding season in 2021. He finished with 36 tackles, seven pass break-ups, and tied KiShawn Walker, the other half of Wesleyan’s elite cornerback duo, with a team-high five interceptions. Kirk would go on to be awarded Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) All-Conference Second Team.
Even after all his success, he was faced with challenges once again. An injury a week before his pro day at Tennessee State University made things very difficult, as he was trying to catch the eye of pro scouts. Shedrick wouldn’t let this set him back, as he got the opportunity to sign with the Maulers in September.
“I’m grateful for the journey because I’ve learned so much,” Kirk said. “It’s taught me to be patient and trust that what God has for me is for me. Signing with the Maulers was huge because they saw me for me and appreciated my value from the jump. I’m looking forward to learning how to be a pro on and off the field, forming new relationships with my teammates, and most importantly winning. My goals are to leave it all on the field each game and be one of the greatest defensive backs to come out of the USFL.”
Shedrick has exemplified hard work and determination throughout his young career, which makes his goals seem very attainable through many people’s eyes. He will get his first chance to achieve his goals on April 16thas the Pittsburgh Maulers open up their season against the New Orleans Breakers at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama.
“I want everyone to know that it doesn’t matter where you start in life, it’s about how you finish,” Kirk said. “Be strong and courageous and chase your dreams. We will make mistakes along the way, but if you keep God first, He’ll guide you. I just want to be a light and give back to my community.”
What advice do you have to players who signed to play football at Wesleyan in the Fall:
“First off, congratulations! Welcome to the family! Remember everything is what you make it. If you have dreams to be great then you have to stay prayed up, focused, and dedicated. Be great on and off the field and everything will be fine. Every day try to be the best that you can be, as a man, student, friend, and football player. I can’t wait to see you guys play this season!”
