The back-shoulder fade has become one of the most popular routes in the NFL due to how difficult it is for the average cornerback to defend. If the quarterback can put it in the right spot when the corner has their back turned to the ball, receivers have a chance at catching a mostly uncontested ball. Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams ran the route to perfection during their time with the Green Bay Packers, and now Sheppard is showing the ability to catch that same type of ball.

Within the first two minutes of the first quarter, Sheppard lined up across UTSA’s Zah Frazier, a big corner listed at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds. Missouri quarterback Brady Cook looked Sheppard’s way and threw a strike to the outside, with the Colorado receiver twisting his body to haul in a 20-yard completion.

Buffs fans have seen Sheppard use his big frame to make incredible plays in the red zone, but seeing him make these types of catches will only improve his draft stock.