At first, JaMarcus Shephard was talking to reporters. Then he started talking to recruits.

Not in person. There were no recruits present while Shephard spoke to reporters Wednesday after practice. But the Alabama co-offensive coordinator/receivers coach made clear he was disseminating a message to prospective players.

Shephard had been asked about cornerback Domani Jackson and how he challenges Alabama’s receivers.

Shephard praised Jackson and how “all of a sudden this beast came out of him on Saturday” against Georgia. “I was super excited for him,” Shephard said. “The way he was playing, the way he was forcing the issue with the other football team across from us.”

Then Shephard changed his tone. He began a recruiting pitch of sorts, increasing his volume.

“That’s why recruits, you come to the University of Alabama because you’re going to compete against the best every day,” Shephard said. “How can you get better every day, competing against somebody you know is inferior to you? You’re not going to give your best. You’re not going to do your best. You’re not going to be at your best. Period. When you get to that national football league, they’re going to expect you to be at your best. So recruits, come to Alabama to compete with the best.”

Then he smiled.

Shephard ended the session with reporters with that answer.

Shephard followed Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer over from Washington this offseason. Shephard played a key role in re-recruiting Ryan Williams, who has already become the top receiver on the team as a 17-year-old freshman.

Next up, No. 1 Alabama (4-0, 1-0 SEC) will face Vanderbilt (2-2, 0-1) on Saturday (3:15 p.m. CT, SEC Network).

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.