Eppler participates in Manning Academy

THIBODAUX LA-Northwestern State University and former Navasota quarterback Shelton Eppler was invited to participate in one of the most prestigious passing academies the sport has to offer.

Eppler preparing for his senior season for the Demons, participated in the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux La. for three days. The academy has been in existence 20 years and has tutored some of the most accomplished quarterbacks to ever play the game.

Instructors include Archie Manning and his sons Peyton and Eli. “The second day I was there we were eating dinner and Archie, Peyton and Eli are sitting at the next table over and I remember thinking I can’t believe I am here,” said Eppler.

Eppler was among the FCS elite passers during his junior season for the Demons. He passed for 2,693 yards in nine games and surpassed the single-game touchdown passing record twice with six touchdowns. He also passed for a single-game best 474 yards.

“I wanted to be like a vacuum and gain all the knowledge I could from the Mannings and other quarterbacks. “It was an awesome experience and I’m glad I had that opportunity.”

Eppler helped lead Navasota to an unblemished 4A Division I State Championship in 2014 as a junior and set a single-season career touchdown passing record with 71-touchdowns thrown.

Eppler is anticipated to start for Northwestern State University for his senior season.