JaMarcus Shephard spoke to reporters first. Then he started talking to recruits.

Not personally. No recruits were present when Shephard spoke to reporters after practice Wednesday. But Alabama’s co-offensive coordinator/receivers coach made it clear he wanted to spread a message to potential players.

Shephard was 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 really happy for him,” Shephard said. “The way he played, the way he forced the problem with the other football team on us.”

Then Shephard changed his tone. He started a sort of recruiting pitch where he increased his volume.

“That’s why you, dear recruits, come to the University of Alabama, because you will compete with the best every day,” Shephard said. “How can you get better every day when you’re competing against someone you know is inferior to you? You won’t do your best. You won’t do your best. You won’t be at your best. Period. When you get into the national football league, you are expected to give your best. So recruits, come to Alabama to compete with the best.”

Then he smiled.

With this answer, Shephard ended the session with reporters.

Shephard followed Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer from Washington this offseason. Shephard played a key role in recruiting Ryan Williams, who became the team’s top receiver as a 17-year-old rookie.

No. 1 Alabama (4-0, 1-0 SEC) next faces Vanderbilt (2-2, 0-1) on Saturday (3:15 p.m. CT, SEC Network).