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Wisconsin Football: Wide receiver Quintez Cephus keeping head high after father’s death

By Trevor Jossart

Nov 12, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Quintez Cephus (87) during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Quintez Cephus (87) during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Quintez Cephus is trying to recover after learning of his father’s death.

Wisconsin Badgers football player Quintez Cephus has been putting the coaching staff on notice so far this Spring in practice, trying to emerge as the No. 2 wide receiver after senior Jazz Peavy.

Related Story: Cephus ready to emerge as WR No. 2

His emergence took a turn for the worst last week as Cephus’ father, Andre Taylor, was shot in the head Monday morning outside a convenience store down in his hometown of Macon, Georgia. Taylor was reportedly shot after an argument he had with the suspect.

The next day, Tuesday, Cephus’ worst nightmare came true as Taylor did not make it and had past away due to his injuries. Cephus was able to make the trip down and be with him as he was put on life support before passing away Tuesday afternoon.

In a touching Instagram post, Cephus paid tribute to his late father for pushing him and being there for him throughout his athletic career and promised to do whatever it takes to make six figures and take care of the rest of his family.

“I’m gonna make them six figures one day soon and provide for momma,” Cephus wrote in his Instagram post. “While my heart is torn I try to think about you and not worry because you always told me you got it, you Biggdogg, just handle business and I got everybody else.

Cephus’ high school coach, Mark Farriba, spoke about Cephus’ emotions this past week, as the 19-year old has not yet returned to practice.

“I think it is just like any 19-year-old kid would be under these circumstances,” he told the Journal Sentinel when asked how Cephus was handling it all. “I don’t know. It is so hard because the circumstances are so foreign to me.”

Cephus appeared in 12 games for the Badgers last year, seeing about half of his production coming in both the run and passing game. He will look to be a viable offensive threat this year with Peavy on the other side.