Sam Shields is getting his mojo back, per wide receiver coach Aubrey Hill. The Miami Herald’s Susan Miller Degnan recently did a piece on the junior wideout that’s worth the read.
Shields has spent what seems like forever in the dog house. After a promising freshman campaign in 2006, the wheels started falling off. Randy Shannon cracked the whip and oft suspended Shields.
The wideout missed six games in 2007, due to his attitude or occasionally being nicked up. This year Shields has missed three games, most notably wins over Central Florida and Duke, both which came the week after a debacle against Florida State.
In the midst of a two-catch day against the Seminoles, Shields took the field with 9:03 left in the game and a 1st-and-goal from the four-yard line. Problem was, Shields wasn’t part of the package and Miami was hit with a sideline interference penalty with too many men on the field.
Video surfaced online where Miami assistants were pulling Shields off the field and during the heat of battle, were in the wideout’s face regarding a game-changing mistake. (The Canes wound up settling for a field goal and lost, 41-39).
Par for the course, the online contingent of Miami’s fan base led the cries of ‘good riddance’, wanting Shields benched or even booted from the team. After the Florida State loss, I called for a ‘hiatus’ and wanted his reps to go to younger receivers – Travis Benjamin, Thearon Collier or Devon Johnson.
Shannon and staff had a different idea and it should be pointed out as it’s proving more successful than the knee-jerk reaction of the fans.
Shields didn’t see any action at receiver two games after Florida State week, but coaches allowed him to make plays on special teams. Again Central Florida, Shields recovered a muffed punt at UCF’s 5-yard line which led to a game-winning touchdown.
A week later, Shields took a reverse handoff 35 yards against Wake Forest. Even more impressive, Shields kept his cool after a Demon Deacon threw a late hit. The lack of retaliation earned Miami an extra 15 yards, making it a 50-yard gain. Shields also pulled in an 18-yard grab late in the game, broke a tackle and picked up a Miami first down.
Against Virginia it was 3rd-and-13 from the 2-yard line when Shields reeled in the catch of his career, stretching out and pulling in a first down grab that kept the drive alive.
With three games remaining, where does Shields fit in? In what capacity will he be used? Whatever the case, the message is that Shannon and staff are figuring out how to right some wrongs.
“We never quit on Sam — we just hold Sam to a higher standard,” said Shannon. “You’ve got to always build their confidence back when something happens to them in the wrong way. It has helped him out tremendously but also has helped us as a team.”
Two years into this rebuilding process, many love ‘Shannon the recruiter’ but have questioned ‘Shannon the head coach’. Inexperience has been cited, as well as everything negative that comes along with a 5-7 inaugural campaign.
In less than two years on the job, Shannon has done more than reel in top-flight talent. He made some tough post-season decisions, firing first-year defensive coordinator Tim Walton and receivers coach Marquis Mosely.
When many expected Shannon to reel in an up and comer, low paid defensive coordinator he could influence, he instead went after veteran defensive coach Bill Young.
Shannon and staff have gotten immediate impact out of true freshman and after some early growing pains, these Canes are in the midst of a four-game win streak. While Miami is reliant on a slew of rookies, Shields proves that coaches haven’t given up on some of the older talent.
In recent memory, how many Miami wideouts were broken beyond repair? Too many. Lance Leggett. Ryan Moore. Aikeem Jolla. All four and five-star talent that faceplanted as their careers came to a close.
It’d have been easy for Canes coaches to give up on Shields. The influx of talent at wide receiver changed overnight; from the most barren to now the most fruitful position on the team. #83 easily could’ve fallen to the wayside.
Instead he’s being pushed, taught and brought along at a pace that’s proving successful.
For those questioning this staff, here’s another feather in their cap. Especially if Shields tears it up down the stretch. It takes time to rebuild and this is another lesson learned along the way.