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.
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View Comments
Thank you for the excellent insight!
Quality takes time and this team will be quality - in time.
Let's all remember something far more important...
Shields is still a KID, they are all KIDS. Many times we, as fans, loose sight of that. The coaching staff is not only rebuilding a winning program, but they are building character in these KIDS. Sure, these KIDS will need "wins" to have championships, but they will need "character" in order to live quality lives as MEN.
Coaches are more than just game planners and motivators, they are also mentors and they should be great examples for this KIDS to emulate as MEN.
Grace
I've probably been Shields biggest backer or apologist in the blogosphere and am glad to see him getting some love here and at the Herald.
For a team with so few playmakers the last few years I find no benefit in running off our one proven long term playmaker.
He made plays in 2006 over and over again. Maybe he fit Coker/Olson's style more but recall the great long TD catch he made to win us a bowl game. Sure it was Nevada, but it was still a bowl game and the Wolfpack were actually decent that year. Last season against A&M he made some nice plays and of course this past week against UVa he was the difference maker late.
Comeback Sam. I like it!
Shields can help this young team tie for the Coastal Division at worst, if he wants to. To me, he is similar to Lance Leggett and Ryan Moore at this point in his career: Nice Freshmen years, and then the remaining time with drops and bad attitudes. He has time to turn it around however. he can be the leader of this WR corp or he can get overtaken and just be occupying a roster spot. he has a smuch talent as any of them, but he has to choose to do the right things off the field and make plays on the field. He's made some nice contributions recently and we need him again starting on Thursday night against a weak Hokie secondary.
-Columbus Cane
As one who climbed aboard this platform and railed against him, I will gladly eat some crow in regards to the way he has turned things around this year for himself and this team. Got any hot sauce??
Just another indicator that the low tide has turned for this program. Shannon has done a great job with his patience and approach, players believe in the direction he has taken them. That, to me, was the first domino that needed to fall and it has,,,, clearly.
Apologies again, for my personal “knee jerking”,,,,, I hate it when they do that.
Go Canes,,, see ya’ll Thursday.
I don't know what his personal issues were, supposedly skipping class or study hall, but on the field this kid looked down and almost out. But ever since that fsu game it looked like Shields some finally got it. Might've taken a while, but he's getting back there. Hoping for another productive/helpful game from him tomorrow night!
Impressive that this staff didn't give up on Shields and even more impressive that he's turning it around. I too had written the kid off. I never say never, but he seemed damaged beyond repair.
Smart the way the coaches eased him back and had him gain some traction on special teams. Less pressure there than reeling in a clutch third down pass when you've lost your mojo. Baby steps have worked and this kid could be a factor down the stretch and next year.
Great coaching job by a second year, first-time head coach who often gets criticized and questioned.
WHATEVER!, Show me all this tonight son. Then i will call him by his spiffy new redeeming nickname! Redeem tonight, or ride the pine as i have no problems with Bosscane putting in the snot-nosers, at least we know why they drop passes sam.