Pro Timing Day workout could push Sam Shields into NFL Draft

Could Sam Shields be this year’s version of Spencer Adkins in the NFL Draft?

Adkins, a linebacker, started only five games at UM and barely made an impact for the Hurricanes but managed to get himself drafted in the sixth round by the Atlanta Falcons after an off-the-charts performance during Miami’s Pro Timing Day a year ago.

Adkins ran 40 yards in 4.43 seconds, broad jumped 10-feet, 2 inches, vertical jumped 36 feet, 1/2 inches and bench pressed 225 pounds a total of 30 times.

Now there is Sam Shields, who registered the best numbers overall during UM’s Pro Timing Day last Friday. According to NFL.com’s Gil Brandt, Shields “worked his way into draft consideration” by running the 40-yard dash in 4.30 and 4.33 seconds and also adding a 39-inch vertical jump and doing 15 bench press reps of 225 pounds despite weighing in at only 190 pounds.

Shields had a checkered career at UM. He played receiver his first three seasons, but never matched the potential he showed as a freshman when he caught 37 passes for 501 yards and 4 touchdowns. Off-the-field issues that resulted in multiple suspensions had many wondering if the Sarasota native would even finish his career in a Hurricanes’ uniform.

Prior to his senior season, Shields was moved to cornerback where he started 10 games last season. Shields started 10 games, but didn’t have any interceptions and his two pass breakups came in a rout of Division I-AA Florida A&M. His most important contributions came on special teams, where he served as the team’s gunner on punt coverage.

While his production at Miami was inconsistent at best, there was never a question about Shields’ athletic ability. He proved that last Friday with numbers that could get him selected at the back end of the draft. Whether Shields’ arrest two weeks ago for marijuana possession is a factor in his draftability remains an open question.



(palmbeachpost.com)