Name: Matt Shiel
School: Mercer
Position: P
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 205
Q: What goals did you accomplish heading into your final collegiate season?
The main goal was to help my team. We did this by finishing No. 1 in Net Punting in the FCS nationally with 40.58. This helped Mercer have good field position. I wanted to help my team in any way I could, whether this was on or off the field. To improve every day.
Q: What would your coaches say about the type of player you are?
Hardworking, prepares well, consistent, coachable. Has a variety of punts that can be used depending on the situation and to also limit returns.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
My alignment, how I receive the snap, steps, ball drop, leg swing, direction of my hips and the ball. Aspects that I did right and wrong. How to improve next time in practice and games.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
I have a variety of punts that I can use depending on where we are on the field and the situation. This is to enable net punting to be at a maximum, force fair catches and limit returns. I am consistent in my hang time, distance, and direction. I work extremely hard every day to improve my punt game.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
I trained in Australia for 3 weeks. For the spring semester I will train at Mercer in Macon, Georgia. From January to April, I will traveling across America to go to a lot of camps for punt charting, practice, and training.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
My strengths are that I am hardworking and that I can adapt to the situations placed in front of me. I lead my example, am coachable, and take my punting, training, and the game seriously.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
I have trained hard for a long time for every opportunity I have gotten. I will continue to do so to get to the next level. I have good character, work ethic, and am passionate about punting and special teams. My senior season stats back up my strengths as a punter and show that I am reliable and competitive.
