Name: Shane Tomlin
School: Wheeling University
Position: LS
Height: 6-0
Weight: 220
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
First, I wanted another season with laces out on every PAT/FG attempt. I also wanted to finish the season with zero punts or kicks blocked due to operation. My third goal was to improve my ability to cover down the field. Lastly, I wanted to take the next step and be a leader for the team. I was able to accomplish all of my goals for this season. I finished with laces out on all 52 PAT/FG attempts, zero punts or kicks blocked due to operation, 5 tackles, and I was also voted captain by my teammates at the end of camp.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I would hope that my coaches and teammates, above all else, would talk about my work ethic on and off the field. I am passionate about the game of football, and I bought in 100% to what we were trying to build during my years at Wheeling. I do feel like I had a successful college career, but the most important thing in my mind is that my coaches and teammates know I showed up every single day and gave everything I had.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
Film review is an underrated piece of the puzzle for specialists. I film almost everything I do on the field, and spend a lot of time watching it back to try and improve. As a long snapper, film allows us to slow down each rep and find the smallest details to improve. Football is a game of inches, and snapping is the perfect example. Every piece of our stance, motion, and release has to be perfect every single time to ensure a fast, accurate, and consistent snap. Becoming a player who could break down film has allowed me to take my snaps to the next level, and has also made me a better player on the field, as I spend a lot of time breaking down opponent tendencies so I can read and react to different pressures on the field and put my punt unit in a situation to be successful.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I was a lineman for many years, so the transition to snapping and blocking has been a little easier for me. I also have a refusal to be outworked and a refusal to quit. The adversities that I have faced, on and off the field, allow me to stand tall at all times and face any challenge head on.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My mentality has always been to stay ready, not get ready. As soon as the season ended, I got right back into training. I’m lifting heavy and often, because I know strength is my friend, I’m getting my conditioning back, putting a heavier emphasis on agility this off-season, and I’ve started a new routine of drill work and snaps that have really allowed me to be as comfortable as I’ve ever been with my snaps. From top to bottom, this routine allows me to be ready for whatever opportunity presents itself at any time.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I believe I am a very smart player, which is sometimes overlooked for specialists. I can read and react to pressures and recognize tendencies on the fly, which makes me more of an extension of a coach on the field. Obviously I’m very confident in my snapping, but I do think my work ethic is my greatest strength.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
Professional football has always been the goal. I understand the challenges, and how rare it is to play professionally. I’ve been told no every step of the way, and I’ve never let it slow me down. I’m ready to prove people wrong once again. I’ll go toe to toe with anyone from any level. All I need is a shot.
