MASSILLON — Adam Shaheen would have loved to cheer on the Ashland University women’s basketball team in the national quarterfinals in Columbus on Tuesday night, but the hulking tight end had a job interview early Wednesday morning.
When you are an NFL prospect whose stock continues to skyrocket, there aren’t enough hours in the day.
AU hosted its pro day at the Paul L. David Athletic Training Center on Wednesday and while several Division II players from around the state were invited to participate, the NFL scouts and coaches who found their way to Massillon Washington High School’s sprawling athletic facility were there for one reason: Shaheen.
“We had 16 NFL teams represented and six tight end coaches, which is really unusual,” AU coach Lee Owens said. “Michigan State had its pro day today and (the University of) Cincinnati had its pro day today, so to have that kind of representation is really good.”
By all accounts, Shaheen acquitted himself well. He spent most of the three-hour audition taking part in position-specific route running and blocking drills.
“It wasn’t too bad. I dropped one ball along the sideline, but I think I helped myself,” Shaheen said. “We’ll see on draft day.”
The 6-foot-6, 278-pound Shaheen was a breakout star at the NFL Combine earlier this month in Indianapolis. Some experts have him going as early as the second round in the upcoming NFL Draft, which will take place April 27 to 29.
The last few months have been a whirlwind for Shaheen, a two-time Division II All-American for the Eagles. After declaring early for the draft, he headed to Florida to train for the combine.
“He really transformed his body,” said AU tight ends coach Reggie Gamble, a Mansfield Senior graduate. “It looks like he has leaned out, but he weighs about the same.
“To add that much muscle that fast is impressive.”
Shaheen’s Chipotle burrito diet was the talk of the NFL Combine. Those days are a thing of the past.
“In Florida they had a nutritionist on staff, so I lost body fat and gained muscle,” Shaheen said. “You feel great when every meal is prepared for you and it’s all good, clean stuff.”
So what has the draft process been like?
“It is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” Shaheen said. “I’m pretty good at turning it off and keeping my mind off it, but it can be overwhelming if you let it.”
The sudden stardom hasn’t gone to Shaheen’s head. His AU teammates won’t allow it.
“My friends give me crap. They’re saying, ‘Hey man, you suck. You’re the worst,’ ” Shaheen said. “They keep me grounded for sure.”
Several NFL teams have requested individual interviews and workouts, which should keep Shaheen busy from now until the draft.
“I just want to get in great shape and get ready for training camp,” Shaheen said. “There is still plenty of work to do.”
As for the AU women’s basketball team, Shaheen hopes to make it to Friday’s national championship game at Ohio Dominican University. The top-ranked Eagles beat No. 4 Harding (Texas) University in Wednesday night’s semifinals and will play Virginia Union for the crown.
“I’d love to go down. I could stay at home,” said Shaheen, who grew up in Galena and attended Big Walnut High School in Sunbury. “Hopefully, they’ll win it all.”
Coverage of Ashland University Eagles athletics is produced in partnership with OhioHealth, the official sports medicine provider for Ashland University and dozens of high schools and universities throughout Ohio.
