2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Shane Tomlin, LS, Wheeling University

• Name: Shane Tomlin
• Position: LS
• College: Wheeling University
• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 225 lbs
• Twitter: @shanetomlin_
• Instagram: @shanetomlin_

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

My dad played at Rutgers, so I grew up watching every game. They beat #3 Louisville on a Thursday night in 2006, when I was just five years old. It was the biggest win in school history, and the fans rushed the field when it was over. That’s the night I fell in love with the game.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

I love everything about football, so I don’t take anything for granted. I cherish every lift, practice, film session, and game, so it’s hard to pick just one. However, we capped off last season with a walk-off field goal in overtime on senior day. Being in a big moment like that and winning a game in that fashion has always been a dream of mine, so I’d have to say that’s probably my favorite moment.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My dad, by far. He was a fantastic football player, but he’s an even better man. Without him, I would not be where I am. If I can be half the man he is, I’ll be just fine.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I’m excited to continue to grow the culture of our team, set the standard for the future, and compete for an MEC title and playoff berth.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

There are so many legends that I’d love to get the chance to talk with. As far as my position goes, I try to learn from and model my game after a number of guys. I feel like Luke Rhodes is the best long snapper in the NFL right now. I’d love to have the opportunity to pick his brain about football, his training methods, and life experiences in general.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Wheeling?

It’s the first team I’ve been on where we’re truly a family. My teammates are my brothers, and the coaching staff cares about me as a human being, not just as a player. This program has given me the opportunity to better myself as a football player and as a man every single day.

What do you like the most about playing special teams and why?

Being a long snapper opened the door for continuing my football career. It started just as a way to get on the field in high school, but I fell in love right away. Every time I step on the field, I have a direct impact on the momentum and outcome of the game. No one knows my name unless I mess up, and that’s just fine with me. I love being able to go unnoticed, because that means I’m doing my job and also being a point of consistency for my team.

What should we know about Shane Tomlin the person?

Every day I wake up with the goal of being the best version of myself. It doesn’t matter if it’s in school, at work, on the field, in the weight room, or watching film, I’m always looking to improve. My desire to be the best at everything I do is paired with a refusal to be out-worked.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I handle challenges head on. I don’t shy away from adversity on the field or in life. I will never quit, and I will bet on myself and the work that I put in every single time. I’m also incredibly lucky to have a great support system around me, which makes facing those challenges less daunting.

What would a team get in a player like you?

I think I bring some great things to the table with my work ethic and abilities as a snapper, but I’m also an intelligent player. I made great strides last season with being able to break down opponent film, and then read and react to different looks on the field. Even though I’m a specialist, I’m a vocal leader in the locker room and on the field, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to help my team be successful.

What do you love that most about the game of football?

There’s nothing I don’t love. I’ve been incredibly lucky to play this game for so long, and it’s brought me the best memories and moments of my life. It’s hard to even put into words, but it’s more than a game. It’s the culmination of so much work on the field, in the weight room, and in meetings. Being able to share that time, as well as the highs and lows of the actual games, with my teammates is incredible.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Rich White and Lowell Patron. Both students of the game with all the physical traits to play at the next level. They’re both going to make an organization very happy in the near future.