For Penn State's Shuler, NFL Is a Matter Of Legacy

GULF BREEZE, Fla. -- Mickey Shuler has all the necessary intangibles -- size, strength, and smarts. Let's not forget pedigree, either. His father enjoyed a highly successful career in the NFL, too.

Yet, Shuler realizes that professional scouts still may have questions after their review of video from his career at Penn State, where he was an important but unsung contributor at tight end for the Nittany Lions offense.

That's why Shuler spent two months here at Athletes' Performance Institute in preparation Wednesday's Pro Day at Penn Sate, catching passes from quarterbacks such Sam Bradford and Dan LeFevour and refining his body and skills.


"It will be my first chance to be in front of scouts and coaches and for them to get a chance to see what I can do," Shuler told FanHouse.

"There's film of me out there, but now enough because I split time my whole career. I want to show them that I can be a guy who can both block and catch. It's set up for you to succeed. I just have to go out there and do everything I know what I am capable of doing."

Shuler is capable of big things. And both he and his father are convinced he can make it in the NFL.

Shuler may not have been viewed as a blue-chip recruit coming out of East Pennsboro High School in Enola, Pa., but his blue-collar approach proved to be the perfect fit at Penn State. Shuler also enjoyed following in his father's footsteps -- Mickey Shuler, Sr., was a star tight end for the Nittany Lions under head coach Joe Paterno from 1975-77.

The younger Shuler smiled wide, saying Paterno, 83, the winningest coach in college football history, hasn't lost a step or his sense of humor.

And, yes, Shuler admits it will seem strange to see Paterno without his trademark black, thick-rimmed glasses. The farsighted Paterno recently had eye surgery to improve his vision. Paterno still needs glasses to read, though he appears to be done wearing the Coke bottle-thick glasses.

"Coach still relates to the players and he's a legend, so it was very neat to get the opportunity to play for him," Shuler said.

"He's really a funny guy, too. It was a privilege and it's neat to say you played for Joe Paterno. It's really cool, too, that my dad and I played played for and had the same coach."

Shuler, of course, has always wanted to follow his father's footsteps in the NFL. Shuler, Sr., was selected by the New York Jets in the third round of the 1976 NFL Draft and enjoyed a productive career with the Jets (1978-89) and Philadelphia Eagles (1990-91).

That's why the younger Shuler remained in Florida following the Nittany Lions' 19-17 Capital One Bowl victory over LSU in January. While he didn't land a spot in one of the post-season all-star games or earn an invite to the NFL Combine, Shuler was determined to prepare best he could to impress NFL brass at Penn State's Pro Day.

Shuler's parents never left the Sunshine State, either.

Mickey Sr. and Sue, who traveled to all of Penn State's road games last year in an RV, parked their traveling home in a lot near Pensacola. Mickey Jr., who lived in a condo near Athletes Performance, located just a few miles from Pensacola Beach, met with his dad each night to study film.

"I think Mickey has a real legitimate shot to get to the next level," his father said.

Shuler, a 6-foot-4, 248-pounder, trained six days a week for two months at API, focusing on strength and conditioning, running routes and developing new friendships. Shuler and former Alabama tight end Colin Peek worked and pushed each other, and the two remain in daily contact.

Shuler also was impressed by the ability and arm strength of Bradford, the former Oklahoma Heisman Trophy winner who is coming off shoulder surgery and just might be the top selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. Bradford, who has not thrown for NFL brass, has scheduled his pre-draft workout for March 29.

"For a guy who just came off surgery, it looked like he can play right now," Shuler said.

"But with all these guys, that's how it's going to be at the next level. When you turn out of your break, the ball was right there. It was nice, meeting all the different guys and everyone became friends. Hopefully, we will all get a chance to go to the next level and play (pro) football for the next few years."

Shuler, who split time with fellow senior Andrew Quarless at tight last season, had just 27 career receptions for 300 yards and four touchdowns the Nittany Lions. However, he's considered an exceptional blocker and he also played fullback during his career.

Needless to say, Shuler is excited to prove to NFL evaluators he belongs in the NFL.

"Honestly, everything that I did at API, I feel I am at the best I can be right now," Shuler said.

"I am more fluid and a better receiver right now. I think maybe scouts don't think I am as fast as I am or maybe as strong as I am right now, but the numbers should work out in my favor. I want to be versatile, I want to be the guy who can block, catch and help out in any area.

"I just want to go out there Wednesday and run smooth routes, look quick in and out of my breaks, catch the ball well, do all the fundamental things they are looking for from a tight end. I am looking forward to the opportunity."