Steven Sheffield
Encyclopedia
Steven Sheffield is currently a member of the Spokane Shock
of the Arena Football League
.
He played for the Texas Tech Red Raiders
. Sheffield played quarterback for the Red Raiders for four seasons, seeing action in three3 seasons. Sheffield was thought of as perhaps the best back-up quarterback in the Big 12 Conference
and maybe in the entire nation for his gutsy and heroic performances. Sheffield's record as a starter was 4–0 during his collegiate career.
in Pflugerville, Texas
, where he led CHS to the Texas Class AAAA State Semifinals in 2004 and 2005 and won the District 26-4A District Championship in 2004 and 2005. During his final two seasons, he led his teams to a combined 23–6 record. He was first-team all-district in 2004 and district MVP and All-Centex in 2005. He passed for 1,600 yards in 2004 and followed with 2,700 yards in 2005 and also completed 34 touchdowns passes to only six interceptions. He was involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes while in CHS. He was recruited by mainly Division II schools, but was contacted by former Tech Coach Mike Leach after former Alabama Crimson Tide Quarterback Greg McElroy
backed out of his commitment to Tech and Sheffield was offered a preferred walk-on spot at Texas Tech, which he accepted.
, whom he would do battle with later on for the starting spot. Graham Harrell
and Chris Todd
battled for the 1 and 2 position, with Sheffield, Potts, and Ryan Rowland battling for scout team reps and the either Harrell or Todd's heir apparent. Sheffield spent 2006 on the scout team.
when he threw a 26-yard touchdown to Tramain Swindall for his first career TD. After two effective games against ranked teams Texas and Houston, Potts looked like the uncontested starter. However, against the New Mexico Lobos
, Potts started poorly and knocked out with a concussion late in the first half with the score tied at 7. Sheffield entered the game with just over one minute left and led a 4-play drive that was capped with a last second TD pass to flanker Alexander Torres, giving the Raiders a 14-7 halftime lead. Sheffield would then lead Tech to a 48-28 win. After this, Sheffield's nickname of "Sticks" for his lanky body build helped him become very popular on campus. The next game, against the Kansas State Wildcats
, Sheffield torched KSU for 7 touchdowns and almost 500 yards passing and the Red Raiders blew out the Wildcats, 66-14. Then facing off against # 15 Nebraska, Sheffield led the Red Raiders into Lincoln and soundly beat the Huskers 31-10, despite a dominating defense led by future first round draft pick Ndamukong Suh
. However, Sheffield would break his foot while scoring on a Quarterback keeper to ice the game for Tech. Taylor Potts
came back to start against rival Texas A&M University
, and played poorly and was benched in favor of third string Quarterback Seth Doege
. The Raiders would then beat Kansas, lose to Oklahoma State, then trounce Oklahoma behind a strong performance by Potts, and beat Baylor to end up 8-4 overall and earn an invite to the Alamo Bowl.
in the Valero Alamo Bowl, and the Raiders led most of the game until the end. Potts was pulled when Tech's offense started to sputter and Sheffield came into to lead the Raiders to two drives, first with a Touchdown Pass
to Detron Lewis
to regain the lead, and then another drive that ended in a Baron Batch TD run, for a final of 41-31. Despite the late game heroics, Potts was named MVP of the game.
was named as head football coach at Texas Tech after Mike Leach was fired, and new offensive coordinator Neal Brown
named Potts starter again, much to the chagrin of most of the Raider nation. Sheffield did not see action in the first game, despite Tuberville stating that Sheffield would see playing time. He did see action against New Mexico and was responsible for two touchdown drives, one passing and one running. In a much anticipated game against the Texas Longhorns, Sheffield made an appearance after Potts was once again, ineffective against the Longhorns, but was pulled after only one series. Sheffield would see action in every other game after that, but as a wideout in the "Wild Raider" formation. After Potts continued to struggle, Sheffield was announced as the starter against the Missouri Tigers
, however, for the first time in his career was ineffective as the Tigers harassed and threw Sheffield totally out of rhythm. Potts came back in, and led the Red Raiders to a 24-17 win over Mizzou, who was ranked and at the top of the Big 12 North at the time. Sheffield would see action at Quarterback for the final time against the Weber State Wildcats, and left the game to a standing ovation at Jones AT&T Stadium
on Senior Day.
with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies. He is a Christian
. His final career numbers were 134 completions out of 194 attempts for a 65.6 career completion percentage, with 1,578 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. After completing five years playing for Texas Tech, Sheffield was invited to the Competitive Edge Sports NFL Preparation Camp in Atlanta, Georgia where he spent three months and performed well. Though not drafted in the 2011 NFL Draft
, many experts believe he could be picked up as a free agent. He is currently QB for the AFL Spokane Shock in Spokane, Washington.
Spokane Shock
The Spokane Shock is a professional arena football team of the Arena Football League from Spokane, Washington, USA. They play their home games at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena...
of the Arena Football League
Arena Football League
The Arena Football League is the highest level of professional indoor American football in the United States. It is currently the second longest running professional football league in the United States, after the National Football League. It was founded in 1987 by Jim Foster...
.
He played for the Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Texas Tech Red Raiders are the athletic teams that represent Texas Tech University . The women's basketball team uses the name Lady Raiders; however, the school's other women's teams use the "Red Raiders" name. The university's athletic program fields teams in 15 varsity sports and 30 club sports...
. Sheffield played quarterback for the Red Raiders for four seasons, seeing action in three3 seasons. Sheffield was thought of as perhaps the best back-up quarterback in the Big 12 Conference
Big 12 Conference
The Big 12 Conference is a college athletic conference of ten schools located in the Central United States, with its headquarters located in Las Colinas, a community in the Dallas, Texas suburb of Irving...
and maybe in the entire nation for his gutsy and heroic performances. Sheffield's record as a starter was 4–0 during his collegiate career.
Early years and high school
Sheffield prepped at John B. Connally High SchoolJohn B. Connally High School
John B. Connally High School is a public secondary school in Austin, Texas, United States. The school, which opened in 1996, serves 9-12 and is part of the Pflugerville Independent School District.-Football:...
in Pflugerville, Texas
Pflugerville, Texas
Pflugerville is a city in Travis and Williamson counties in the U.S. state of Texas. The population was 16,335 at the 2000 census. A July 1, 2008 U.S. Census Bureau estimate placed the population at 39,653...
, where he led CHS to the Texas Class AAAA State Semifinals in 2004 and 2005 and won the District 26-4A District Championship in 2004 and 2005. During his final two seasons, he led his teams to a combined 23–6 record. He was first-team all-district in 2004 and district MVP and All-Centex in 2005. He passed for 1,600 yards in 2004 and followed with 2,700 yards in 2005 and also completed 34 touchdowns passes to only six interceptions. He was involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes while in CHS. He was recruited by mainly Division II schools, but was contacted by former Tech Coach Mike Leach after former Alabama Crimson Tide Quarterback Greg McElroy
Greg McElroy
Gregory McElroy, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Jets in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama....
backed out of his commitment to Tech and Sheffield was offered a preferred walk-on spot at Texas Tech, which he accepted.
Collegiate career
Sheffield enrolled at Tech when Tech was considered very loaded at the quarterback position. Sheffield enrolled with fomer Texas High School All-Stater Taylor PottsTaylor Potts
Taylor Potts is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2011...
, whom he would do battle with later on for the starting spot. Graham Harrell
Graham Harrell
Graham Harrell is an American football quarterback. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers and is currently on their scout team. He played college football at Texas Tech.-Early years:...
and Chris Todd
Chris Todd
Christopher Todd , is a Welsh professional footballer currently playing for Forest Green Rovers.-Swansea City:...
battled for the 1 and 2 position, with Sheffield, Potts, and Ryan Rowland battling for scout team reps and the either Harrell or Todd's heir apparent. Sheffield spent 2006 on the scout team.
2007 and 2008 seasons
Before the start of the 2007 season, Chris Todd transferred to a junior college in Kansas, and eventually ended up at Auburn, with Graham Harrell becoming the uncontested starter, and Ryan Rowland and Garrett Riley stayed on the scout team. Potts and Sheffield were moved up as second and third string, respectively. Sheffield saw his first college in action in a 75–7 blowout win over Northwestern State University. During the 2008 season, he was delegated back to the scout team.2009 emergence and "Sticks"
After a historic 2008 season, Graham Harrell graduated and Taylor Potts took over with many believing Sheffield to be a career back-up. He moved up to the number 2 spot, and saw action in the second game against Rice UniversityRice University
William Marsh Rice University, commonly referred to as Rice University or Rice, is a private research university located on a heavily wooded campus in Houston, Texas, United States...
when he threw a 26-yard touchdown to Tramain Swindall for his first career TD. After two effective games against ranked teams Texas and Houston, Potts looked like the uncontested starter. However, against the New Mexico Lobos
New Mexico Lobos
The New Mexico Lobos are the athletic teams representing the University of New Mexico. The university's athletic program fields teams in 19 varsity sports. The Lobos participate in the NCAA Division I and is a charter member of the Mountain West Conference...
, Potts started poorly and knocked out with a concussion late in the first half with the score tied at 7. Sheffield entered the game with just over one minute left and led a 4-play drive that was capped with a last second TD pass to flanker Alexander Torres, giving the Raiders a 14-7 halftime lead. Sheffield would then lead Tech to a 48-28 win. After this, Sheffield's nickname of "Sticks" for his lanky body build helped him become very popular on campus. The next game, against the Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State University's athletic teams are called the Wildcats. The official color of the teams is Royal Purple, making Kansas State one of very few schools that have only one official color; white and silver are generally used as complementary colors.Kansas State participates in...
, Sheffield torched KSU for 7 touchdowns and almost 500 yards passing and the Red Raiders blew out the Wildcats, 66-14. Then facing off against # 15 Nebraska, Sheffield led the Red Raiders into Lincoln and soundly beat the Huskers 31-10, despite a dominating defense led by future first round draft pick Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh is an American football defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Lions 2nd overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska....
. However, Sheffield would break his foot while scoring on a Quarterback keeper to ice the game for Tech. Taylor Potts
Taylor Potts
Taylor Potts is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2011...
came back to start against rival Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is a coeducational public research university located in College Station, Texas . It is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. The sixth-largest university in the United States, A&M's enrollment for Fall 2011 was over 50,000 for the first time in school...
, and played poorly and was benched in favor of third string Quarterback Seth Doege
Seth Doege
Seth Doege is an American football quarterback. He is currently the starting quarterback for the 2011 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team...
. The Raiders would then beat Kansas, lose to Oklahoma State, then trounce Oklahoma behind a strong performance by Potts, and beat Baylor to end up 8-4 overall and earn an invite to the Alamo Bowl.
2010 Alamo Bowl
Potts got the start against the Michigan State SpartansMichigan State Spartans
The Michigan State Spartans are the athletic team that represent Michigan State University. The school's athletic program includes 25 varsity sports teams. Their mascot is a Spartan warrior named Sparty, and the school colors are green and white...
in the Valero Alamo Bowl, and the Raiders led most of the game until the end. Potts was pulled when Tech's offense started to sputter and Sheffield came into to lead the Raiders to two drives, first with a Touchdown Pass
Touchdown pass
In gridiron football, a touchdown pass is a pass thrown from the passer to a receiver that results in a touchdown being scored. The pass can either be caught in the end zone itself, resulting in an immediate touchdown, or in the field of play, followed by the receiver carrying the ball into the...
to Detron Lewis
Detron Lewis
Detron Lewis is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football at Texas Tech.-College career:...
to regain the lead, and then another drive that ended in a Baron Batch TD run, for a final of 41-31. Despite the late game heroics, Potts was named MVP of the game.
2010 season
Tommy TubervilleTommy Tuberville
Thomas Hawley Tuberville is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head football coach at Texas Tech University, a position he has held since the 2010 season...
was named as head football coach at Texas Tech after Mike Leach was fired, and new offensive coordinator Neal Brown
Neal Brown
Neal Brown is an American college football coach and former player. He is currently the offensive coordinator & QB coach at Texas Tech.-Background:...
named Potts starter again, much to the chagrin of most of the Raider nation. Sheffield did not see action in the first game, despite Tuberville stating that Sheffield would see playing time. He did see action against New Mexico and was responsible for two touchdown drives, one passing and one running. In a much anticipated game against the Texas Longhorns, Sheffield made an appearance after Potts was once again, ineffective against the Longhorns, but was pulled after only one series. Sheffield would see action in every other game after that, but as a wideout in the "Wild Raider" formation. After Potts continued to struggle, Sheffield was announced as the starter against the Missouri Tigers
Missouri Tigers
The Missouri Tigers athletics programs include the extramural and intramural sports teams of the University of Missouri, located in Columbia, Missouri, United States...
, however, for the first time in his career was ineffective as the Tigers harassed and threw Sheffield totally out of rhythm. Potts came back in, and led the Red Raiders to a 24-17 win over Mizzou, who was ranked and at the top of the Big 12 North at the time. Sheffield would see action at Quarterback for the final time against the Weber State Wildcats, and left the game to a standing ovation at Jones AT&T Stadium
Jones AT&T Stadium
Jones AT&T Stadium is an outdoor athletic stadium on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, United States. It is the home field of the Texas Tech Red Raiders football team of the Big 12 Conference.-Planning and funding:Clifford B. and Audrey Jones Stadium opened in 1947...
on Senior Day.
After college and personal
Sheffield graduated from Texas Tech UniversityTexas Tech University
Texas Tech University, often referred to as Texas Tech or TTU, is a public research university in Lubbock, Texas, United States. Established on February 10, 1923, and originally known as Texas Technological College, it is the leading institution of the Texas Tech University System and has the...
with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies. He is a Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
. His final career numbers were 134 completions out of 194 attempts for a 65.6 career completion percentage, with 1,578 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. After completing five years playing for Texas Tech, Sheffield was invited to the Competitive Edge Sports NFL Preparation Camp in Atlanta, Georgia where he spent three months and performed well. Though not drafted in the 2011 NFL Draft
2011 NFL Draft
The 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players...
, many experts believe he could be picked up as a free agent. He is currently QB for the AFL Spokane Shock in Spokane, Washington.