Utah Blaze OL Shannon Tevaga Takes his Game to New Levels
July 8, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Utah Blaze News Release
SALT LAKE CITY - Offensive line isn't exactly a position that garners glory or prestige. It isn't regularly showcased on SportsCenter and isn't likely to be featured on many highlight reels. Instead, the offensive line is a four quarter test of grit and character. It's a grueling three-plus hour battle of hand-to-hand, close-quarters combat. But despite the violent nature of the trenches, Utah Blaze offensive lineman Shannon Tevaga has all but perfected the art of protection.
Tevaga's top priority on every play is ensuring the safety of his quarterback by stalemating the man across from him. It's a skill he's always performed well, but this season, Tevaga has taken his game to new heights. Week-in and week-out, Tevaga is charged with the task of defending the game's best pass rushers. And every week, he shuts them down.
"You know what you're going to get from him. He's very consistent," said Blaze Offensive Line Coach Ron McBride. "He's got excellent pass sets, he's got a great feel for pass protection, he's very intelligent, and he's a good run blocker. He's just an excellent player all-around. I don't think he's given up one sack this year."
If anyone knows quality offensive linemen, it's Ron McBride. After all, McBride sent countless linemen to the National Football League during a collegiate coaching career that spanned over four decades, including All-Pros such as Carolina Panthers left tackle Jordan Gross. Tevaga credits much of his improvement to working with the legendary coach.
"My strength coming out of college was run blocking. When I came to the Arena League, my pass blocking wasn't as good as my run blocking," Tevaga explained. "I had three o-line coaches in college but I'm still learning from Coach Mac. It's made a tremendous difference from previous times. My pass blocking has grown amazingly. Coach Mac has so much knowledge of the game and it's a blessing."
Tevaga was a four-year starter at UCLA, where he earned All-Conference accolades on three occasions and was considered for the prestigious Lombardi Award, presented annually to the nation's top lineman. Upon graduation, he went to training camp with the Oakland Raiders, but was released after a short stint with the franchise.
Three years would pass before Tevaga received another opportunity to suit up in pads. He had a few workouts with NFL teams in between the years, but with little time to prepare, he showed up out of shape and was unable to showcase his true talent. The time away was a humbling experience that has given Tevaga a new appreciation for football.
"I approach the game with so much love now. After sitting at home, you learn that you really love the game. The biggest difference for me from college to now is my work ethic. Now I work hard on and off the field."
Now in his third season in the Arena Football League, Tevaga has risen to the ranks of the AFL's elite. No matter who lines up in front of him, Tevaga routinely comes out on top, leaving opposing defensive linemen searching for answers. With such a superior performance in 2013, he is undoubtedly a candidate for All-Arena honors and should be in contention for the AFL's Offensive Lineman of the Year Award.
Yet with all his success, Tevaga still holds a chip on his broad shoulders that fuels his stellar play. He hopes that with his outstanding performance this season, he will earn himself a chance to rectify his past and prove he has what it takes to succeed on football's biggest stage.
"I think I can play at the next level if I get the opportunity," Tevaga said. "I'll play for free, I don't care. Just let me put on pads and go to camp."
"I think he'd be a great center-guard combination in the NFL," Coach McBride explained. "He's very intelligent, understands what he sees, and can make all the calls. I think he should definitely have an opportunity."
Tevaga will once again have the opportunity put his skills on display this week as the Utah Blaze travel east to take on the Philadelphia Soul - a team that ranks among the AFL's top five leaders in sacks. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:35 p.m. MT this Friday, July 12.
Arena Football League Stories from July 8, 2013
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- Storm vs. San Antonio - Game Preview - Tampa Bay Storm
- AFL Announces Insurance Office of America as Presenting Partner of ArenaBowl XXVI - Tampa Bay Storm
- Utah Blaze OL Shannon Tevaga Takes his Game to New Levels - Utah Blaze
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