Aug. 11, 2008
SAN DIEGO - The fifth in a daily series during fall camp, get to know freshman tight end D.J. Shields.
GoAztecs.com: How was your experience at Camp Pendleton?
Shields: It was hard. I didn't really know what to expect going in there, but I learned a lot about leadership from the Marines. I will definitely take a lot away from that experience.
GoAztecs.com: Is there a moment from your high school career that you will always remember?
Shields: During my junior year, I tore my meniscus and I thought that might be the end of my playing career, but I was able to come back. I will always remember that it's not impossible to come back from anything if you just work hard and keep pushing.
GoAztecs.com: What has tight ends coach Brian Stark been working on with you the most?
Shields: Coach Stark is kind of taking it slow and making sure us new guys don't fall too far behind. He has really been focusing on fundamentals and I've already learned a lot from him.
GoAztecs.com: How did you spend your summer?
Shields: I was actually here (at San Diego State) pretty much everyday, working out and getting to know the guys. We did a lot of conditioning and weightlifting which I think has really paid off and has helped give me a head start in camp.
GoAztecs.com: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Shields: I'm usually playing football or working out, but other than that I like to go hunting and fishing. I also just like to hang out with my friends.
GoAztecs.com: Talk about your relationship with sophomore place-kicker Bryan Shields, a fellow Bonita Vista HS alum.
Shields: Well, we are not related. We actually grew up down the street from each other and went to the same elementary school. He is three years older than me, so we were never really that close growing up. But, I am staying with him for camp and he's a good guy. I guess it's kind of like we are brothers now.
GoAztecs.com: Do you have a favorite NFL team?
Shields: San Diego Chargers. I'm a hometown kid so you have to like the Chargers.
GoAztecs.com: Who is your favorite player on the Chargers?
Shields: My favorite player is probably Antonio Gates because he is a tight end, which is something I can relate to.
GoAztecs.com: Why did you choose to stay close to home and attend San Diego State?
Shields: It will be nice to be able to go home on weekends and to have my parents see most of our games. Also, the weather is nice and I grew up here, so it's kind of like the best of both worlds.
GoAztecs.com: What type of music do you listen to?
Shields: I like everything, but I would say that I'm more of a hip-hop guy.
Tuesday's profile: freshman linebacker Rob Andrews