By Pat Turner
SAN ANTONIO -- Treyvion Shannon wasn't sure what to expect when switching to the offensive line at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
After all, Shannon stood out on the defensive front at Clarksdale (Miss.) High School and rarely saw action on the other side.
Despite being thrown in a different role, Shannon decided to give it his best shot and see where it carried him. Looking at the results, it has carried him a long way.
Following a banner two-year stint in the junior college ranks, the 6-foot-5, 315-pound tackle is making a name for himself on UTSA's O-line.
Since coming aboard as a junior, Shannon has started 21 straight games at left tackle for the Roadrunners, and he plans to keep that streak going strong. Another opportunity to show his stuff comes Saturday when UTSA hosts Southern Miss at the Alamodome.
"They (Gulf Coast coaches) kind of prepared me for it before I got there so I could make the transition," Shannon said. "It was different, but I had good feet already. That helped me out a lot. I gained weight. It turned out for the best."
Shannon is stationed mostly at left tackle, but he showed his versatility a year ago when moving to guard during games against Texas State and UTEP. Being able to adjust to various situations is one of many strengths that makes him shine.
"He is a big, nimble man," UTSA head coach Frank Wilson said. "He has the size and stature, but he has athleticism to go along with it. He has that willingness to work extremely hard. I believe Trey will have an opportunity to play football beyond UTSA because of his skills and work ethic."
Shannon made it clear he was destined for a starting role instantly. Being a transfer meant learning UTSA's system on the run, not to mention adjusting to a new environment.
His time at Mississippi Gulf Coast set the tone. While learning the finer points of playing on the offensive line, he held his own against quality talent. Now, he's doing the same on a bigger stage.
"I had a great line coach and offensive coordinator at Gulf Coast," Shannon said. "It helped prepare me very well. When I got here, I felt comfortable. It was a lot of the same things, I just had to learn different calls. D-I ball is faster. You have to be smarter. You have to come to work every day."
While growing into a top-notch lineman, Shannon has found a home at UTSA. He took an instant liking to San Antonio and the campus during his visit. That love has merely improved with age. He would welcome an opportunity to play in the NFL, but at the same time the lineman is planning to become a coach and health teacher. Beginning his career in the Alamo City would be the ideal situation.
"I always wanted to live in Texas," Shannon said. "I love it here. I'm not leaving. I'm going to stay here. Hopefully, I can teach and coach here. I'd like to start at middle school and work my way up so I can get the knowledge. I am in the right place."
Of course, he still has pleasant memories of his home state. That's why today's game with Southern Miss is special.
"I am looking forward to Southern Miss," Shannon said. "I know a lot of people who go there. I know the coaches. It's going to be fun."
- UTSA -
