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football Edit

Shamburger's dream about more than football, it's also about honor


The story still makes defensive back Shawn Shamburger laugh.

James Shamburger gave his young son his first football helmet. The gift resulted in an in house tackle that left Shawn's mother, Victoria, calming both father and son down.

At the end of this month, Shamburger will move to Rocky Top to fulfill his dream and to honor his father. James Shamburger passed away when Shawn was just 9 years old.

“I just tried not to focus on it,” Shamburger said of dealing with his father's passing. “I tried not to focus on the fact that he's gone. I put my mind in different places. I had to come to terms with it. He was the one that put me into football.”

After his father passed, Shamburger's mom pulled her son off the football field as they dealt with James' passing.

“She took me out when I was in the 4th grade. I wanted to play but didn't want to push the issue. It was a tough time for all of us,” Shamburger said.

As a 9th grader, Shamburger returned to the game he loves and quickly realized his love was going to be a part of his future.

“My 9th grade year, I returned to football. They pulled me up to varsity and started 4 games. My sophomore year, I had a better year and made some noise. Colleges started calling, but I realized I had a chance my freshman year,” Shamburger said.

But the end of his senior year, Shamburger had offers from around the country and was one of the most sought after defensive backs. After a heated recruiting battle, Shamburger decided to make his future home in Knoxville.

“Just getting a chance to play college football is what I'm looking forward to,” Shamburger said. “Most people dream of it when you are a kid. Now that it's actually coming true that's what I'm excited about. Everyone wants 1,000's to watch them play.”

Unfortunately for Shamburger, one of those thousands won't be the man who introduced him to the sport, a man that Shamburger will continue to honor as he has for the last four years with his play.

“He would be excited for me.” Shamburger said. “He would be very emotional. I do it in his name and his honor as well as my mom who has done so much for me.”

DB SHAWN SHAMBURGER
Height/Weight Senior Stats Rivals Ranking

5-foot-11, 185 pounds

51 tackles, 7 pass defections, 2 FFs, 4 INTs

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GETTING TO KNOW SHAMBURGER

Do you have a favorite pregame routine or superstition?

“I listen to the same song. It's called Everything by Skoolie. I have been listening to it since the beginning of my junior year. When we are in the locker room or on the bus I watch Tyrann Mathieu highlights from when he played at LSU.”

Three people famous or non-famous, living or deceased that you would have dinner with?

“Michael Jordan, Martin Luther King, Jr, and my dad. It would be an interesting dinner.”

What's your funniest recruiting story?

“I was on my visit and ended up having to run back to the hotel from campus because I didn't have a ride. It was funny. I didn't want to call a coach and ask for a ride so I just ran back. It was a hilly run (laughs).”

Any advice to future recruits?

“Take your time and enjoy it. Don't let anyone pick a place for you. Love the school, not just the coaches. Just have fun. You are a kid and it's your only opportunity. You always feel pressure from your peers, and others. But just have fun with it.”

Thoughts on an early signing period?

“I do like it but I don't like it. I think it puts a lot of strain on us as students/players. How are you going to get your visits in and not fall behind in school and stuff like that. High school coaches are interested in you taking official visits during your season.”

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