INDIANAPOLIS, IN---On Sunday afternoons during the football season, there is one former Mount Union wide receiver, the Indianapolis Colts’ Pierre Garcon, on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. On this particular Sunday afternoon, however, it was former Raiders receiver Cecil Shorts III who was on the field.
Shorts, a Cleveland native, Collinwood High School graduate and University of Mount Union product, worked out in front of the scouts, coaches and player personnel staff at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine Sunday. Prior to the workout, Shorts spoke with the media on Saturday.
“It’s a lot of fun. I didn’t know what to expect coming in,” he said. “I’ve met some of the players and interviewed with coaches and everything. It’s going well so far.
“I’m trying to prove that I didn’t belong at Mount Union and that I can play at this level,” Shorts added. “I’ll play with the chip on my shoulder. I went to the bench press and had 21 reps there, one of the highest here so far. That’s a good start and I hope to keep it going.”
From a talent standpoint, Shorts may not have belonged at Mount Union, which is about 60 miles southeast of Cleveland Browns Stadium. Though his physical stature held him back in the recruiting process, he no longer considers it a concern.
“I came out of high school at about 5-10, 150,” he said. “I’m 5-11, 205 now.”
Shorts ended the 2010 season with 70 catches for 1,196 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also completed 5-of-7 passes, ran for one touchdown and had three scores combined between punt and kick returns.
When it comes to leaving his mark, Shorts’ 100-reception season in 2009 is an Ohio Athletic Conference record. He also owns Mount Union’s records for career receptions (259), yards (4,705) and touchdowns (63).
“Coming from a D-III school, you’ve got to prove a lot, work hard, stay focused and enjoy the experience because only 330 guys get to come down here,” Shorts said. “It’s real special to be invited here.
“I return punts and kicks and had three touchdowns doing it,” he continued. “In the national championship game, I played quarterback and defensive back. Wide receiver is the position I’ll be playing, slot and outside, so I’ll be ready.”
