Capping a breakout season at Monmouth, Jaden Shirden took an opening-series handoff and quickly recognized an opening between the left guard and tackle. The speedy running back hit the hole and outran Stony Brook’s defense for one of his signature long touchdown runs.
The 64-yarder helped propel the Hawks to a win and Shirden into the college football limelight. His 155 yards in the 2022 season finale may not have made SportsCenter, but it helped him clinch the first of back-to-back FCS rushing titles.
How do undersized, small-college running backs get noticed by NFL scouts?
Big-play ability helps.
When @Panthers rookies report to @NFL training camp July 19, small-college RB Jaden Shirden (37) will begin his long-odds quest to make the 53-man roster … pic.twitter.com/hF8j0cxCOs
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) July 10, 2024
Jaden Shirden Enters 1st NFL Training Camp
Shirden scored on 14 career runs of 50 yards or more in three seasons for the Colonial Athletic Association program and the Carolina Panthers’ scouting staff took notice.
Their interest increased after Shirden posted a 1.51-second 10-yard split, the field’s top time, and a 4.45-second 40-yard dash.
Despite the noteworthy effort, Shirden was not selected during the NFL Draft in April. He quickly signed a free-agent contract with the Panthers and participated in their offseason program. On Friday, he reported with the rest of the team’s rookies for training camp. The first full-squad workout at the new practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium is scheduled for Wednesday.
Shirden has long odds to make the 53-man roster. The 5-foot-9, 195-pounder opens training camp as the No. 7 running back on the depth chart, behind Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, rookie Jonathon Brooks, Rashaad Penny, Raheem Blackshear, and Mike Boone. Shirden said he remains unfazed by the competition.
“It’s a great group,” Shirden said following mandatory minicamp on June 12. “This is my dream. I’m learning the system and really just enjoying myself.
“I have my goal in mind, which is to make the roster. One step at a time.”
That first step likely will come on special teams. Shirden said he will benefit from the league’s new kick return rules.
“The thing for me as a returner, it’s a plus,” he said. “Once we get the ball and secure it, really, you play running back. You just got to pick a hole, read your blocks and do what you do best.
“It should be fun. It’s a plus for returners.”
@Panthers rookie RB Jaden Shirden (37) listens to pre-snap coaching as @NFL teams adapt to new special teams rules … #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/j531oAZ7Fl
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) July 10, 2024
Panthers RB Coach Bernie Parmalee: ‘He’s A Player’
Throughout rookie minicamp, three phases of offseason training activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp, Shirden has been guided by first-year running backs coach Bernie Parmalee. More than guided. Parmalee, a former undrafted free-agent running back himself, continues serving as a mentor.
Parmalee earned a role on the 1992 Miami Dolphins and spent the next nine seasons with the Dolphins and New York Jets. The former Ball State standout amassed 2,179 career yards and 17 touchdowns.
“He’s been in my shoes,” Shirden said. “He’s actually someone I look up to. Everything he says, he’s done. So, I want to listen and take in all the little things that he mentions.”
At Monmouth, Shirden compiled 3,697 career rushing yards, highlighted by 17 100-yard outings and six 200-yard games. In 2022 and ’23, he earned CAA Offensive Player of the Year recognition.
“He’s a player,” Parmalee said.
Will Shirden be able to show enough during training camp? Parmalee is proof he has a chance.
“You just worry about what you can do,” Parmalee said. “It’s not about anybody else. So, your ops, kill those ops, and see where it takes you. As long as you focus on you and what you have to do, it usually works out.”
Shirden understands his true test is underway. He remains confident his big-play skills will “translate” to the NFL level, beginning with creating big plays on special teams.
“Definitely,” Shirden said. “I’ve shown a little bit since I’ve been here.
“Training camp is where you’re going to showcase it even more.”
#Monmouth RB Jaden Shirden has that second gear you want in your running back. Wastes no time getting north and south and allowing his speed to do the rest.
Credited with 41 forced missed tackles and 33 runs of 10+ yards or more in 2023. pic.twitter.com/yGZGKBjJNm
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) April 8, 2024
Main Photo: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
