Q & A: Schillinger making a seamless transition to the NFL
FLOWERY BRANCH -- Rookie safety Shann Schillinger is making a seamless transition from small-college superstar to the NFL.
He had a nice example to follow: Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann, his former teammate at Montana.
Schillinger was a key player in the Grizzlies' run to the FCS (formerly Division I-AA) national title game last season.
Now, he's running down on coverage units and trying to help the Falcons' special teams as he learns how to play safety in the NFL.
The special teams will be on center stage when they face super returner Joshua Cribbs and the Cleveland Browns at 1 p.m. Sunday at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
"Every week, in this league, they are all good returners," Schillinger said. "They get it and get down hill."
Schillinger spoke to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution about his transition to the NFL, getting used to the speed of the game and how he keeps track of the Grizzlies.
Q: What's been the biggest adjustment from playing at Montana to the NFL for you?
A: There are a lot of things. It still is football, but anytime you're learning a new scheme there is always going to be some adjustments that you have to make. And then, obviously, the speed of the game, like everyone says is different, especially on special teams with the guys flying down there.
Q: Do you talk to your folks back in Montana much?
A: Yeah, I talk to them a couple times a week and let them know how it's going.
Q: Do you check in with the Montana Grizzlies or do you try to follow them on online or something?
A: Yeah, on Sunday's I like to see how they did. I try to stay up with them as best I can, but there is not a lot of extra time.
Q: Who's helped you get settled in to Atlanta and the team?
A: Kroy has been very helpful. All of the safeties. Erik Coleman has been a huge help. Thomas DeCoud and William Moore have all been very helpful to make this process as easy as it can be.
Q: What special teams are you on?
A: I've been on punt return, kickoff and kickoff return and a little punt.
Q: What's your mindset when you're out on the field on kickoff coverage; you hear the whistle and it's time to go attack?
A: It's a crazy feeling that you can't really describe. I'm becoming more comfortable, and that's making the game a lot more fun. Running down on the kickoff is a great feeling. It's a feeling that I will always cherish.
Q: Has it been an adjustment to play in front of the larger crowds?
A: It's really exciting, you know, but it's one of those things, you don't really notice because you have to lock into what you're doing. But obviously it's exciting.
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
