With three Butkus Award nominees in front of him, it was somewhat questionable how much playing time Shula might get this year.

 

“I’ve been around those guys forever. They’re great players,” he said. “They’ve been so productive the last two or three years, and they deserve all the acclaim they’ve gotten.”

 

Still, Shula had several things going for him, and one of those positives was a resolve to be prepared.

 

“I’m always prepared (for anything),” said Shula, who has played in all 10 games and is fourth on the team in total tackles. “I didn’t necessarily come in (this year) expecting to start this many games or play this many plays. I just came in expecting to do whatever the coaches told me to do.”

 

Two other positive – and related - factors also contributed to Shula’s opportunities.

 

First, he is considered one of the most intelligent linebackers on the roster. Second, he is extremely versatile and has experience at all three linebacking positions.

 

Shula actually enjoys the variety of moving around between the linebacking spots.

 

“You get the best of everything. You get to play in pass coverage like the DBs. You also get to rush the quarterback and play the run like the D-Line,” he said. “I love to hit people. I like to make tackles. I think as a linebacker, you get the best of everything.”

 

With the fun, however, comes a bunch of responsibility. Shula noted the MAC schedule provides solid competition and a variety of styles. “Things change every week,” he said. “You really have to be prepared mentally to be successful.

 

“We played Northern Illinois one week, and they are more of a power-run team. Then we played Bowling Green, and they’ll try to spread you out. Now, you’ve got a bunch of teams running no huddle … and checking plays at the line. It’s different every week.”

 

According to Shula, Miami coach Shane Montgomery started the season by warning his defending MAC East champion RedHawks that the league was very balanced and every team expected to win at least their side of the conference.

 

Indeed, the MAC championship game picture is only now becoming clear. What is also clear is that Miami (2-8 overall 1-5 MAC) will have to watch this year’s MAC title game on television.

 

“We knew that to win in the MAC, you have to be at the top of your game every week. I wouldn’t attribute (our position) to a lack of preparation or overlooking opponents ….We (just) really didn’t make plays at crucial times,” Shula said. “You have to play a full 60 minutes to get a win. It’s a fine line, and we found it out this year.”

 

Despite the struggles, Shula and his classmates are focused on trying to write a positive ending.

 

“We’re excited to practice,” he said. “Even though a lot of us have two games left in our football careers, we’re working as hard as we can and preparing. It doesn’t matter what our record is …. We’re going to try to get things started for the guys next year.”

 

Although he was recruited to the RedHawk ranks out of Thomas Aquinas High School in Cooper City, Florida, Shula and his family were already somewhat familiar with Southwestern Ohio and Miami.

 

Chris’s dad, Dave Shula, was head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals from 1992-1996.

 

“The academics was a huge factor, and it is about 40 minutes away from where I used to live,” Chris Shula said.

 

“All our friends and family had great things to say about (Miami),” he continued. “It’s kind of nice. My parents come up for some of the games, and they get to meet up with some of their old friends.”

 

Shula, a sports studies major at a school often called the “Cradle of Coaches,” is not only the son of a former professional football coach. He is also the grandson of another – NFL Hall of Fame coach Don Shula. Could coaching be in Chris’ future?

 

“I haven’t decided if I’m going to coach or not, but it’s definitely going to be an option,” he said.

 

Before they move on, Shula and his fellow senior defenders want to enjoy their remaining player moments while delivering a few more hits and maybe a road win at Toledo before closing the season at home against Ohio.

 

“We’re working as hard as we can and having as much fun as we can. (We’re) just trying to finish the year out on a high note,” Shula said.