Mike Shinsky looks for a defined role with Maryland football as a sophomore

Profiles in Terpage is back for 2017. Last week, we focused on the safeties; this week, we’re looking at the special teams.

Mike Shinsky, K, No. 41

Height: 5’9
Weight: 178 lbs.
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Towson, Maryland
High school: McDonogh

How he got to College Park

Shinsky wasn’t even sure he’d get the chance to play collegiate football. But before his senior year at McDonogh came to a close, he got a call from the Maryland recruiting staff, offering him a spot as a preferred walk-on in the upcoming fall.

Named an All-State, All-Metro and All-MIAA conference kicker, Shinsky was connected to the Maryland staff by the likes of Matt Stover, a former NFL kicker who’s spent time as a coach with former Maryland kicker Brad Craddock and returning redshirt senior Adam Greene.

Career highlight

Shinsky made the most of his one field goal attempt last year: a 41-yard strike against Rutgers, good for the Terps’ longest field goal of the season.

2017 prospectus

Shinsky is the youngest kicker the Terps have in their arsenal, and he’s still looking for a defined role. Wade Lees will be the main punter this season again, senior Danny Sutton returns after leading the team in total kickoffs and kickoff yardage in 2017, and Adam Greene looks like he’ll be the incumbent starter.

Still, Greene went 0-for-2 last season on field goals 40-plus yards out. The sample size might be small, but Shinsky is an efficient 100 percent from that mark. He also registered two kickoffs for an average of 56 yards.

Dream season

Shinsky wins the job on the strength of his leg and keeps it all season. He proves to be someone Maryland can rely on to shoulder the weight of the kicking unit in 2018 and beyond.

Up next

He’s third-to-last on the numerical roster sheet, but he’s last in our series.

t0nyb0y88, say_al and Scaletta are on the board this week.