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From FCIAC To NFL: Shirden And Mitchell Headed To Carolina’s Rookie Minicamp

Jeff Jacobs

05.06.2024

In December, he decided it was the right time.

Last weekend, Jaden Shirden decided on the right place.

The former St. Joseph All-State running back and back-to-back leading rusher in the NCAA FCS division signed as an undrafted NFL free agent with the Carolina Panthers.

“It’s a great organization and I believe it’s a great fit for me to go in there and give me a chance to do what I do best,” Shirden said. “I believe it’s best for me to sign with the Panthers.”

Another former FCIAC player believes the same thing. Former Ridgefield star Jackson Mitchell, who gained plenty of state recognition playing linebacker at UConn, also signed with Carolina as an undrafted free agent.

Sixteen teams had attended Monmouth Pro Day in March, and afterward, speculation centered on Shirden getting drafted on the last day (fifth-seventh round) or being a priority free agent.

There was talk that the Buffalo Bills may take him. There was talk that the Los Angeles Chargers may take him. He watched the draft with his parents Duane and Twana. In the end, he did not hear his name called.

The NFL, of course, has become a passing league and the first running back was not taken until the second round. In all, only 20 were drafted. The Panthers surprised some observers by trading up six spots to select Jonathon Brooks from Texas with the 46th overall pick. Except for 2014, it was the latest for the first running back to be drafted. Brooks might have been a first-rounder had he not torn his ACL in November.

“We value the running backs and we value the running game,” Panthers general manager Dan Morgan told reporters at the draft.

Morgan then signed 17 undrafted free agents. Shirden was the lone running back. According to a consensus Big Board compired by Arif Hasan, the Panthers signed more top-300 prospects (five, including Shirden) than any other NFL club.

“Everything worked out,” Shirden said.

Now it’s up to him to prove himself.

Shirden will head south to Charlotte Thursday for rookie minicamp next weekend. OTA workouts run from May 20 to June 6. Mandatory minicamp is June 11-13.

“The main thing is to show them my electrifying speed and how I’m a playmaker on the field,” Shirden said. “I’m just doing what I love to do, what I’ve been doing for a long time.”

Since his freshman year at St. Joe’s, Shirden has flashed that electrifying speed. Only 11 players in state history have rushed for more than his 5,529 yards. His 107 career touchdowns rank third.

At Monmouth he would lead the FCS in rushing with 1,722 yards in 2022 and 1,478 in 2023. He averaged 7.5 yards per carry and fumbled only once in 499 attempts.

Two tags seem to follow Shirden.

One is “home-run hitter.” Evidence: He broke off 14 touchdown runs of more than 50 yards at Monmouth.

The other is “undersized.” He is 5-8, 187 pounds.

Twice, he was a Walter Payton Award finalist. In 2023, he was named the Walter Camp Foundation FCS Player of the Year. Although he had another year of eligibility, he felt the time was right to go pro.

“When you run for over 3,200 yards in Division I the past two years — the most of any back in this draft class — you feel like what more can you do?” Shirden said. “You’re ready to go to the next level.”

As one of only a dozen FCS players invited to the NFL Combine, he opened some eyes. He ran a 4.45 in the 40, fifth among all running backs. His 1.51 time was first among running backs and 15th among all players, in the 10-yard split drill. His vertical jump measured 34.5 inches.

“I thought I would do good, but I didn’t think I’d do all that,” Shirden said. “But just being there was amazing. I just took it all in.

“Sadly, I guess you have to go to two different schools or play for six years. But everything is working out. I’m really happy and excited.”

With Brooks drafted and Chuba Hubbard beating out Miles Sanders as a starter last season, Sanders could be moved on to another team. That would leave Shirden among a handful battling for roles.

“They took a running back who was rated the best back in this class,” Shirden said. “It will be a pleasure working beside him, but I’m not worried about anyone else. I’m just worried about myself. I know what I’m capable of.”

Shirden’s dad, who played at Central Connecticut, was a heck of an athlete. Jaden started playing football when he was a tyke. Dad coached. Jaden watched film of the great runners.

He remembers first hearing about Barry Sanders when he was 6 or 7. Sanders became his guy. He wore No. 20 at St. Joe’s and Monmouth. In preparation for a game against Monmouth, it was fitting that Delaware coach Ryan Carty said Shirden’s running style reminded him of Sanders.

By the way, both are only 5-8.

There is a spot in the NFL for change-of-pace running backs, third-down guys, guys who can do damage in the open field. While Shirden lacks some punishing brawn, his burst and sustained speed is elite.

“Zone schemes, catching the ball out of the backfield,” Shirden said. “Setting the offense up for the big play. (Catching the ball) is something I want to perfect. Who knows what they’ll ask me to do on the field? I want to work hard at everything and have fun doing it.”

Part of the fun will be having an old FCIAC rival on the field at rookie camp. Yes, he knows Mitchell. No, he hadn’t talked to him yet after both signed with Carolina.

“I played against him two times with St. Joe’s and he was at Ridgefield,” Shirden said. “I last talked to him when we played together at the East-West Shrine Bowl (on Feb. 1). It’s great to have two FCIAC guys on the same team.”

It should be pointed out St. Joseph beat Ridgefield in both of those games, 38-35 and 42-0. Then again, the Cadets beat most everyone from 2016 to 2019, going 47-5, advancing to four state finals and winning three of them. Shirden was a major reason.

“I believe I know how to win and what it takes to win,” Shirden said. “I also know there are certain plays I have to make in order to win. Encourage others to make plays as well.”

That knowledge is a reason why the school invited him to appear last month as part of its Athletics Speaker series.

“Being asked to speak was an honor,” Shirden said. “I talked about my experience, working hard, listening to people who give good advice. I also talked about the college process as an athlete, what to look for. Stuff I learned. Stuff I did to get this far.”

And even farther.


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