Player Profiles: Cody Sandlin and Clay Sheley

Everyone knows there is no ‘I’ in team, so to be successful at any team sport, players must understand the greatness of teamwork.  The Skyhawk Kicker, Cody Sandlin from Goodlettsville, Tenn., and the Skyhawk Long Snapper, Clay Sheley from Dickson, Tenn., have mastered this skill. These two college seniors use teamwork to help the Skyhawk Football Team win games.  

The kicker and long snapper on any football team have to be able to hold composure and perform under pressure.

 “I go out on to the field every time and keep my head down, kick the ball, and celebrate after, not before,” said Sandlin.   
When Sandlin and Sheley approach the field for a kick, both men just think of repetition, no matter the pressure that is upon them.   “I try not to let the pressure get to me and make every snap the same,” said Sheley.

 

Although Sandlin and Sheley visited other universities, they choose UTM because of the small-town atmosphere and the campus.  Before attending UTM, Sandlin and Sheley were both versatile during their high school careers playing many positions.  
 While these two college athletes seem to have a lot in common, Sandlin and Sheley also have their differences. Sandlin is majoring in Agriculture Business Farm and Ranch Management and Sheley’s major is Criminal Justice.

Although different, both of these careers paths will have a great impact on society. Sandlin would like to be drafted to the NFL, but if that does not work out, he has some job opportunities that will lead him to a great future.  Sheley is planning on graduating and getting his masters. Sheley then hopes to pursue a job with the Federal Law Enforcement Agency or Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at the state level.  
Sanldin was quick to respond with the 43-yard field goal he made with 4 seconds left in the game that resulted in UTM’s victory against the University of Memphis.  

According to Sheley, the best part of his career thus far was playing at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville in front of almost 100,000 people.  Sheley is proud to be a part of the first team at UTM to beat Eastern Kentucky University.  
Cody Sandlin and Clay Sheley will leave behind a legacy that is sure to inspire future UTM football players for many years to come.