QB Nic Shimonek’s enterprising mindset could pay off in 2017

By VF Castro | Jun 28, 2017

Sep 3, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Nic Shimonek (16) prepares to throw a pass in the second half against the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Nic Shimonek has stood by, waiting for his opportunity to prove what he’s capable of, and his patience will be rewarded this Fall.

Nic Shimonek transfered to Texas Tech in 2014 as a walk-on. At the time, he had no clue what would transpire in Tech’s quarterback battle–especially after seeing how the Mayfield/Webb battle for starter played out in 2013.

When Patrick Mahomes emerged as a potential Heisman candidate with two years left of eligibility, Shimonek could have opted to transfer, but he didn’t. He was patient, diligent, and eager to learn.

This past Spring, ESPN writer Jake Trotter wrote an article highlighting Shimonek’s entrepreneurial endeavors, which I think, shows where he learned patience, and attention to detail.

As many know by now, Nic Shimonek chose to give up a scholarship at Iowa when he transferred, and as a walk-on, players pay their way. This incurred expenses Shimonek didn’t want his family to burden, so with the help of his girlfriend Kayla, he picked up furniture restoration–a skill he learned from his mother, Tresa Shimonek.

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The Corsicana, Texas native closed his business when he went on scholarship so he could focus on football. With the numbers Shimonek put up last season, he’s off to a very good start, and his enterprising mindset is a quality trait, given the “me first” climate of college football.

“Obviously, Pat was one of the best, if not the best, quarterbacks in the history of the school,” Shimonek said in the ESPN interview. “But I’m not looking to fill anybody’s shoes. I’m just going to do what I do: go out there and try to put my team in the best position to win.”

When Mahomes was injured last season in the Kansas game, Shimonek had a monster night, throwing for 242.7 yards, and four touchdowns in Tech’s 55-19 victory. Shimonek also threw a touchdown pass in Tech’s 48-17 loss against West Virginia.

His stats so far, are 484 total passing yards, six touchdowns, and one interception. If there’s one area he needs to improve in, however, is avoiding sacks, and the offensive line will certainly have high expectations next season in keeping Shimonek upright.

Last season, Shimonek was sacked for a 29 yard total loss, and had -31 yards rushing.

Although ill-advised, Mahomes had an ability to keep drives alive by scrambling. This requires an insane field awareness, but if his workouts with former Heisman winner Johnny Manziel, and New York Giants’ wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. this summer are any indicator of how seriously he’s taking the added pressure, the offense is in business.

Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury can spot quarterback talent like a hawk, and if Shimonek wasn’t up to his standard, he wouldn’t be on scholarship in Lubbock. It’s that simple.

With a stable of receivers highlighted by Dylan Cantrell, Keke Coutee, Derrick Willies, and Cameron Batson, we might even see bigger receiving stats from the Red Raider offense.

Nic Shimonek wants to get into construction when he hangs his jersey up for the last time, but for now, “The CEO’s” persistence on the field has the potential to set the foundation for the program moving forward.

Texas Tech fans are used to electrifying moments at Jones AT&T Stadium, and yes, Mahomes did leave behind some big shoes to fill, but look for Shimonek to carve his own path.

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