Former HHS star heads to Patriots mini-camp
By: John E. Powers
Shawn Mayer, the former Hillsborough High School star, said he was disappointed not being selected in this past weekend’s seven-round National Football League Draft. But that disappointment was tempered by a phone call Sunday afternoon from the New England Patriots, who have invited the former Penn State University star safety to a free agent mini-camp this week in Massachusetts.
The mini-camp will begin Thursday and run through the weekend. Mayer said his contact will be faxed to his agent, John Persch, who will consider it and return it to the Patriots. He expects to sign when he arrives in New England Thursday. He has also been offered a $5,000 signing bonus.
"It worked out," said Mayer, who led Penn State in tackles last year with 51 solos and 38 assists for a total of 89. "I think I’m a real good free agent to sign. They got me as a free agent and I think it’s a steal for them."
Over the past two seasons, Mayer emerged as one of the Big Ten’s best safeties. He was very active and aggressive against the run and built a reputation as a hard hitter when receivers ventured across the middle. National Football League teams did know about him the Tennessee Titans, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills were among those who showed early interest.
But Mayer and his agent agreed that the Patriots would give him the best opportunity to not only make the team, but play.
"I was disappointed I didn’t get drafted," said Mayer, who is 6 feet tall and weighs about 190 pounds. "I was on the draft board on the second day. I was kind of disappointed, but I got over it really quick. I have a shot to make the team. That’s what really matters."
An excellent tackler, Mayer always seemed to wrap up and possesses enough athleticism to take down most ball carriers in the open field. He quickly diagnosed screens and draw plays and was fast enough laterally to string out outside runs. He could also have an impact in the NFL on kick coverage units and other special teams. He was third overall in tackles in the Big 10 last year behind Thomas Wright of Michigan State and Jeff Schumacher of Illinois, who had just three more.
He is hoping to follow the path set before him by another former Hillsborough High star Shaun O’Hara - who came out of Rutgers University as a free agent and has become a starting center for the Cleveland Browns.
"Those two guys have incredible desire and great work ethic," their high school head coach Rick Mantz said.
Mayer, who will graduate next month with a degree in criminal justice, has worked as an intern with the Centre County Sheriff’s Office near State College, Pa. But Mayer believes that his immediate future will definitely include playing in the National Football League, whether it’s with the Patriots or another team.
"If it doesn’t work out in New England, it’ll happen somewhere," Mayer said. "I’m going to try to keep going as long as I can play. Hopefully I can make some money where I can open my own business, maybe a gym or in real estate or something. But I’m holding off on that because I really believe I’m going to make it at the next level."
His coaches and teammates at Penn State have always talked about Mayer’s work ethic that helped him overcome the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in the spring of 2000.
"So far, everything has fallen into place," Mayer said. "They told me it’s a good situation. They told me they need a young safety and somebody who can play special teams. I think I can compete and perform and make this team. That’s what it’s all about."

