Prince Shonola: My football journey has been a blessing. Since the age of 3, I have held a football in my arms and dreamed of being a football player. I was fortunate enough to experience playing Pop Warner Football at a young age, although I was used as a left tackle, there was nothing else that compared to being on the football field. As I got older, everyone began to notice my speed. Giving me nicknames like road runner, speedy, and as of late “Flash”. I did not get the opportunity to play high school football besides my freshman year. Due to me being homeless and basically fending for myself. School was no longer an option, so I moved to Tampa, Florida with oldest brother and worked for a furniture company, delivering furniture. A few years go by and I get connected with a great friend named Jamie. Who suggested that I join semi pro to get film and enroll into college. This was the greatest turning point for football in my life thus far. I moved back to Orlando at 19 and began playing football again. I used this film to help enter Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida. Never taking a snap at Warner because we were a first year program without a schedule, the upcoming inaugural season I was dismissed from the team for unknown reasons. As my confidence began to slip, so did my grades. I was deemed academically ineligible and flunked out of Warner. Once again I began working and playing for another semi pro team in my city. My good friend told me about Junior College and the possibility that I could go D1. I began searching for the best junior colleges to attend and narrowed it down to 3. Ultimately choosing Fullerton College, where Coach Byrnes and staff welcomed me with open arms. When looking to transfer from Fullerton, I found out that my clock never stopped, although I never played one snap for Warner; I was a full time student. So D1 was no longer a dream within reach. Going through the recruiting process, I met Coach Jason Petrino, a family man who loves his players and his job. I fell in love with his mindset and attitude toward life. Rocky Mountain was the place for me and I never looked back.
Joe Gaiter: Remind us of your college career stats? Proday Stats?
Prince Shonola: My collegiate career has also been a whirlwind, mainly being a utility player. Used more as specialist, kick returner and sometimes punt return. First attending Fullerton College in Southern California, then transferring to Rocky Mountain College in Billings Montana. At Fullerton is where I successfully converted from running back to wide receiver. However, it was not until Rocky Mountain College, where I began to flourish into a polished wide receiver. Coming from Fullerton, I only had 80 yards receiving and 400 yards at kick returner with 2 touchdowns my first and only season with the Hornets. At Rocky, I was able to rack up 467 receiving yards and 440 kick return yards and 5 touchdowns.
Joe Gaiter: Now, you had a great proday, you broke the school’s record. Do you feel you should have an equal chance as those coming from D1 School?
Prince Shonola: I do believe in equal opportunity. The level of competition should not hinder a mans success, everyone has a different story. However, guys who attend D1 programs seem to have a much higher advantage to reaching the professional level. I believe that talent is everywhere, us small school guys just need a more leveled playing field.
Joe Gaiter: What is your football IQ?
Prince Shonola: I would say that I have a high football IQ because of the fact that I have been placed in various positions on the offensive side and even played a little cornerback and wildcat QB . I have the versatility and have played slot receiver, outside receiver and running back. I can dissect a defensive scheme very quickly and adjust on the fly.
Joe Gaiter: What would your role be on any team that picks you up?
Prince Shonola: The team the picks me up will get a guy who is humble and always ready to face adversity. My role will be to compete! No matter where I am placed, I will give it my all. Where ever they believe I can benefit the organization the most, I will gladly do.
Joe Gaiter: What is your motivation at this point to keep trying to showcase your talent?
Prince Shonola: My motivation is my faith. My past, my journey, all of the obstacles that I continue to face daily; drive me prove that this chip on my shoulder is only fuel to my passion.
Joe Gaiter: How has your agent helped you in your journey?
Prince Shonola: Unfortunately, I have not been able to attract an agent to represent me at this time.
Joe Gaiter: How do you work through depression and frustration during this time?
Prince Shonola: To work with frustration, I pray. I speak to God everyday. I turn to close friends and family for advice, and lastly I work harder.
Joe Gaiter: Where are you training?
Prince Shonola: I am currently training in my hometown, Orlando Florida.
Joe Gaiter: Why should any team give you a chance?
Prince Shonola: With my experience, nothing is given, you must earn everything in life. If a team were to offer me a chance to change my family’s life, they need to know that I am fully commited to the game. I not only love the game, but I enjoy the business aspect of it. Being on time, coming to work prepared everyday and also being involved within the community. Which ever team sees my value will get a stand out, charismatic and energetic leader. I lead by example and have become a student of the game.
Joe Gaiter: How does your talent match up to other players that were drafted?
Prince Shonola: With respect to the guys who have worked their entire life for draft day, I match up very well, if not better. In my eyes, I am a draft pick who just needs the opportunity. My ability to seperate from the defender is like no other in the draft. My deep ball coordination is unmatched and me heart in unmeasurable.
Joe Gaiter: What life lessons have you learned on your journey?
Prince Shonola: I have learned the true definition of discipline, to work hard while no one is watching. That perseverance comes in many forms and that it is solely up to you whether you want to be successful or not. Give back, growing up I did not have much guidance or mentorship to help steer me in the right direction. Life has its way of knocking us down, but having faith that a positive outcome will arise. But mainly, enjoy the process, not many people get the opportunity to do something they love.
Joe Gaiter: Tell me about growing up and how those adversities made you stronger.
Prince Shonola: Growing up, I faced being homeless and not knowing where my next meal will come from. I faced the fact my parents got divorced and my household was a complete disaster. At a young age of 13, I had no idea on how to handle these situations, I just went with the flow, becoming numb to everything. As I reached college, I started to realize that I was a hurt individual and began to seek help. Expressing myself with school counselors or just anyone who seemed to be lost in life.
Joe Gaiter: Is it football or nothing?
Prince Shonola: Yes it is. My aspirations will not allow me to walk away from the game until I have accomplished my dreams.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words/Shoutouts?
Prince Shonola: I would like to shoutout my brothers, who never let me quit. Who always pushed me through difficult times. I would like to thank everyone that has made an impact in my life. Positive and negative because without that, I would not be who I am today. Thank you to all the coaches who believed in me and taught me how to become a man.
Joe Gaiter: Social Media?
Instagram: Golden_flash01
Twitter: Goldenflash001
Facebook: Prince Shonola
Prince Shonola, Undrafted Free Agent, Interview with Joe Gaiter was last modified: May 7th, 2018 by Joseph Gaiter
