Solich couldn't escape Devaney's, Osborne's shadows

Editor's note: This is the first in a three-story series on the Telegram-area's NFL players. On Wednesday: Cleveland Browns tight end and Scotus Central Catholic graduate Chad Mustard.

By KEN HAMBLETON/Lee Enterprises

ST. LOUIS - Every day it seems Scott Shanle has to remind himself he's in the NFL.

"I'm in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams, and it wasn't that long ago I was playing football, basketball and running track at St. Edward High," he said. "It is kind of hard to believe that this is the way I'm going to make my living for a while."

The new career in St. Louis after five years at Nebraska has had some bumps along the way.

After passing NCAA, Big 12 and school drug tests for five years at Nebraska, Shanle was suspended for four weeks without pay when he violated the NFL policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.

Shanle, a seventh-round draft pick last spring, said he knows some people who don't know him will think he's a big-time steroid user or worse.

"It doesn't matter, because I know it was a supplement I was taking, and I didn't know it had ephedra," he said. "I'm responsible for what I did, and I sat out the suspension. But it wasn't what a lot of people think, and it didn't change my status with the Rams."

Rams head coach Mike Martz spoke with Shanle a number of times since the suspension. He said that Shanle is still in the Rams' plans, has a bright future and could be a future starter.

For now, the former Husker walk-on who played in every game for four years until he was sidelined in the Independence Bowl last year, plays on all four special teams and has seen limited time as a backup weakside linebacker.

"I work hard, and I try to learn the system," Shanle said. "It's a good thing I have DeJuan Groce (former Husker) here to talk to and Grant Wistrom (former Husker) around all the time to talk to.

"Grant has been here and knows what the coaches expect and what the team expects. DeJuan is a rookie like me, and I get the best of both perspectives."

Shanle has had other struggles this season.

His younger brother Aaron was charged with bank robbery charges this summer. Almost every story reporting the robberies and the charges included Scott's name.

"I've talked with Aaron a bit, and I support him, but I know there is trouble, and it's very hard to take," he said. "My brother Andy (a redshirt freshman safety and special teams player at Nebraska this year) and I talk a lot, and we help each other get through this.

"For a few weeks there, it was very hard to concentrate and get on with our own lives," he said.

Earlier this season, Scott had time to watch Andy record his first quarterback sack against Texas A&M. He's taken time to track some other Huskers who are still close friends, Demorrio Williams and Barrett Ruud.

"I still think that the tunnel walk, and Nebraska is the greatest place in the world," Shanle said. "But you know, St. Louis is still the Midwest, and they do a heck of a light show and entrance to their games, too.

"It's funny when we play against some guys I knew back at Nebraska, like Carlos Polk (San Diego Chargers) and Ralph Brown (New York Giants) and Bill LaFleur (San Francisco 49ers).

"It's hard to believe all this is happening to me."

Shanle said his football skills have improved to the point he does not feel intimidated by having to cover the best receivers or rush 350-pound tackles play after play.

"We have Isaac Bruce and Tory Holt and some of the best offensive linemen in the NFL and I have to go against them every day," he said. "It does make you a better player to play the best.

"It's getting better all the time here. I'm learning football and the coaches are giving me support. My wife (Erin) loves St. Louis and we're learning where the best restaurants are.

"All in all, it's a pretty good deal."