Apollo-Ridge senior Dillon Shipman is the football equivalent of baseball's utility man. He can play just about anywhere.
“We were so limited on skill guys, I think he needed to take a big role of being the guy,” Apollo-Ridge coach John Skiba said. “We knew we needed somebody to complement Duane (Brown). (Shipman) fills a lot of shoes for us.”
With Tre Tipton gone and Brown sidelined because of a concussion he suffered in a physical, 31-28 overtime loss to Highlands two weeks ago, Shipman has emerged from the shadows to become another playmaker opposing teams can no longer ignore.
Shipman caught Highlands' attention immediately in Week 1, when he took the opening kickoff and sprinted through the heart of the kick coverage team for an 85-yard touchdown.
With defenses focusing on Brown, Shipman made his presence felt when he got behind the Golden Rams defense and pulled in a 90-yard touchdown pass from Brown.
“He has a great skill set, and he's not a bad route runner,” Skiba said. “It's his understanding of route running that helps out a lot.”
“Ship” even took some snaps from under center during the Highlands game when sophomore quarterback Kyle Fitzroy was shaken up and needed to take a few plays off. He also played some quarterback against Freeport last week.
While Shipman loves to be a playmaker on offense, the 6-foot-1, 150-pounder believes he can change the game from the defensive side. A starter at cornerback the past two seasons, he moved back to safety when Brown was injured.
“He's the signal caller (on defense) right now,” Skiba said. “I think he likes it, and I think he likes the ability to have control. It's a toss-up. He's just as gifted on both sides of the ball.”
Q:How is the team recovering from last week's loss to Freeport?
A: That's something that we need to look past. It would get us down the rest of the season, and we wouldn't get anywhere. It's history.
Q:How does it feel to be playing safety?
A: It gives you a lot of free roam. You're not always in one spot; it's nice to see everything in front of you. That's another one of those positions where you can come down and crack someone on a middle route.
Q: You have the potential to play three positions on offense. Which are you most comfortable with?
A: I'm pretty comfortable with receiver, and I could play quarterback. The only thing I don't play, and wouldn't be comfortable with, would be running back.
Q:Why did you choose the No. 4?
A: I always wore No. 17 and my freshman year a senior had that number so I had to find a new number. At the time, I had to play quarterback and No. 4 was open. I always kind of liked Brett Favre, so I picked No. 4.
Q:Are you more of a receiver or cornerback?
A: I love playing a receiver because it's a natural flow. But there's something about playing defense and being able to hit someone and change the game. I honestly prefer to play corner.
Q:What NFL cornerback do you look up to?
A: I don't really like his attitude, but I'd have to say Richard Sherman. I just think he talks too much about how good he is. If you're that good, and know you're good, let other people talk.
Q: What's your favorite football movie and why?
A: I'm going to have to say the “Gridiron Gang.” It shows you that you may not get along with everybody, but (football) can bring people together.
William Whalen is a freelance writer.
