The University of Kentucky football team snapped a 26-game losing streaking to Tennessee by beating the Volunteers 10-7
Among the multiple contenders at tight end ... Tight ends are active pass catchers in this offense, so his speed will be an asset ... Showed significant improvement last season and would like to continue that in 2013 ... Has added approximately 20 pounds in the weight room since signing with UK ... Has played in 18 games with five starts.
2012 (Sophomore): Played in 11 games, starting five ... Caught nine passes for 68 yards ... Best game was two catches for 22 yards, including a career-long reception of 17 yards, in the win over Kent State.
2011 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in seven games ... Caught two passes for 10 yards, with both catches coming vs. Florida.
2010 (Freshman): Redshirted ... Offensive Scout Team Player of the Week for the Western Kentucky University game. High School: Combined good size with notable athletic ability ... Has been timed as fast as 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash ... Played tight end, although his athleticism could make him a possible slot receiver as well ... Only began playing football his junior year of high school, so he has a lot of upside ... Has good hands, although he played in a run-based offense and did not have a large number of receptions ... Caught 14 passes as a senior, several of which went for touchdowns ... First-team all-county and all-region ... Helped lead Stephenson to an 11-1 record and the second round of the state playoffs ... Coached by Ron Gartrell ... "Ronnie is an all-around athlete," Gartrell said. "He blocks extremely well and has the ability to catch the ball." ... Teammate of current Wildcats Jabari Johnson and Raymond Sanders ... The nation's No. 70 tight end prospect.
Personal: Born in Los Angeles, Calif. ... Son of Ron and Victoria Shields ... Major is kinesiology.
Community Cats: Helped with the Big Blue U Move-In (2011).
Ronnie Says ... My nickname is: Showtime ... When I played football as a kid, I pretended I was: Michael Vick ... My ideal vacation spot is: some exotic island ... The one thing I like most about football is: competing, winning and meeting new people ... My hidden talent is: juggling.
