Oct. 27, 2017
By Hector Rios-Morales
AuburnTigers.com
AUBURN, Ala. - For Auburn linebacker Josh Shockley, his time as a football player will end soon.
A senior from Locust Grove, Georgia, south of Atlanta, Shockley grew up in a family of Georgia fans.
A state champion at Eagle's Landing Christian Academy, Shockley dreamed of someday playing in Division I.
"I grew up playing football since my entire family loves football," Shockley said. "I started playing football when I was 8 and since then, my dad has been my coach until I graduated from high school."
It was not until Josh visited Auburn that he fell in love with the university and the campus. With one visit to the Plains, his boyhood dream of playing for his home state school changed.
"I found Auburn when I was a junior in high school," Shockley said. "I made friends with a guy from Auburn at a church retreat, so I came to visit him one day. My first time here was when I knew that this was the place where I had to be."
Since his first year at Auburn, Shockley has excelled academically. Academic Top Tiger, SEC first-year academic honor roll and soon, a bachelor's degree in business are some of the recognitions he holds. Being a student-athlete has been complicated for Josh, who admits that during football season, it is challenging to stay on top of school and sports.
"Sticking to what matters most is what works for me," he said. "Right now, it is school, my family and football. During the season, school is especially hard. I've just got to prioritize what is really important and that is how I stay on top of things."
Even though the journey has been tough at times, Shockley says his Auburn experience has been worth the effort. "I have loved every second of it," he said. "There is no other place I would have rather gone. It's been the most challenging time but also the most rewarding time."
Those experiences have developed knowledge and life lessons. As a senior, Josh feels he has a different role in the locker room around his teammates. "To be one of the oldest is kind of weird; sometimes it still feels like I'm a freshman. I am a mentor to some of the new players and I like to show them the correct path," Shockley said.
"Life after football is coming at me really quick," he said. "I am trying to get an internship and, after the internship, land a job. I'm not sure yet where or what I will be doing, but I will be doing something.
"I will miss my teammates, my best friends. The whole Auburn family is great. I love the atmosphere at Toomer's, Tiger Walk, all that stuff. Coming out of the tunnel at the stadium -- there is no other feeling like it."
Shockley has been part of the football program for four years, but the dream he once had as a kid takes a new meaning every time he steps onto the field. For him, there is nothing like game day at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
"I've been doing it for four years now and it hasn't lost any of its shine. It feels unique and new every time and running out for the last home games will be really special."
Hector Rios-Morales is a student assistant in Auburn athletics communications