Thursday, July 30, 1998

Clay Shiver has bulked up ready for this year

By DENNE H. FREEMAN

Associated Press

WICHITA FALLS - Clay Shiver has heard the talk.

"I'm getting a lot of blame for what happened to us offensively last year," said the Dallas Cowboys center. "They are saying I was too small and part of the reason Troy (Aikman) was sacked 33 times. I've got a lot of motivation for this because of all the trash we took last season."

Teams blitzed the Cowboys' second-year center dizzy last year. A combination of being slightly undersized and learning the NFL ropes put Shiver in a vulnerable position as he replaced retired veteran Ray Donaldson.

This year he has added between 10 and 15 pounds, bulked up in the weight room and knows a lot more about the game.

"I had very little experience going into last season, like maybe six plays," Shiver said. "Teams knew that and tried to take advantage. The season definitely left a bad taste."

Now, Shiver sees films of practice in which he has made the correct calls and the proper block.

"I get excited seeing some of my plays on film," he said. "It's encouraging. I'm getting a lot more confidence in my techniques."

The 6-foot-2, 294-pound Shiver was a third-round draft pick out of Florida State in 1996 and a semi-finalist for the Lombardi Award recognizing the nation's top collegiate lineman. He played in a limited capacity in his rookie year and found out about NFL special teams when he suffered a concussion late in the season making a block.

Coach Chan Gailey likes what he sees in his hard-working young offensive lineman.

"Clay has gotten a lot stronger," Gailey said. "He's a very good athlete and can do a lot of things other centers can't do. He can pull and block like a guard. He's tough."

Gailey also likes something else about Shiver, who brings toughness and intelligence to the job. He was an excellent snapper in the shotgun offense for the Seminoles where he was a four-year starter.

"It's comforting for me to know we've got a guy like that who has used the Shotgun in games," Gailey said. "We've talked to Clay about getting more physical but he's never going to get up to 340 pounds. But we also know he's a player."

Added quarterback Troy Aikman: "Clay has improved tremendously and I think he's going to have a good year. He's an excellent snapper in the shotgun formation."

The Dallas media guide has Shiver listed as a "394-pound" center.

Shiver laughs at the typo. "I wish. I could put on another 30 pounds, but that really wouldn't help my game."