Plant’s Shienle commits to Tulane

Posted Jan 24, 2012 by Bill Ward

Updated Jan 24, 2012 at 11:26 AM

Plant offensive lineman Nathan Shienle, a 6-foot-5, 295-pound offensive lineman who helped the Panthers capture last season’s Class 8A state championship, has made a verbal commitment to Tulane University, Plant coach Robert Weiner confirmed Tuesday.

Shienle was part of a Panthers line that made one of the best transformations in the program’s history. Even with sizable players like Shienle, few expected the Panthers to make another run for the state crown.

But with the usual solid coaching the line received and plenty of work, it developed into one of the county’s top units. By season’s end, the Panthers not only owned the school’s fourth state championship, the line helped the offense roll up more than 6,000 yards of total offense in 15 games. It was also a very balanced attack, with about 200 yards rushing and 200 yards passing per game.

Tulane, a private school, is a member of Conference USA and plays Division I football.