I had the chance to talk and interview Saints wide receiver and returner Rashid Shaheed. Shaheed is from Weber State and was one of the most explosive returners in college football. Huge thank you to Rashid Shaheed for doing this! Really cool guy. With that being said, here’s the interview.
1. What attracted you to sign with the Saints after the draft instead of other teams? Was it the coaching? Was it location or was there a player on the team that you wanted to play alongside with?
The biggest thing that attracted me to the saints was the interest they expressed in me and knowing what type of organization they were. I felt with that staff that we have I could come and make an impact as soon as I was healthy.
2. Prior to the draft, did you have any meetings or talks with the Saints? If you did, how’d they go? Did you get the sense that you’d end up in New Orleans after the draft based on those meetings?
It’s funny I had no contact with the saints I had no idea that New Orleans was going to be in the conversation or had any interest. So it was a surprise to me but when they did reach out I knew that this is a team I would want to play for 100%
3. You haven’t had the opportunity to practice, but have you gotten a chance to talk with Jarvis Landry or Michael Thomas? Get advice or get in mental reps and notes with either of those two?
Yes the vets have done a great job in making all of us young guys feel welcome, they emphasis all the things that will make you successful and not being able to practice during OTAS & minicamp it gave me an opportunity to see how the vets like Jarvis practiced and carried themselves. I had an opportunity to sit back and listen to them talk and gain knowledge of how to handle certain situations.
4. A big part of your game is being able to be explosive as a returner, have you talked to Deonte Harty at all about the transition from returning kicks in college to the NFL?
I haven’t had the opportunity to talk to him yet. Unfortunately he wasn’t around a whole lot during camp but I am excited to get to learn from him and see how he transitioned from college to the NFL. He’s had a ton of success and watching him work is only going to make me better.
5. Have you gotten the chance to interact with receiver coach Kodi Burns? If you have, how have those interactions gone?
Yes I have he’s been a big help in the beginning process so far. He’s helped with learning how the transition is going to be from college and has emphasized a lot on the little things that will make you successful. I feel like as time goes on and I actually get a chance to work on the field with him my technique and knowledge of assignment will improve a ton so I can be in a position to make plays.
6. How has the overall recovery/rehab process been for you? Do you see yourself participating to the side or being ready by training camp?
The rehab process has been a grind for sure. It’s a process that I haven’t had to go through yet but overall the process has been amazing. I keep seeing progress each and every week and I’m starting to feel more explosive. At this point it’s just about staying consistent and getting back to full strength with the knee but to answer your last question yes I’ll be participating in camp just not likely this first week or so.
7. On offense, where do you see yourself fitting in best in the scheme? A deep threat? Yards after the catch guy? And if you’ve interacted with him, what’s your first impression on Pete Carmichael?
In this offense I can definitely see me self as a deep threat and a yards after catch guy I feel like I can make an impact in both ways, but whenever I’m on the field, I’ll do what’s asked of me whether it’s deep or intermediate. Pete is an offensive genius the way the offense is set around to utilize all playmakers is second to none and over the years the offensive stats speak for how great of a coordinator he is. He knows how to use his talent and it’s just up to us to make the plays happen we will always be in position to make plays in this offense.
8. In what area of your game do you think you need to work on the most?
I believe I can work on my craftiness with routes and finding new ways to get open. I feel like that will get better overtime but I feel like the best in this league are always finding new ways to get better at the little things and I’ll always be looking for ways to get creative.
9. The Saints had some problems last year with injuries and they hired Matthew Rhea, how has he been during the whole process of rehabbing and recovery?
Matt has been great! Even though he isn’t my physical PT that I’m working with he’s always keeping an eye on my progress he’s been over my shoulder the whole time making sure I’m doing all the right things along with everybody else
10. In a crowded receiver room, what do you think makes you stand out from some other guys competing for a roster spot?
What I think stands out is the ability to make plays with the ball in my hands in any way a long with being a deep threat. I believe that’s one of the main reasons why the saints picked me up was because they need a guy to stretch the field along with Harty & Olave. To add speed on the offense is always a fun thing to have as an OC. I can also return so that’s another thing that can separate me from the rest. I know special teams is how you make a roster so I’ll be sure to make an emphasis on that.
11. How would you feel about doing a trick play on a return with Deonte Harty? Like a reverse or something like that?
A trick play with Deonte is definitely something we need to do I think with both of us on the field at the same time it can be something special it would keep all special teams units on their toes.
12. One fan wanted me to ask you, who was your favorite team growing up?
I grew up a charger fan. Being from San Diego that was the home team so I had to root for them I would always go to games and watch them every sub day growing up.
13. Final question, and it’s something the fans are curious about as well. Do you wanna stick with the jersey number 89? Or do you wanna change it up as time goes on?
I’m not sure if it’s something I would want to stick with, maybe after a few games ur will grow on me and I’d keep it my number for the long run but if not I would definitely be open to changing it. I might have to negotiate with Ceedy one year to see if I can grab that 22 somehow regardless if I’m a receiver or not haha.
Written by Kadin Janisch
Related articles here
