At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, he starred at the free safety position, totaling 23 interceptions in his career (a record for his school and the Big Sky Conference).

He also excelled as placekicker, finishing his career with 67 field goals made and 325 total points, both school records.

He is one of only three football players to earn First Team All-Big Sky Conference in four consecutive seasons.

He capped his college career by earning First Team All-American status for Division I-AA, and also received the 1998 National All-Purpose Player of the Year award from The Sports Network.

Shields was inducted into the Weber State Sports Hall of Fame in October 2010.