Paulhill
the shining star

By Joe Mason
For the Times

Shahid Paulhill certainly proved he belonged with the big boys.
Paulhill, a recent graduate of North Catholic High School, was one of the top defensive linemen in the Catholic League Red Division. He was a first-team All-Catholic football selection and helped the Falcons finish 6-6, which was good enough for a playoff berth.
In the process, he caught the eye of Temple University football coach Al Golden.
It seemed to be a match made in heaven.
"I didn’t get many offers, Temple was it," said Paulhill, who stands 6-feet-3 and weighs about 290 pounds. "But they really made me feel good . . . they called me and told me they really wanted me, and recruited me hard.
"Plus, Daryl Robinson (a 2007 graduate of North) is there," he continued. "I talk to him all the time. He kept saying he’ll do whatever it takes to get me there. Temple is close, it’s a great situation for me, and I can’t wait to get there."
After last week, that feeling is likely more than mutual.
Playing in one of the nation’s elite all-star games, Paulhill proved he can play with anyone.
He recorded five tackles, a pair of sacks and three quarterback hurries while leading the Pennsylvania All-Stars to a 31-16 victory over Ohio in the Big 33 Game.
It was the third year in a row Pennsylvania defeated its Buckeye State rivals. But it was the only year that mattered for Paulhill.
"It was great; they say it’s more than a game, and it really is," said Paulhill, a Germantown native and North Philly resident. "The entire time I was down there, I had a great time. I mean we had two-a-days in the heat, it was during the heat wave, so that wasn’t too much fun, but it was great.
"The practices were against the best players, and then we got to the game and played more great players," Paulhill said. "Plus, other than Penn State and Pitt, Temple had the most players there, so I got to meet a few of my future teammates."
Paulhill has the ability to help the Owls right away. But he might have to wait a little while to get on the field.
During his senior year, Paulhill was an honor student at North. In fact, he has performed well in the classroom ever since his sophomore year, when he transferred to North. But Paulhill spent his freshman year at George Washington, and during that time, he wasn’t too concerned about his studies.
That could come back to haunt him, at least short-term.
"Washington isn’t an all-boys school, it wasn’t a Catholic school, and there were times when I’d get distracted," Paulhill admitted. "Because of that, I have to get higher SAT scores, and I’m not there yet. I’m still waiting on results. If I do better, I’ll be able to play next month.
"But I’ve talked to the coaches, and they said that if it doesn’t work out, I’ll go to Hargrave Military Academy or Fork Union," he continued. "They’re prep schools in Virginia. If I go there, I’ll be able to come back to Temple soon. It’s not great, but at least I know I can still play at Temple."
Right now, playing football at the next level is the only thing Paulhill is concerned about. Two years ago, however, he hadn’t even tried on a helmet. Paulhill was better known as a basketball player.
He was the starting center this year on the Falcon team that won its first Catholic League championship since 1987. Basketball is no longer his main game, but he’s still happy to have a title.
"I really wanted to win one before I graduated," said Paulhill, who also excelled in the city all-star football game, recording nine tackles, one sack and earning defensive MVP honors for the winning Non-Public squad. "Before, basketball was my main sport. I only went out for football so I’d have people to take the bus home with. But it worked out great." ••
Joe Mason can be reached at joemason70@hotmail.com