After recovering from Tommy John surgery during his freshman year in 2014, Sheffield eventually became the premier Commodore pitcher in 2016 with a team best eight wins, tied with Kyle Wright. The Tullahoma native managed a 3.01 ERA and led the team in strikeouts over 16 starts.
The right hander flashed signs of dominance throughout the year, which garnered him a National Pitcher of the Week honor and three SEC Pitcher of the Week awards. From April 15 to April 29, he pitched 24 scoreless innings against SEC opponents, including a 14 strikeout shutout against the University of Kentucky.