Interview: 4-Star Florida 2018 LB Rocky Shelton Standing Out Against All Competition

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The trajectory forward for St. Thomas Aquinas linebacker Rocky Shelton seems without limits. The Class of 2018 talent has already proven his value as a next level talent and is now refining his game working to be one of the top players within his peer group.

Shelton’s season stat line will never shout next level talent or player with All-American potential. At the end of his sophomore season he had 36 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, one pass defended, and one forced fumble helping St. Thomas Aquinas to a 13-1 record capturing a Florida state title with a 45-10 win over Viera. The stat line is far short of eye popping numbers because the Fort Lauderdale squad produces far too many lopsided wins putting the starters on the sidelines by halftime.

The 2016 season has started much the same way but with a couple of notable differences. The Raiders are sitting at 3-2. Despite being one game above .500, MaxPreps respects their play on the field enough to make the two-loss squad their No. 25 ranked team in the nation.

The Raiders are essentially two plays away from being undefeated dropping their season opener 27-23 to Booker T. Washington (Miami) and a nationally televised 25-24 triple-overtime loss to the No. 1 team in the nation, Bishop Gorman (Nevada). Worth noting, the two losses came on the road. The final score average in their three wins – 44-2.

On the biggest stage against the best competition top players should shine. Shelton has done exactly that throughout his junior season. Against Bishop Gorman, Shelton tallied 13 solo tackles earning MaxPreps’ Player of the Game honors. The 13 tackles are part of a five-game stat line of 36 tackles, 28 solo, with one sack.

College coaches are in favor of having the 6-0, 209 pound, playmaker on their squad. To date, 17 programs have already extended an offer. Once National Signing Day ends for the 2016 class in February, pretty safe bet that Shelton’s scholarship offers will push the 20 mark quickly if not surpassed by then. The many to put a scholarship on the table includes LSU, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, Louisville, N.C. State, Toledo, Missouri, Florida Atlantic, Maryland, Syracuse, Michigan State, Florida State, Auburn, Duke, and North Carolina.

In a Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Shelton to go over his play on the field at the midway point of his junior season and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

Rocky, tough question first. Last time out the Raiders lost to Bishop Gorman 25-24 in triple-overtime. How did the team respond in practice after that tough loss?

“At first people were pointing fingers but then we focused together as a team. This week we have been strict as players on each other.”

You guys had a bye week last week. Fort Lauderdale will be the first team you face since the loss to Gorman. What will Fort Lauderdale be in for when the Raiders take the field on Friday?

(Laughs) “It’s not good for Fort Lauderdale. Friday will not a fun time for them.”

In the showdown against Gorman you receiver Player of the Game honors. How did that game go for you?

“I started off shaky but then I got their tendencies down. I dialed in and started making plays.”

How has the season as a whole gone so far?

 

“The season has gone well.”

What are some of the strides you have made with your game this year?

“I’ve been more disciplined technique wise, during the play and with my positioning. I have been better on how I take on the offensive lineman to make the tackles. My vision has gotten better.”

What are you still working to improve upon?

“My whole game – speed, strength, my vision, and covering. I’m working on that.”

Which game has been your best this year? The Gorman game?

“Bishop Gorman and Booker T.”

You have four games left in the regular season, how do you want the final four games to play out for you and the Raiders?

“Wins and I want to do well. I have a good feeling we will roll over these next couple of teams.”

With the game on Friday night, Fort Lauderdale presents what kind of challenges for you?

“I’ve watched film on them, I doubt I will play that much.”

Enough said. Let’s move to recruiting. By my count you have 17 offers, is that accurate?

“Yes.”

Of the teams that have offered you, which programs are in contact more than the others?

“Auburn, Penn State, North Carolina, and Duke.”

Penn State hasn’t offered yet, are there any other schools showing interest that have not offered?

“Penn State is the main one.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits this season?

“I took one to Penn State for the Temple game (Sept. 17).”

How did that visit go?

“It went great. Good game.”

Do you have any other visits planned for the future?

“No, we have not planned any yet. Some are coming up I just have to talk to my dad about it.”

You mentioned a while back that your top schools were Florida State, LSU, and Michigan State, has that changed?

“Florida State is still up there. North Carolina and Duke, they’re all up there.”

What is your overall GPA?

“3.0.”

Have you scheduled a time to take your ACT or SAT yet?

“I do, but I’m not sure when I am taking them. Our school provides us with the tests and arranges all of that for us.”

Is there a college game or two this weekend you are excited to see?

“Always excited to see rivalry games or a Top 20 showdown. I’m not sure about the schedule this weekend. I’ve had lots of homework this week and really don’t know who all is playing.”

Rocky, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: scoopnest.com; No. 44 Rocky Shelton school picture.

Photo credit: youtube.com; Rocky Shelton does a drill at a camp.

Photo credit: Sarasota Herald-Tribune; No. 44 Rocky Shelton gets a tackle vs. Dwyer.