Interview: 4-Star 2020 WR Lavon Bunkley-Shelton Previews Nebraska and Texas Official Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The race on the recruiting trail for Class of 2020 receiver/defensive back Lavon “LV” Bunkley-Shelton is heating up. After a standout junior season going both ways for Serra (Gardena) High School, Bunkley racked up 25 scholarship offers from top programs across the nation. This weekend, the first of five possible official visits will be taken before a Jan. 4, 2020, announcement at the All-American Game.

There is no other way to frame Bunkley’s 2018 performance beyond incredible. Adding defensive back to his game, he put an end to 35 plays picking off three passes with four attempts batted away. On offense, his four-star recruiting status shinned securing 81 passes for 1,012 yards with three touchdowns scored. That pace on both sides of the ball has continued into the 2019 schedule with 11 stops on defense playing safety with two tackles for a loss, two interceptions – one being a pick-six, and two passes broken up. On offense, Bunkley has snagged 20 passes covering 287 yards with two scores aiding his team to a 3-1 record and a No. 12 in-state ranking by MaxPreps.

The list of top schools is coming from Bunkley in the near future, but for now we know that Nebraska and Texas are heavy contenders to make the final cut with official visits scheduled. Bunkley heads to Texas in October but visits Lincoln on Saturday. For an update on his season with a preview of his official visits, I sat down for an update.

*Click link for July 4, 2019, video interview with LV Bunkley-Shelton

Interview

LV, the Cavaliers have played a lot of tough teams to start off the 2019 season going 4-1 in the process. First, congratulations, second, how has the team looked in non-conference action?

“The team is looking good. Our defense has looked better than I thought. We have been dominating.”

You might be better known as a receiver, but you have always gotten after it on defense. This season looks to be the same. How is your game coming around as a defensive back in 2019?

“I like to thank Coach Anthony Brown, he’s my DB coach. He has been training me on defense with man press. He is helping me with my game. It is all coming together at safety. I am out there roaming around making plays.”

With the tough schedule, you’ve had to lockdown and go against some very highly regarded receivers. Which showdown was the best, the toughest, and/or the most fun for you?

“The toughest, I have not guarded any of the receivers man-on-man yet because my defensive coordinator has me playing safety with the focus on making tackles. But playing Calabasas was tough, especially when I came down to cover (4-star WR) Jermaine Burton (LSU).”

Looking at your game on offense, where are you showing the biggest improvements this season?

“There is more speed to my game this season. I have also added more knowledge to my game. I am reading plays faster this season.”

Of the games played, which has been your best and why do you consider that to be your best?

“My best game was against Narbonne on offense. They have good defensive players. I went all out against them and left everything on the field. I ran my routes perfectly against Narbonne.”

Mission League is one of California’s best. What are some of the high-profile games coming up for you guys?

“Alemany and Notre Dame, because of what they have done this season. Those will be tough games.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“South Carolina has reached out about me coming to take a visit.”

How many offers are you sitting on now?

“I have 25 offers.”

Bunkley-Shelton’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Florida, Oregon, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oregon State, TCU, Nevada, Boston College, BYU, Colorado State, Washington State, Florida State, Arizona State, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas, USC, and Utah

Are you taking any visits, official or unofficial, coming up?

“Yes. I am taking a visit to Nebraska for the Ohio State game this weekend and I am planning on visiting Texas for their game against Kansas (Oct. 19).”

What has you excited about this weekend’s official to Nebraska?

“Their receivers’ coach, Coach (Corby) Meekins, has been hitting me up saying they want me. Nebraska, they were one of my first offers.”

And the Texas visit, what has you excited about the official to Austin?

“I am really excited about visiting Texas. When I went there for an unofficial (July), I told their coaches I could not wait to come back.”

Are you going to put out a top schools list?

“Yes. I will be putting one out soon. That is the plan.”

Of the 25, how many will make the cut?

“I will put out a Top 6.”

When is your commitment date?

“My commitment date is Jan. 4 at the All-American game.”

What will the ideal school have that will ultimately earn your commitment and signed national letter of intent?

“The ideal school will be somewhere that I feel is home with a family environment, where everyone loves one another, and all the players are a dogs.”

I like it. LV, thanks for your time today and good luck on your visit to Nebraska this weekend.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Lavon Bunkley-Shelton at Texas (July 2019)