Interview: 4-Star 2022 North Carolina DT Travis Shaw Dominates with an Attitude
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Come the fall in North Carolina on Friday nights, there is a spectacle all football fans must see. That wonder in action is Class of 2022 defensive tackle Travis Shaw. The Grimsley High School standout put spectators in awe against 4A competition as a freshman and is nowhere close to reaching his full potential on the field. Even his standout sophomore campaign has the feel of a glimpse of the future.
Shaw put it on opposing offenses a year ago walking off the field after 12 games with 52 stops, 41 solo, 13 tackles for a loss, six quarterback hurries, and two fumble recoveries. The sophomore season for the 6-5, 310-pound, defender has not been a letdown but has gone beyond expectations with 38 tackles, 25 solo, 10 tackles for a loss, six sacks, three quarterback hurries, a pass batted down, a fumble recovery and has knocked the snot out of five ball carries jarring the ball loose in the process; all with offenses trying to stop him.
The dominating action on the field for the Greensboro native has led to 13 scholarship offers and four-star recruiting status. The way Shaw controls games already, and with his motivation (read the Q&A), his potential seems beyond five-star status. To get a sense of it all, his play and recruiting process, we sat down for a fun one-on-one.
Interview
Travis, the Whirlies are having a fantastic season with an 8-1 record. How has the team come together leading to all the wins?
“We all bought in and we push each other in the weight room and even in the classroom. It is hard to beat another team that has everyone on the same track. We listen to the coaches and execute what the coaches are telling us.”
The team is on a two-game winning streak after taking down Northwest Guilford 68-35 on Friday. How did the game go for you?
“It went pretty good; it was a cold game. It was not one of my best games, but we got the job done.”
Overall, how are you seeing your game improve as a defensive tackle this season?
“My game is improving as I am getting stronger. My hands are more efficient, I am reading keys better, and my stamina is picking up. I am lasting longer on the field and making more plays.”
What scheme are you guys running and how are you used within the defense?
“We run a 3-4 base defense. There are a lot of calls moving me to either end, 2-tech, 3-tech, or even 4-I. We even have plays when I stand up. Most offenses are game planning for me. Moving me around, that makes it harder for them to game plan for me. We give them different looks. If they are committing multiple guys to me or running away, that force things to a free guy on the opposite side. We are getting it done and we are diverse in what we do on defense.”
How are teams attacking you trying to take you out of plays to limit your impact?
“Usually they try to get the ball out quick or run away from me. That forces me to read my keys faster and move faster. They think they can run away from me, but all my guys are dogs. That does not work, running away from me. I still make plays.”
An area that cannot be overlooked is your power, and you show that in different ways. One way is forcing five fumbles this season. What is your mindset on the field?
“I am ready to dominate. This game is more than playing football for me. I love the game, but in a couple of years it could feed my family. It is fun and I have a passion for it, it is tough for others to match that passion. I am living up to the name I am creating for myself, and doing so while having fun and having passion for the game.”
Because you play with so much strength, I have to ask, did you max out in the weight room over the offseason?
“The last max sets were during my freshman year. Then, I benched 305. This year I am trying to get around 350. My squat was 395 then; I am not sure how much that will increase this year.”
All players face challenges each season, what is one challenge you have faced this year and how did you overcome that to become a better player?
“I’d say being more of a leader as a young guy. We had a lot of seniors last season, I let them take the lead. This year, we are full of young guys, so I am being more of a vocal leader. A lot of people don’t know this is one of our defensive end’s first year playing football. As a leader, I am getting set and getting him getting set. I think that is a show of leadership.”
It does. Moving to recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Nebraska, Penn State, Notre Dame, and LSU are all showing interest.”
There are a lot of schools loving your play on the field, how many offers do you have?
“I have 13 offers.”
Shaw’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Auburn Georgia, Louisville, NC State, North Carolina, Ohio State, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Virginia Tech
Have you visited any programs from the summer to now?
“Yes. I have visited North Carolina and Clemson, and I have one coming up on Nov. 2 to Florida.”
Tell me about the UNC visit.
“I went to UNC for their game against Miami; the atmosphere was lit. All the fans knew my name; that was cool. It was cool to walk on a college campus when they know you already. They won the game, that was an extra boost.”
And Clemson, how did that visit go?
“It went well. I was there for their spring game. It was like I was on the team, that is how much love is shown there. It is exciting to be in the position I am in with recruiting.”
Upcoming, do you have any planned visits you may take?
“Yes. I gotta get to South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia – I visited them in the spring. There are a couple more I do not have dates for yet.”
Travis, it was great going over your play on the field and recruiting process off it. I appreciate your time and wish you and the Whirlies success the rest of the way.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Shaw family; No. 99 Travis Shaw at Georgia with head coach Kirby Smart and No. 55 Payton Page