Interview: Overlooked Speedy 2021 Washington RB/OLB Dustin Shelby is a True Next Level Recruit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Wherever the coaches at Prairie High School lined up Dustin Shelby on the field during the 2019 season he delivered. The 6-1, 190-pound, do-everything skill player took 90 handoffs 888 yards with 11 touchdowns and secured eight passes for 236 yards with three more trips into the end zone averaging a robust 29.5 yards reception. In addition to earning all-league honors on offense, Shelby also earned first team acknowledgements as an outside linebacker after leading his squad in sacks and tackles for a loss. Despite all the productivity on the field against 3A Washington competition, the Vancouver area student-athlete has fallen under the proverbial radar, but he can play. Shelby has backed up his elite speed on the field by posting a 4.47 laser-timed run a couple of weeks ago at an MVP camp in Oregon.
In an RNG first-look, Shelby stopped by for an in-depth conversation covering all that he does so well on the field.
Interview
Dustin, you were ripping off one explosive play after another last season with the Falcons. Besides your speed, what was working for you allowing for all the big plays downfield?
The most important thing that really helped me develop my game was my timing and being patient. I did a good job of waiting for the gap or hole to open and then going. I was letting the play develop and taking what was there without waiting.
Your speed is different, what is the best-timed run you’ve put down?
About three weeks ago at an MVP Combine in Oregon I ran a laser-timed 4.47 in the 40.
Wow. That is very impressive.
Thank you.
You touched on this, and I agree, your field vision is another strength to your game along with your speed, what else makes you so dynamic out of the backfield?
I can make people miss in the open field. Going one-on-one, I am confident in my abilities winning that battle. Another strength is being a receiver out of the backfield; I function as an extra receiver in our offense.
Are there any traits to your game you feel gets overlooked?
Yeah, not as many people talk about it like they talk about my speed, but breaking tackles is something I do well. I am good at breaking tackles generally speaking. That goes to my balance which goes to the weight room. I spend a lot of time in the weight room grinding and getting bigger. I work on my leg strength and full body strength. Working out helps me a lot on the field, I have to thank my coaches for staying on me getting big.
What style of offense did the Falcons run last season?
We have a number system for each position which we run out of the Pistol set. You can move players all over the field and run any play. We did trips, stacks, and power plays with heavy runs.
Within the offense, what were some of the designed plays to get the ball into your hands?
I shared reps with another running back last season, we’d alternate five on and five off unless our coach called for something different wanting a big play. We had some tosses and I’d line up as a pass blocker then run an arrow route. I’d turn it up field for a deep bomb, it worked every time.
We went deep on offense, let’s talk defense. What was the defensive scheme you guys executed last season?
We ran a 3-4.
What was your role within the scheme?
I was at outside linebacker. My role was sometimes to play man coverage or some zone, I had to do both. We were a blitz heavy defense. We had one person on every play blitzing most of the time. If the receiver was lined up a certain way, I knew I would have to blitz or if a receiver lined up somewhere else the backside linebacker would blitz. It all depended on the offense.
Once the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game on that side of the ball?
I felt that I was consistent at making tackles and getting sacks. With my blitzing, I could overpower kids and get to the outside really quickly.
What style of offense are you guys running this season?
We are running the same offense.
Are you doing anything differently within the offense this season?
As far as I know, it will all be the same. Our quarterback last year was a senior, I may do some Wildcat plays this year.
Since the season ended, what have you been working on to take your game to another level with your skill and technique?
I have been working out a lot. Our gyms were closed down due to the virus, but the trainers at New Athlete Gym have been helping me. They are focused on getting you to be the best you can be. I have also been going to the field with my teammates running routes trying to get better.
How have you added more power to your game over the spring and summer months with those workouts?
I have been doing a lots of leg workouts. My legs are being killed by these guys but it will all payoff this season. I have also been doing bench, squats, hamstrings – any muscle group you can think of I have worked it to death. It has been good for me, but I’ve been sore. I maxed out at 315 on bench the other day.
Very nice. I know you have an offer from Montana Tech, which other schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Brown, Central Washington, Olivet Nazarene University (ONU), Southern Oregon, Eastern Washington, Minot State, Southern Nazarene, and Montana State University Northern.
Virtual visits are a big thing right now, have you taken any?
Yes, I have taken virtual visits with Central Washington and Brown.
Once the campuses open back up, do you have any planned visits tentatively scheduled or any you’d like to take?
I’d love to visit a lot of schools, but many are so far away from me which would mean a lot of flying. I’d love to visit as many schools as possible but I am not sure if it is possible.
What is the scenario in Washington? When do you guys start fall camp and when does the season begin?
We start in February and our first game is in March.
Last question, for the college coaches out there who may not know you yet, what type of student-athlete are you? What do you bring to your school and football program on a daily basis?
I am super hard-working guy. My team chemistry is something I bring to our roster. It is one of the most import things if not the most important parts of the game. How well can you effectively work with those around you? If you cannot do that, you have to learn how to. I am coachable and willing to play any position. I will never bring a team down, but I will only bring them up.
Dustin, it was great learning more about you and your game today. I appreciate your time and wish you continued success during this extended offseason.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Twitter/Shelby family; Dustin Shelby