Ducks move up for Shelton
Four-star defensive tackle Danny Shelton loved his Oregon visit this weekend and now the Ducks have a slight edge over Washington in his recruitment.
Shelton, from Auburn, Wash., said the coaching staff and players especially stood out during his weekend trip to Eugene and the game-day atmosphere was also special. Fans around the stadium recognized Shelton and cheered for him which also made an impression that could help Oregon land his services.
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"I'd never been to an Oregon game before and that was a good experience," Shelton said. "It was really loud, probably the loudest stadium I'll ever be in. The fans were crazy and it was kind of funny.
"It was cool just being able to be around the players before the game. The fans did a cheer for me, it was pretty cool. I never had that happen before. I walked with the team through the tailgate party and that was cool seeing everybody shaking their hands. There were people who knew me."
Shelton, a 6-foot-3, 300-pound prospect, also hit it off with the players. He got a chance to hang out with many of them - including some freshmen who told him what to expect early in his career - and also had an opportunity to sit down with coach Chip Kelly which was an important part of the visit.
"All the players were really cool with me," Shelton said. "They brought me in like I was one of them already. They made me feel like I was part of the team. The players I really connected with them.
"What I liked about the coaches was they weren't pressuring me to make any decisions. Coach Kelly was telling me about the program. He really connected with my brother because he is in the Army and coach Kelly really likes the military."
There is a chance Shelton will take an official visit to Washington but is still undecided since he's been there so many times. It's not a bad sign for the Huskies if Shelton doesn't visit because he's already familiar with the program.
Shelton has already taken an official visit to USC and is still considering UCLA but probably won't visit there because he cannot get an airline ticket for his brother.
A decision will probably be made sometime in January but Shelton, rated No. 12 at defensive tackle, No. 147 nationally and second in the Washington state rankings, has not set up a firm date yet.
Oregon and Washington are still his favorites but after visiting with the Ducks they now hold an advantage.
"I just really like them now way more than before," Shelton said. "I'd say they're probably leading above Washington."