Shelton returns from UCLA visit
Danny Shelton thoroughly enjoyed his weekend visit to UCLA but the four-star defensive tackle from Auburn, Wash., said he's still "pretty strong" with his commitment to Washington and now something else could help solidify his pledge to the Huskies.
Shelton, a 6-foot-3, 300-pound prospect, said he learned on the trip that Sacramento (Calif.) Grant defensive tackle Puka Lopa, who was also at UCLA, is his cousin. If Washington can get Lopa to commit that would seal it for Shelton as well.
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"I found out we were cousins so I hung out with him most of the time so it was cool," Shelton said.
"I'm still pretty strong with UW. If UW gets Puka then that would be ideal. Then I'm for sure going to UW because I'm trying to get some of my family over there. I already talked to him about it. If they get him then it would be a done deal."
Shelton has been committed to Washington since Dec. 31 when he announced at the Offense-Defense Bowl in Myrtle Beach, S.C. For a long time, UCLA was involved in his recruitment and Oregon had the edge for some time but in the end Washington won out for his services.
The campus is only about 30 minutes from home and many of the state's top talent - including four-star tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins and four-star wide receiver Kasen Williams - have also committed to the Huskies.
Rivals.com rates Shelton No. 12 at defensive tackle, No. 147 nationally and third in the Washington state rankings behind Seferian-Jenkins and Williams. Keeping him at home and playing for the Huskies was a big recruiting coup for coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff.
While Shelton enjoyed his visit to Westwood, he doesn't plan to de-commit anytime soon and said Washington would wrap up his pledge if Lopa goes there. Shelton could take one more visit but isn't sure if he will or not.
"It went really good," Shelton said of UCLA. "Basically, they weren't trying to pressure me. They just wanted me to see everything they have to offer and have fun and hang out with the players. It was worth it."