Notre Dame Will Battle Michigan, Others For Big-Time 2022 OL
The recruiting process for Downington (Pa.) West class of 2022 offensive tackle Drew Shelton has blown up so fast, and he is still in awe.
His first offer came from Kansas State March 27, which was a couple weeks after the NCAA enacted a dead period due to the coronavirus pandemic. Shelton wasn’t even all that much on schools’ radar dating back to his sophomore season.
“I’ve never gone on a visit,” he said. “Before quarantine, I never had even talked to a coach that wasn’t at my school. It’s really been crazy. It’s all happened really fast — all within the past three months or so. It’s exciting and new. I’m still learning about it each day.”
Notre Dame is one of Shelton’s most recent offers, as Irish offensive line coach Jeff Quinn extended the scholarship opportunity to him June 5.
“My position coach at my high school told me he reached out to them a couple weeks [before the offer],” Shelton noted. “He told me to look forward to hearing from [Notre Dame]. I got a call from my head coach, and he told me to call Coach Quinn. I was excited.”
Shelton and his mom got on the phone with Quinn, and they instantly made a connection. Quinn has spent plenty time during his long coaching career in the state of Michigan, and Shelton’s mother is from Haslett.
“He started talking all about Notre Dame, what they believe a kid should have and all that,” Shelton added. “He talked about himself and selling himself to me. We were just getting to know each other.”
Shelton knows the basics about Notre Dame.
“I know it’s a great football school with historic tradition,” he said. “Obviously, they have great academics — best of both worlds.”
A couple days before the Fighting Irish offered, Shelton landed an offer from Michigan. The Wolverines may be considered the team to beat early on in his recruitment, as he has plenty of family from Michigan and his aunt and uncle are alums of the school.
“That one was special to me,” he said. “I grew up a Michigan fan. I was waiting for that one.”
Maryland, Michigan State, Oregon, Penn State, Virginia Tech and West Virginia are among the scholarship offers for the 6-5, 255-pounder as well.
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