Trent Shelton: BIGTIME

Baylor senior wide receiver Trent Shelton is having a breakout season in Baylor's new passing attack offense. BearsIllustrated.com spotlighted him at the beginning of the season, and now he has the spotlight on our focus feature.

In 11 games last year, Trent Shelton recorded 39 receptions for 452 yards. While those statistics are nothing to write home about, the way Trent Shelton played the game of football was. His hard work and dedication have paid off. Throw in an offensive scheme that utilizes Shelton's talent and play-making ability and you have a perfect match.

Before the season started BearsIllustrated.com picked Trent Shelton to be the Baylor Bears breakout player of the year. So far, he is right on track. Through only 8 games this season, Shelton has surpassed his junior numbers leading almost every statistical category for the Baylor wide receivers. Shelton has recorded 46 receptions for 704 yards and 7 touchdowns. His 88 yards receiving per game average has him 2nd in the Big XII Conference, while his near 6 receptions per game and 46 total receptions rank him fourth in the conference.

While the stats show that Shelton has the talent to make plays with the ball in his hands, any coach or scout will explain that the wide receiver position is about more than catching the ball. Enter Trent Shelton.



Although many have said it is a journalistic mistake to compare college football players to professional football players, Trent Shelton's style of play demands that he be compared to one of the NFL's best all-around wide receivers. Not only are their physical attributes very similar, but their style of play is as well.



Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Hines Ward can seemingly do it all.


While catching and running are the things that may get him noticed by most casual observers, Ward's ability to block downfield allows him to be perhaps the best all-around wide receiver on the field. The same argument can be made in favor of Baylor's Trent Shelton. His touchdown catches and one-handed highlight-reel receptions may get the fans to their feet, but his ability to successfully block downfield perhaps make him the best all-around wide receiver on Baylor's roster.

A two-sport prep star at North Crowley High School (Texas), Shelton had the ability to play both football and basketball. Shelton chose football, and it appears he made the right choice. While he looks to help lead his Baylor Bears to a bowl game this year, it appears that his hard work and unselfish attitude will perhaps allow Trent Shelton the opportunity to play the game of football on the next level for a long time after his collegiate career is over.