Penn State Football: Interview With 2016 Defensive Tackle Antonio Shelton

I was lucky enough to catchup with class of 2016 defensive tackle signee Antonio Shelton for a quick Q&A earlier this week. All of us here at Victory Bell Rings would like to thank Antonio for taking some time out of his schedule to answer some questions for me!

Below you will read about some of the factors as to why Antonio chose Penn State, what about being a Nittany Lion he is looking forward to, and some other good stuff. So enjoy.

VBR: Penn State offered you very late in the recruiting process. Prior to receiving an offer from the Nittany Lions, how much contact, if any, had you had with them? Which coach was it that offered you a scholarship?

AS: I had talked to Coach Spencer a little bit beforehand. Coach Smith came to see me at my school to see if I passed the eyeball test. Luckily I did, and we kept building a relationship. Coach Spencer gave me the offer.

VBR: Less than a week after Penn State offered you, you were committed to the Nittany Lions. What was it about Penn State that made you realize so quickly that it was the school you want to attend? What is your favorite thing about Penn State?

AS: It’s extremely hard to put Penn State into words. It’s a very special place. It’s absolutely mind blowing I’ve never seen anything like it. The coaches are great, the facilities are top notch, and the fans are the greatest!

VBR: Prior to committing to Penn State you were committed to Illinois, did a past relationship with Coach Tim Banks play a role in you selecting the Nittany Lions?

AS: Coach Banks didn’t recruit me while he was at Illinois but we knew each other. Coach Banks is a really cool guy and while I was on the visit seeing a familiar face gave me some comfort.

VBR: In my opinion, you are extremely underrated by recruiting services. Do you ever use that criminally low rating as motivation to prove people wrong?

AS: People have overlooked me but I’ve given them a reason too. My Junior film was mediocre compared to my senior season. I know the work I’ve put in and will continue to put in, and if people want to doubt me and sweep me under the rug that’s okay, I just use it as motivation. People can think what they want about me, people see the result of your hard work, not the hard work itself. I’m going to come to Penn State and grind for a position and play to my full potential. People love doubting others, and I love proving them wrong. My coaches have shown confidence in me, I know they have my back and so does Nittany Nation.

VBR: Which commits in the 2016 class have you had the chance to get to know and bond with so far? From the outside looking in, this 2016 class seems like a pretty tight-knit group.

AS: We actually have a group message with all of us in there. It’s really cool, all the guys are chill. Me, Daniel, Dae’lun, Anthony, and Chavis were all on our officials together. They’re all really cool guys I can’t wait to hit the field with them.

VBR: In recent years Penn State has produced some excellent defensive linemen (Tamba Hali, Jared Odrick, Jordan Hill, Austin Johnson, and Carl Nassib just to name a few) this has to be very enticing to a defensive line recruit, right?

AS: Being a defensive lineman is the toughest yet most fun position on the field in my opinion. The fact that there’s a spotlight and a demand for defensive linemen is awesome. Coach Spencer keeps the group like a family so I can’t wait to be a piece of the puzzle. You gotta give respect to the guys before all of us though. Those dudes are absolute dogs. I know I have big shoes to fill. #WildDogs

VBR: In your opinion, what are your best attributes as a football player?

AS: I think my best attribute is that I’m always near the ball and I have a great get off. Coach likes how I play sideline to sideline and make tackles in the backfield. I have great hands and hips and can rush the passer as well. I’m a natural leader on the field and will do anything to help my team win.

VBR: What are you most looking forward to about playing football for Penn State?

AS: I’m looking forward to everything at PSU. I can’t wait to get to campus and meet new people, get my degree, and play in front of the craziest fans in the country for a coach that I believe in with my new brothers. I can’t wait to make plays and hear the fans go wild and compete for championships. The tradition is unbreakable, I can’t wait to be a part of history! #WeAre

Make sure to follow Antonio on Twitter @KiiidShelton.