Petrino and his staff won some recruiting battles late to land Shelton, one of the top defensive players in Washington. As a junior, Shelton earned first-team all-South Puget Sound League 4A North Division honors at linebacker and honorable mention recognition at tight end.

As a senior, he further impressed when he was moved to defensive end and totaled 70 tackles and 12 sacks. Again, he earned first-team all-SPSL honors for his defensive play and honorable mention at tight end. He was voted team captain and helped return Auburn to its glory days with a run to state semifinals. He also was the Trojans’ long snapper.

“He’s just a great player,” Petrino said. “He could be a defensive lineman or a tight end. He has a great motor. He’s just an unbelievable athlete.

“We were battling forever to get him. He is a great get in the last hours. We’re real excited about that.”