Danny Shelton-DL-Washington

http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/sep/16/uws-danny-shelton-getting-big-time-attention/


Opposing quarterbacks have a reason to be wary when visiting the shores of Lake Washington this fall.

At nearly 340 pounds, nose tackle Danny Shelton is literally a big reason Washington has one of the most fearsome defensive fronts in the Pac-12.

Shelton's six sacks are the most in the nation despite him not having one in Saturday's 44-19 ingurgitation of Illinois. His 7.5 tackles for loss are second-most in the nation.

The senior's early college years were shaped by trying to overcome the shooting death of his older brother, which he witnessed at age 18.

Now Shelton is being viewed as a possible first-round NFL draft pick.

Saturday was a strong statement from a UW defense that allowed 573 yards to Eastern Washington the previous week.

Against Illinois, the Huskies allowed 351 yards, including 72 rushing yards. They also forced three turnovers, two of which were returned for touchdowns.

"We met together as a defense and addressed the problems that we needed to address," Shelton said. "This game here proved that we can really step up as a defense."

When Illinois linemen double-teamed Shelton, it opened chances for other UW defenders to wreak havoc. Defensive end Hau'oli Kikaha had three of the Huskies' six sacks on Saturday.

Shelton laughed when asked if he's worried about Kikaha challenging him for the team's lead in sacks.

"I think I'm going to have to work out a deal with (defensive line coach Jeff Choate) to take him out a few plays," Shelton said after Saturday's game. "Hau'oli is a great player. He's always going to attack and have that mindset to get to the ball."

National attention

Kikaha noticed a difference in Shelton's intensity when the Huskies gathered for fall camp.

"Danny's practices have been the best by anyone on our team since the start of fall camp, no doubt," he said. "He just has way better pad level than he's ever had. He runs to the ball, he's consistently physical, his energy is always up there and he's finishing plays like it's game day."

Originally posted by LasVegasWally:
I hope we're able to get a beast for the DLine.

Fangio probably wouldn't use him but there's always hope.

Interesting guy, where do you see him being picked?

Originally posted by shmuck:
Imo mid second. He could go higher (mid to late first) but there's such a wealth of five tech guys coming out this year that it'll drop him.

Originally posted by Kolohe:

Originally posted by shmuck:
Imo mid second. He could go higher (mid to late first) but there's such a wealth of five tech guys coming out this year that it'll drop him.

I disagree, if teams view him as a NT, then I think 15-25 range. I've had the opportunity first hand to watch him man-handle Hawaii's O-line. I know it's Hawaii, but he keeps a constant pressure all day. Danny Shelton is most definitely in the mold of Vince Wilfork, drafting Shelton would erase all the mistakes from the 2004 draft.

Originally posted by communist:

6-2? sounds like he has got too short arms in order to play as a 2-gap-DE, does he?

Originally posted by shmuck:

Originally posted by Kolohe:

Originally posted by shmuck:
Imo mid second. He could go higher (mid to late first) but there's such a wealth of five tech guys coming out this year that it'll drop him.

I disagree, if teams view him as a NT, then I think 15-25 range. I've had the opportunity first hand to watch him man-handle Hawaii's O-line. I know it's Hawaii, but he keeps a constant pressure all day. Danny Shelton is most definitely in the mold of Vince Wilfork, drafting Shelton would erase all the mistakes from the 2004 draft.

ehh, need to see him against better competition before i start putting him that high. But I like the idea of him being a NT. Although with Dorsey and Williams, I'd much rather take a five tech or a CB.

Originally posted by fortyninerglory:
I saw Dick Sherman on the sidelines for Stanford and I wanted to reach out and slap him.