Can Drew Shelton follow in Olu Fashanu’s footsteps and become Penn State’s next standout tackle?
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Penn State offensive lineman Drew Shelton blocks during the first quarter on Nov. 5, 2022. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
Penn State’s 2022 recruiting class played a major role in the Lions’ 11-2 season that concluded with a two-touchdown victory over Utah in the Rose Bowl.
Running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen and linebacker Abdul Carter established themselves as first-year stars.
And the 2022 class is just getting started. Several more members are poised to be major factors this fall.
One second-year offensive lineman who came on strong down the stretch last year is next on PennLive’s list of potential Penn State 2023 breakouts.
No. 3 Drew Shelton
Background: Shelton was a dominant performer at Downingtown West High School and one of the top players in Pennsylvania by the time he was a senior. A two-time captain and high four-star recruit, Shelton was pursued by a number of major FBS programs (Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma) but gave Penn State a verbal in September of 2020.
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Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford throws as offensive lineman Caedan Wallace and Drew Shelton block during the third quarter on Jan. 2, 2023. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
2022 numbers: Shelton, who did not enroll early, was expected to redshirt before Lions starting left tackle Olu Fashanu suffered an undisclosed injury with a month left in the regular season. The 6-5, 296-pound Shelton started Penn State’s final four regular-season games on the left side and he got the start in the Lions’ Rose Bowl win over Utah.
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Quotable: “I feel comfortable now. But even now there are things you can learn. I have to keep learning, keep figuring out new things every day. You learn something new every day. I have to keep that going.” – Drew Shelton, shortly before the Rose Bowl.
Potential 2023 impact: Many Penn State fans will argue that Shelton’s 2022 season qualified as a breakout but he didn’t see significant action until the Lions’ victory at Indiana on the first Saturday in November. There isn’t much question that Shelton made huge strides during his five-game stretch as PSU’s starting left tackle. But what will his role be in 2023? A healthy Fashanu will reclaim the left tackle spot, meaning Shelton will likely compete with veteran Caedan Wallace for the right tackle job during the spring and summer. Wallace, who missed significant time last season due to an undisclosed injury, has played a lot of football for Penn State. Shelton vs. Wallace will be one of the best battles of the offseason.
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