Sunday, February 3, 2013
Washington lands under-the-radar tackle
By Mason Kelley
As Washington puts the finishing touches on its 2013 recruiting class, the one position that seemed to be an area of need was the offensive line.
The Huskies addressed that need over the weekend, adding an under-the-radar talent.
Coleman Shelton (Los Angeles/Loyola), who landed an offer from Washington during his official visit Saturday, quickly committed to the Huskies.
“I’m really excited,” said Shelton, who was on the plane, preparing to head home. “I had a great visit.”
The 6-foot-4, 275-pound tackle becomes the 22nd member of the Huskies’ current class. He is the third offensive lineman to commit, joining four-star standout Dane Crane (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita) and Andrew Kirkland (Portland, Ore./Jesuit).
"I loved the campus a lot," he said. "Seattle is a great city. I really clicked with the coaches. I felt like it was a great staff. I liked them a lot and I got along great with the players. It's a pretty good fit for me."
Shelton, who also had offers from Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico State, Cal Poly, Northern Arizona and UC Davis, welcomed Washington coach Steve Sarkisian and offensive line coach Dan Cozzetto for an in-home visit last Sunday. During the meeting, he finalized his official visit plans. During his weekend trip to Seattle, joined by his parents, Sarkisian extended the scholarship offer during a meeting in his office.
"I felt a pretty strong inclination I was going to get an offer," Shelton said. "I got it on Saturday. I had looked at the school. I researched it, and I committed right then."
During the official visit, his host was freshman offensive lineman Jake Eldrenkamp.
"I had a really fun time," he said. "I liked him a lot. He's a great guy. I'm glad he was my host."
