South Oak Cliff 2025 LB Jayden Shelton (6'0, 200) was a massive part of the 5A Division II championship team. 

"Walking off the field after we won state was just magical," Shelton said. "Just to put on for the city and be one of the three teams from Dallas to win state, it was just magical."

The Golden Bears sent 11 players on to the FBS level in the Class of 2023 and Shelton had the opportunity to watch and learn from players like CB Malik Muhammad (Texas Longhorns).

"The most important thing they taught me was to stay calm," Shelton said. "Remember what your coach taught you. Like when we went to AT&T Stadium for state, they just told me to stay calm. Know your assignment. Read your pullers. Just play."

Shelton has tremendous agility and quickness for a linebacker, which has led to a lot of early attention on the recruiting trail. 

He's picked up offers from Arizona State, North Texas, Michigan, SMU, Texas State, Texas Tech, USC and Washington.

"I'm very blessed for everything I have," Shelton said. "I'm blessed that all my hard work and dedication has paid off. I'm still grinding and still working every day. Just trying to be great."

"My first offer was SMU. Hometown team. They're a good school too. I wouldn't put them underneath any other school. They're a good team."

Michigan has been in the national title picture the past two seasons, so that offer put Shelton in a good mood.

"It was unbelievable," Shelton said. "When Michigan offered me, that was probably when I was the most excited. I had a smile on my face for the rest of the day."

Shelton hopes to make unofficial visits to Arizona State, USC and Washington soon. 

The Trojans have been running hot in Texas since Lincoln Riley took over.

"It's a very beautiful school, USC," Shelton said. "I've been wanting to visit there. Probably in my top three."

Many major colleges are on the verge of extending Shelton an offer, but one SEC program could be a needle mover. 

"My highest is probably LSU," Shelton said. "It's just something about the school. I can picture myself in a uniform at LSU."  

Shelton racked up 56 tackles, three tackles for a loss, two sacks, and an interception as a sophomore in 2022.