932 Receiving Yards
40 Catches
8 TDs
Measuring 6 foot 4 while simultaneously possessing digital speed & effortless glide in tight windows or open space, making routine 50/50 catches look so easy it should be illegal, releasing beautifully at the line of scrimmage with a cache of moves, Shelton Sampson Jr is the complete modern receiver, no doubt already established as the most tightly pursued pass-catching recruit of the entire 2023 class.
Catholic High's WR colossus greatly contributed to their state title in 2021, making a brilliant 14 yard catch on 3rd down during a 14-10 victory at Tulane's Yulman Stadium.
Though the title game became a defensive struggle and Sampson Jr was held to just 31 yards, when his team needed their best player to deliver most, he made a game-sealing grab.
With even more promising signs as a senior this fall, there's no doubting Shelton's elite aerial abilities; despite his thinner build, Sampson Jr also has the strength to boss defenders at the line, make DBs miss after the catch, as well as dominate inside the red zone or on critical downs.
Still raw and developing as a player, Catholic High's state champion has become hotly pursued by Alabama's staff, with Pete Golding taking the reins of his recruitment.
LSU built an adequate establishment during the Orgeron era, but it was nowhere near strong enough to secure a large string of visits or a bunch of interest.
Right now, things are on the fence regarding the potent 5 star's LSU recruitment, which will most likely turn into a full blown saga by November; Still holding his process close to the vest, right now I would say Saban's Tide can claim a marginal lead.
However, that doesn't mean LSU aren't pushing for 2023's #1 overall wide out.
Throughout their 4 months at LSU, members of Kelly's offensive staff have been in constant contact, paying the 5 star a visit on their first day of spring practices, all to witness Sampson Jr in the flesh.
Over these next months, it will be harder to gauge where Sampson's future lies, with the player keeping any personal interest toward LSU or Alabama on the down low; Still, I believe Brian Kelly's staff are about to surprise both Catholic High's 5 star receiver and his prime suitors with the lengths they'll go in order to sign the Baton Rouge juggernaut.
by LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
@LonnPhillips
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