After entering the transfer portal in December, former Penn State defensive tackle Antonio Shelton has found a new home, committing to play for the Florida Gators in 2021.
BREAKING: Penn State grad-transfer Antonio Shelton commits to the #Gators.
— Corey Bender (@Corey_Bender) January 6, 2021
In 2020, Shelton recorded 13 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble and a pass deflection.
Thanks to @RivalsSnyder, jump inside below to see what #UF is getting.
STORY: https://t.co/gVtYpgrUaV pic.twitter.com/qwDydujIbI
It was somewhat surprising to see the fifth-year senior enter the portal, thereby signaling that he would stay in college for his sixth year. The Ohio native clearly feels he has something left to prove, however, and will hope to boost his NFL stock with one more season of production.
As mentioned in the tweet above, Shelton had a strong 2020 season with 13 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. He benefitted greatly from playing next to PJ Mustipher who took a big step forward this past season, but Shelton deserves credit for his play, as well.
As far as replacing his role on the Penn State roster, James Franklin has seemingly already filled that void with the transfer of Duke defensive tackle Derrick Tangelo. The former Blue Devil was very productive in 2020 and could be in for an even bigger 2021 season.
Aside from Tangelo, barring any NFL declarations, Mustipher, Fred Hansard, Hakeem Beamon, D'Von Ellies, Amin Vanover, Coziah Izzard, and Cole Brevard will all also return next season, leaving defensive line coach John Scott Jr. with plenty of talent to work with.
We wish Antonio all the best down in Florida.
