Big 22: Chambers’ Keland Shelton

Channel 9’s Big 22 Player to Watch, Keland Shelton, played a number of positions on the football field – including center - before discovering where he was meant to be.

It’s a path that began when he was six years old.

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The Chambers linebacker has since had plenty of colleges lined up to earn his commitment, but says Wake Forest University set itself apart.

“It was like home,” Shelton said. “I never want to leave when I go to Winston-Salem, and I’m a homebody, to be honest. But just going there, the people greet me, and they greet me with great hospitality. When you go to these schools, of course, they’re going to give you a house tour, but it’s real.”

A warm atmosphere was important to Shelton, given his commitment to family.

He refers to his 8-year-old sister as his “gem,” and describes his mother as his “why.”

“That’s why I play so hard in football, because I know it definitely built a better life for me and my family,” Shelton said. “I’m not struggling or nothing, but it would be good to see my mom kick her feet up because of something I did.”

Shelton said he’s most proud of his mother, watching what she’s sacrificed to make sure they have everything they need.

We’re profiling 22 players every weekday until voting for our five finalists on Sept. 4. Tune into Channel 9 each day to see local stars featured.

Channel 9 hosts Big 22 Media Day for young athletes