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Travis Shelton: The Next Great Kick Returner?

Published: August 22, 2009

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Born in Florida, Travis Shelton was born fast. He is the cousin of the infamous Devin Hester, who holds several NFL records for kick returning.

He is also the cousin of Broncos linebacker, Andra Davis. Being an NFL player is in his blood.

At high school in South Florida, he was both a football player and a track runner. He placed in the top ten in almost every running category for the state.

He also returned four kicks/punts back for touchdowns in his great high school career.

His 40 speed is 4.27, an amazing time for any position. 

After Travis’ high school career, he decided to enroll at Temple as his college choice. In his freshman year, he scored one touchdown, and ran in the 100m for Temple.

He was redshirted his sophomore year.

As a third-year sophomore, he set the record for longest kick return in the Owls’ modern era. He also had 311 all purpose yards vs. Northern Illinois.

He finished the year with 778 return yards and a touchdown; he was breaking out.

In 2007, his junior year, he did not have a touchdown despite his great return numbers. He also tied his career high in receptions that year, but again, did not have a touchdown.

His senior year was arguably his best. He led the NCAA in average yards per kick return, and again, tied his career reception record, 20.

Finished his career at Temple with the most career return yards in school history.

Travis was undrafted, but signed by the Broncos. After minicamp, the Broncos dropped him, only to pick him up again.

In the Broncos’ first preseason game, Shelton did not play, but was suited, as I saw No. 13 on the sidelines. He hopes to play in a couple of preseason games so he can show off his speed. 

In fact, he is so fast that he even beats his cousin, Hester, at the annual family picnic. They race in the 100m, and more often than not, Travis Shelton takes all the marbles.

So, the question for everyone is: Will Travis Shelton get a chance to show off his speed as a returner in Denver?

The Broncos have a great returner already, in Eddie Royal, so what will happen to Travis?

First of all, Travis Shelton is a class act. He is one of the nicest NFL players I have known. He’s not like so many other athletes who just blow you off.

I believe that he will get his shot, and show everyone that he is one of the fastest guys around, and can return kicks. Even if it’s not with the Broncos, who knows, he may help someone with his all-purpose ability.

He did not play in the Broncos first preseason game against the 49ers, but we are hopeful he will get his chance.

In the second preseason game, he got in on five plays. He did not get the ball, but he did go in motion once (ooooo).

If you don’t believe me, believe this video.

He is number 22 on Temple in the highlight video, if you didn’t see him because he was moving so fast. 😉

 

As of Monday, August 24, Travis has been cut by the Broncos in order to make room for another cornerback.