L.J. Shelton

By Allyson Turner

The son of former NBA player Lonnie Shelton, L.J. Shelton always thought that he too, would have a career in basketball. Attending Eastern Michigan with the initial hope of playing both basketball and football, Shelton decided it was in his best interest to focus on football. That proved to be a good choice, since Shelton is rated as the top offensive lineman in this year's NFL draft.

The 6-foot-5, 335-pound Detroit native blocked for current Lions QB Charlie Batch in college. Shelton hopes the Lions draft him so he can be reunited with Batch, and also play in his hometowm.

 

L.J. Shelton was honored as All-MAC first team during his last two seasons at Eastern Michigan. (AP)

Which tackle's game would you like to emulate?
I like Larry Allen's game because he's real physical. He's a great athlete, too, that can stop the pass rusher really well. I hope to make a name for myself as an offensive tackle by having my own kind of game.

Do you prefer running plays or pass protection?
I like them both because they are definitely both a challenge. It depends on the situation, though. If you're in two-minute situation, and you're passing the ball down the field and everyone knows it's pass, it's obviously going to be a bit harder. But I'm probably more polished as a pass blocker than a run blocker. The only thing I need to work on is technique. I know I have the strength and the explosiveness to do it, but I just need more work on the technique because we didn't run the ball that much at Eastern Michigan.

Is there a position you'd rather play other than tackle?
Oh, I'm more than happy where I am. I got upgraded to tackle, at least that's how I look at it. I'm a much better tackle than I was defensive end.

Is there a defensive end you are looking forward to playing against?
Right now, it's Mike Rucker (Nebraska defensive end). We work out together in the offseason and he's been talking a lot of smack.

What are you goals for football?
My first year, I definitely want to play and contribute to my team. And I hope to make the Pro Bowl. I'm not going to put a time limit on myself for that but I think that's something that is definitely in my reach.

What is one word or phrase that best describes you?
Intense.

You're projected to go in the first round. Does it matter to where you are drafted?
All players want to go as high as they can and I'm no exception. Top ten would be great but whatever team decides to pick me, I'll be happy with it.

What are you doing leading up to the draft?
Everything happens so fast. Sometimes I have to sit back and give myself time to think. There is so much going on so fast, that you kind of get caught up in it.

Where will you be on draft day?
I plan on being home with my family in Michigan.

Which quarterback would you most like to block for?
Charlie Batch.

In an ideal world, where would you most like to play?
It's hard because growing up in Detroit, it was my childhood dream to play for the Detroit Lions. I'd definitely be happy to play there, but wherever I get picked, I'm sure I'll be happy with that team.

What will be the first thing you'll buy after signing a contract?
There's not much I really need right now. Maybe just get an apartment and find myself a place to live. And a VCR, to start watching game film because I know I'm going to have a lot of studying to do to get ready for the next level.

What do you eat during a typical day?
Right now, I eat two meals a day and the rest I'm taking supplements. I'm eating basically a low-fat diet that's high in protein.

What is your pet peeve?
People that are dishonest -- that really bugs me. I don't like dishonest people. I feel that I'm very straightforward and honest with people and I just expect the same.

Who had the most influence on you?
My dad. Even though he didn't play football he still taught me how to approach the game. He taught me to treat practice like I treat games -- to get psyched up and excited about practice because you can't just turn it on in games, you have to do it in practice, too.

What was it like for you to grow up with your dad, Lonnie, a star in the NBA?
He played when I was a little bit younger, so it passes over your head. He was special because he was a basketball player, but he was still dad to me. I didn't get caught up in the fact that he was on the championship (Seattle SuperSonics) team and all that stuff. I remember him playing but that was everyday to me. It was just dad's job.

Did he want you to follow in his footsteps and play basketball?
I think he just wanted me and all my brothers to be successful. I don't think basketball was something that he desperately wanted us to do, although I'm sure he would've been happy with it. As long as we were successful in whatever we did, I'm sure he would be proud of us.

Did you ever want to play basketball?
I thought I would be a basketball player.

When did you change your focus to football?
Probably when my body changed. (laugh) My freshman year of college, I was going to play basketball and football. I was a defensive end back then, weighing about 250 pounds, and I started to put on more weight and started lifting and getting stronger. I had a frame to hold so much more weight that basketball was really out of the picture after awhile.

Who of your dad's friends was the coolest?
When I was younger, one of the guys that I liked a lot was Gus Williams, who played with my dad on the Sonics. He was a highlight player back then for the Sonics and that was the guy everyone heard of. It was really cool to be around him because he was a faster guy and a little bit more exciting. My dad had a power game but I liked watching Gus. I thought he was a great player.

Which NFL player do you most admire?
I liked (former Rams tackle) Jackie Slater a lot as a player and as a person. I thought he was a good role model.

If you could invite anyone to your house for dinner, whom would you invite?
Michael Jordan.

What is a perfect day?
Sleeping in until 10 a.m. and getting a workout in after. It has to be a nice day out and then I'd go to the beach. That is something I'd really like to do.