Temple University Athletics
Travis Shelton Named First Team Pre-Season All-American
6.5.07 | Football
June 5, 2007
PHILADELPHIA - Redshirt junior Travis Shelton has been named a First Team Preseason All-America kick returner by Phil Steele's College Football Preview magazine. Shelton, who also earned First Team All Mid-American Conference honors as both a wide receiver and kick returner from Phil Steele's, was one of numerous Owls to garner accolades in preseason publications thus far this summer.
Redshirt junior and Rimington Trophy candidate Alex Derenthal earned first team All-MAC accolades from Blue Ribbon Yearbook, while sophomore defensive end Brian Sanford earned first team all-league honors from Athlon Sports. Derenthal, a 2006 ECAC Division I-A All-Star became the first sophomore in program in program to earn the Owl Award as team MVP, when he captured the honor last season. Athlon also selected junior linebacker Wallace Bates to its second team All-MAC squad.
Phil Steele's cited junior defensive tackle Terrance Knighton as a second team All-MAC choice, while Derenthal earned third team all-league recognition. Redshirt sophomore and Philadelphia native Lamar McPherson captured fourth team honors at linebacker, while Shelton was also cited on the league's fourth team as a punt returner. Bates and junior linebacker Tommie Weatherspoon garnered honorable mention All-MAC from Phil Steele's.
Shelton is the nation's top returning player in all-purpose running after averaging 196.7 yards per game last season. He also ranks fourth among returning players in kickoff returns after posting a 28.8 yards per return mark last year. A 2006 ECAC All-Star as both a wide receiver and return specialist, he was Temple's Special Teams MVP. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla. native has three first cousins that play in the NFL, including Chicago Bears return specialist Devin Hester.
