Friendswood outside linebacker Braylan Shelby is considered one to the nation’s most athletic defensive edge rushers. Shelby has been struggling in deciding whether to choose Texas or the University of Southern California to take his talents to the next level after his senior season with the Mustangs.
In a recent conversation with Rivals.com, Shelby said, “It was very, very hard. Definitely some long nights just standing up in my room wondering which place to go to. There’s nothing like Texas, it’s amazing. I wish I could go to both, to be honest.”
At 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, Shelby is the No. 83 ranked recruit in the country for the class of 2023, according to Rivals. He is the No. 5 ranked outside linebacker in the country and the No. 15 recruit from the state of Texas.
On his first visit to USC, Shelby was able to see how a player lives on a daily basis, and everything about it made him want to commit to the Trojans.
“It was perfect,” Shelby said. “I love the dorm rooms, I love the facilities. I love everything, it’s perfect.”
There is also an opportunity to see the field early for Shelby as USC continues its roster overhaul.
“They definitely see me playing early out there,” he said. “I know it’s gonna take some work, but they told me I should be able to.”
Last year, the senior defensive standout totaled 77 tackles including 12 for loss and eight sacks. He also recorded five pass breakups, four forced fumbles and one pick-six. His skillset will allow him to impact the game in multiple ways in an edge role at USC.
There is no doubt that Shelby will be the team leader for the Mustangs this season.
