Shellow now the lead 'Dog?

photo courtesy of athletics.hancockcollege.edu

With Cameron Artis-Payne dashing his way to Auburn after a stellar career at Allan Hancock College-Santa Maria, could the usually run-heavy Bulldogs consider airing it out more for 2013?

If this is the case, followers of AHC football probably will know who will see the football come his way more often - the biggest receiver on the field for the Bulldogs.

Nicko Shellow seemed to quietly place together a strong freshman campaign down in the 805 while colleges inquired about the ultra-talented Artis-Payne. Shellow averaged 19.7 yards per catch with his 591 receiving yards. He also scored seven touchdowns while grabbing 30 receptions.

However, we shouldn't look at the stats to determine what type of player Shellow is. Look at the physical attributes:

For one, he's built like a tight end at 6-foot-3 and 238-pounds. The Columbus, Ohio native has a freakish burst off the line for a big wide receiver. His size and long arms already makes him dependable over the middle, but its his physical nature that has me glued in.

Shellow is tough to bring down and bounces off of tacklers like a glorified tight end, even though he's a wide receiver. His acceleration after the catch can make offensive coaches become enamored and defensive coaches develop nightmares. He's also unafraid of going for the jump ball when he's inside the red zone. He'll use his size, hands and basketball-like vertical jump.

He does hold the football away from his body when running after the catch. He'll need to correct his ball-handling to prevent potential fumbles. Still, with continued progression and a major 2013 season, I got a feeling Shellow will be on a lot of four-year program's wish list and be high up on several lists, just like his former teammate Artis-Payne.

More on Shellow can be found here.