Rising sophomore SEC LB in the portal took a visit to Baylor on Saturday

Following Baylor's 5-7 season, losing defensive coordinator Matt Powledge, and the hiring of Joe Klanderman to fill the role, the Bears have lost a lot of their experience from the 2025 season. Other than graduation, players like Keaton Thomas, Kamauryn Morgan, and DJ Coleman, among others, have all entered the transfer portal.

With all the attrition in Waco, coach Aranda isn't wasting any time in hopes of securing some talent of his own. Saturday marked a day when players were visiting Waco. Auburn QB Ashton Daniels and Oklahoma CB Devon Jordan were both visiting Baylor.

According to his X account, so was Arkansas LB JJ Shelton. If that name sounds familiar, it's because Baylor was in on his recruitment. Shelton, a 2025 prospect, picked the Razorbacks over both Baylor and SMU, among others.

Baylor I’m here @BUFootball pic.twitter.com/1tyc76Lkpu
— Jayden “JJ” Shelton (@JaydenShe7) January 3, 2026

Shelton and his freshman season

In his freshman season with Arkansas, Shelton played in nine games. He logged seven tackles, one sack, and one pass breakup in his lone season with Arkansas. On the defensive side of the ball, Shelton played 50 snaps for the Razorbacks. Shelton would have three years of eligibility remaining.

According to Pro Football Focus, he played as the Mike when he did see playing time. During his 50 snaps, Shelton missed two tackles on the ball carrier and he allowed two of three targets to be caught. PFF gave Shelton a 46.0 defensive grade, a 53.2 run defensive grade, and a 40.1 coverage grade.

Coming out of high school, Shelton was rated as a three-star recruit out of Dallas, Texas. He was the No. 769 prospect in the nation and the No. 78 linebacker.

Here was the scouting report on Shelton:

"Modern off-ball linebacker who's proven he can play in space and stay on the field in passing situations. Adequate frame with plus length. Will need some more mass to maximize tackling/striking power and consistency, plus the strength to play in traffic between the tackles vs. FBS competition. Possesses the functional athleticism and awareness to be a factor on obvious passing downs. Willing participant and volume tackler vs. the run. Impacts in-the-box action with quick diagnostic acumen and short-area suddenness, evading blockers and leaking to creases. Plays for a talent-laden Texas 5A power that regularly produces FBS talent. Perimeter pursuit angles can be flat. Testing markers suggest room to improve top-end athleticism. Projects as a quality FBS prospect and potential P4-caliber starter with proper development."

Shelton and his freshman season

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