PHU QB gains national attention at N.J. camp

Sean Shelton made a strong impression at the Ultimate 100 camp last month in 7-on-7 drills.

By BOB PUTNAM
Published August 14, 2007

By putting his quarterbacking skills on display at a national underclassmen combine at Saint Leo University, Sean Shelton became a household name.

At least in the households of recruiting gurus.

The Palm Harbor University incoming junior was impressive enough to be invited to the Ultimate 100 camp in New Jersey last month.

There, Shelton competed in 7-on-7 drills, his biggest throws coming on a game-tying touchdown and game-winning two-point conversion.

Teammates Taylor Moffitt and Spike McGinty also were invited to the New Jersey camp.

Shelton, though, put on the biggest performance.

He was named one of the nine best quarterbacks in the country and now has a profile on rivals.com.

Last year, Shelton drew attention after taking over as a starter. It continued in the spring game against Tarpon Springs when he threw for 188 yards, including a 50-yarder to Kevin Dickinson.

"It's still too early for colleges to start calling," Shelton said. "But it was real nice to get that exposure."

BIG LOSSES: In the spring, Countryside coach John Davis said he was pleased with the plethora of skill players at his disposal.

After one week of fall practice, the numbers are dwindling.

Maurice Threatts, an electrifying back, has been a no-show through most of the summer workouts.

"I don't know what the deal is with Maurice," Davis said. "He's putting me in a situation where I'm going to have to make a difficult decision."

Another loss came when receiver Ryan Messmore decided to concentrate on track this season.

That hurts because Davis hoped to lean on his skill players while he breaks in a new quarterback to replace L.D. Crow, who is now at Stanford.

Ryan Eppes and Jimbo Chmelik are leading candidates at quarterback, and both are expected to see playing time.

FEELING THE HEAT: The Florida High School Athletic Association has received several calls about the temperature and heat index during practices.

The FHSAA responded by posting documents about heat illness prevention, proper hydration and nutrition on its Web site www.fhsaa.org.

The heat and hydration video published by Gatorade Sports Science Institute was shipped to each member school and also can be viewed on the FHSAA's site.

HE'S GONE: Dixie Hollins' Stephen Frazier has moved to Orlando.

Frazier, a 6-foot-1, 235-pound senior-to-be, could play on both sides of the line. His absence will be felt most on offense, where the Rebels don't have much veteran leadership along the line.

Bob Putnam can be reached at putnam@sptimes.com (727) 445-4169 or (727) 893-8129.

[Last modified August 14, 2007, 00:38:12]