Wake Forest won an important recruiting battle over the weekend, outdueling SEC and Big Ten heavyweights for a commitment from linebacker Keland Shelton Jr. from Charlotte.
The 6-3, 205-pound rising senior from Chambers High announced his pledge to the Demon Deacons after an official visit. Shelton had plenty of notable offers on the table, including from national champion Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech and others.
Shelton is currently ranked No. 25 in North Carolina by 247Sports, No. 29 in the 247Sports Composite and No. 31 in the NC Football News consensus rankings, which combines 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN.
The commitment gives coach Jake Dickert and staff an early in-state recruiting win against several Power Four heavyweights as Wake Forest continues to build its 2027 class.
“(Wake Forest) recruited me hard,” Shelton told Rivals. “They stayed in contact with me, made me feel like a priority and showed me how I fit in their defense. They never slowed down … I just felt at home.”
Thank You GOD! I am beyond blessed to announce my commitment to @WakeFB , where I will give my ALL & become the best Leader in the classroom & on the field. #WAKEUP🎩 #COMMITTED @Adam_Pilapil @CoachDickert @AnnaH247 @ChadSimmons_ pic.twitter.com/yfa343766P — keland Shelton jr ✟ (@_kelandd) May 31, 2026
Shelton has been recruited by different schools as a wide receiver, safety, linebacker, edge rusher and athlete, per 247Sports. Wake Forest appears to envision him as a middle linebacker, a position that could take advantage of his size, versatility and playmaking abilities on defense.
Shelton suited up for Providence High in 2025, filling multiple roles. He earned 89 total tackles on defense, including 13.0 tackles-for-loss, eight sacks, 12 quarterback hurries and one interception. On offense, he made 10 catches for 137 yards and three touchdowns.
Shelton said he is locked in to Wake Forest and intends to cancel planned official visits to Virginia and Missouri.
Wake Forest’s overall 2027 recruiting class grew to 10 players over the weekend. In addition to Shelton’s commitment, the Deacs received a pledge from Virginia Beach wide receiver Aaron Smith, the 5A Region Player of the Year in 2025.
Smith made 69 catches for 1,267 yards and eight touchdowns for Floyd Kellam High.
Wake Forest’s overall class is ranked inside the top 50 nationally by 247Sports. The Deacs continue to build on the momentum created by last season’s surprising nine-win campaign in coach Jake Dickert’s debut.
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