Shelton Sampson Jr.

9/30/22

Five-star WR Shelton Sampson Jr. is game's best player in interstate showdown

Sam Spiegelman•National Recruiting Analyst

Five-star Baton Rouge (La.) Catholic WR Shelton Sampson Jr. went down as the game’s most impactful player coming up with two touchdowns and even more critical first-down receptions, including the game-sealing catch on third-and-long after Carver made it a one-score game in the final minutes. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Sampson’s 4.3 speed was on display beating coverage on the perimeter and down the seams, and in the process drew three pass-interference calls. Sampson was sharp firing back to the football amid press coverage on the outside and used his frame and length to overcome multiple defenders in coverage. He showed great range on throws downfield and on end-zone fades, and was up to the task when pressed on a goal-line slant. He finished the game with eight receptions and 126 yards, including two red-zone touchdowns, chain-moving catches on several third-and-longs and a one-handed grab on a go-route with a hand in the face to seal the win. Sampson showed so many different angles of what makes him a future high draft pick. As an underclassman, he averaged 20 yards per catch. As a senior with more volume, the five-star LSU commit is averaging north of 108 yards per game and about 14 yards per catch. On the season, Sampson has 548 yards and 8 touchdowns and is inching closer to even more records at Catholic High.

10/29/21

Shelton Sampson Jr. faces off against four-star CB Jordan Matthews

Charles Power•

Shelton Sampson Jr. and his Baton Rouge Catholic were upset by Woodlawn. Sampson faced off against four-star cornerback Jordan Matthews. For a game that was quite exciting, the marquee matchup between Sampson and Matthews left a little to be desired. Matthews followed Sampson a good bit in the first quarter, but we didn't see the five-star receiver targeted a ton. With that said, Sampson did get loose on a deep crossing route for a 23 yard gain in the first half. He also showed some electric speed in taking an end around for 39 yards. Sampson nearly came down with a Hail Mary to end the first half and drew a pass interference after out-running Matthews and a safety. We saw Sampson showcase some more big play ability a week prior when he scored on two electric touchdowns.

10/01/21

Shelton Sampson Jr. has best game of the year to date

Charles Power•

helton Sampson Jr. had his best game of the season to date in a win over Lafayette (La.) Christian. The 6-foot-4, 190-pounder scored on the first play from scrimmage, torching the secondary on a deep ball for a 54-yard score. He got in the end zone again with a leaping grab over Penn State commit Jordan Allen. Sampson is one of the more gifted pass catchers in the 2023 cycle with his long speed and considerable catch radius.

8/01/21

Shelton Sampson rated as a 5-star in initial On3 Top 100

Charles Power•

Shelton Sampson Jr. was rated as one of ten initial five-stars in On3's initial Top 100 for the 2023 cycle. The 6-foot-4, 180-pounder is a big, twitchy pass catcher capable of beating defenses with long speed or in contested situations.Sampson first made headlines when he blew up a local combine prior last season, clocking multiple sub-4.4 40-yard dash times. He helped Baton Rouge (La.) Catholic to a state title in the fall, hauling in six touchdowns and rushing for another. We saw his skills further on the 7-on-7 circuit. Sampson routinely out-jumps opposing defensive backs and is able to effortlessly pluck the ball at its highest point.