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Shelton Gibson will not return for his senior season. After tormenting Big 12 defensive backs for the past two years, Shelton has decided to enter the NFL Draft. Shelton posted a message on his Instagram account with the following message:
After many emotional talks with God, family coaches and teammates, I have decided to enter the 2017 NFL Draft. Even with favorable feedback from the NFL, I understand that nothing in football comes easy and everything will be earned. This is the case whether it was this year or next. I’m mentally and physically prepared to give 200% to be the absolute best player I can be.
To Mountaineer Nation, thank you for accepting me as one of your own from my very first visit on campus. I have been to every Big XII stadium and no fans are better than the 66,000+in the blue and gold! To my teammates and brothers, the memories on and off the field were the best part of my college career. I’d also like to thank Coach Dana, Coach Carrier, and Coach Mike for making me a better player and more importantly, a better man. I love you guys and I’m a Mountaineer for life! - Shelton Gibson #1
Gibson was the teams leading receiver in 2015 and 2016. His sophomore season saw him catch 37 passes for 887 yards and 9 touchdowns. He improved those numbers in his junior season to 43 receptions for 951 yards and 8 touchdowns. For his career, Shelton averaged over 22 yards per reception. Shelton was a catalyst for the Mountaineers, providing the homerun spark the Air Raid needs. Enjoy some highlights from Shelton and wish him the best in his future career in the NFL.