Shelton Riley Class: Junior Hometown: Charlotte, N.C. High School: South Mecklenburg H.S. Height / Weight: 6-2 / 200 Position: SS Experience: 2L

Furman: Expected to contend with Jeremy Blocker for the starting strong safety job this fall after suffering through an injury plagued 2004 campaign...a successful return to action would be a tremendous boost to Furman's secondary...can play both safety positions...owner of quality playing time, including notable starting experience...physical performer and hard hitter...outstanding athlete. 2004 -- Started at strong safety in the Paladins' first four games before sustaining a late hit on the first defensive series of the Pittsburgh game, resulting in a high ankle sprain...missed the next five games before returning to the field for limited action in the Paladins' final two regular season contests versus Wofford (31-24 win) and Chattanooga (51-31 win) but did not participate in both NCAA I-AA playoff games...never really regained pre-injury form...turned in a brilliant performance against Samford (45-10 win), recording a season high nine tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a pass deflection...forced fumble was scooped up by free safety teammate Cam Newton and returned 62 yards for a touchdown and 21-7 lead...had a pair of stops versus Chattanooga....played a role in Furman's 10-3 record, Southern Conference championship, and NCAA I-AA playoff appearance...team was ranked No. 5 in final national poll. 2003 -- Turned in an impressive first season of play, registering playing time in all 11 games at both strong safety and on special teams...earned starts in two contests in place of injured regular Daniel South --- versus eventual Peach Bowl champion Clemson (28-17 loss) and Richmond (31-17 win)...tallied a season high eight tackles and a pass deflection against Clemson...had a pair of tackles and a 44-yard interception return for a touchdown against Gardner-Webb (45-0 win)...recorded his second pickoff of the season the following week against Western Carolina (19-13 win)...ranked second only to All-Southern Conference free safety Cam Newton for the team lead in interceptions. 2002 -- Member of scout team...awarded redshirt and extra year of eligibility.

High School: Saw action as a defensive back and wide receiver as a prep...spent sophomore and junior years at Ridge View (S.C.) High School in Columbia prior to moving to Charlotte for senior season...served as team captain and earned all-conference and team MVP honors in 2001...had 20 and 15 tackle performances, respectively, in wins over Butler and Providence Day...recorded 85 tackles as a junior at Ridge View, where he played under former Furman wide receiver standout Kirk Burnett `87...football coach at South Mecklenburg was Larry Cooper.

Personal: Full name is Shelton Trevell Riley...son of Thelma Walker...born December 16, 1983, in Lexington, South Carolina...communications major.