Jekyll and Hyde: 5-Star DT Tyler Shelvin a 'Beast' on the Field, Humble off It

Sometimes words get in the way of the message that needs to be delivered.

Tyler Shelvin doesn't need to say much to get the point across about being a leader, especially on the football field. In earning a dozen reported offers, according to Rivals.com, and committing to LSU as a sophomore in March 2015, Shelvin simply let his actions do all the talking.

In short, he describes his nonverbal, on-field objectives in eight words.

"Quiet off the field, a beast on it," said Shelvin, a 6'2", 329-pound brick wall from Lafayette, Louisiana, built to play either defensive tackle or nose guard in the right system.

With a Jekyll-and-Hyde approach to the game, Shelvin is ranked as the nation's No. 12 overall recruit and No. 2 at defensive tackle. Additionally, he's the top-ranked player out of the state of Louisiana and was a catalyst for Northside High School. He recently transferred to Notre Dame High School.

He's got the build of a classic 1-technique but also the deceptive quickness of a powerful 3-technique. And when Shelvin gets rolling, he becomes a problem for offensive linemen—and, ultimately, skill-position players with the ball.

"Tyler is a perfect fit as a 3-4 nose guard right now," said Todd Huber, director of football for Student Sports, which is at The Opening. "We've been lucky enough to see him two years in a row in New Orleans, and he's a big-time athlete for his size. That's what shines through on his tape."

Need proof that Shelvin is a true team player? You'll have to take note of everything he did on the football field for Northside. Picture Shelvin—all 300-plus pounds of him—as the team's kicker. In fact, on October 2, he booted a 32-yard field goal for the only points of a game between Northside and Westgate High School out of New Iberia, Louisiana.

The 3-0 victory gave Northside its first win of the year. Prior to that game, Northside was 0-4.

"Nothing makes me happier then seeing a No. 72 lining up for a field goal," said Huber, a former offensive lineman at Cal.

It's doubtful that he will handle similar duties at Notre Dame next season, but simply stepping up to accept kicking duties defines Shelvin's lead-by-example mentality. Don't expect him to be the consummate vocal leader, but look for him to physically do whatever it takes to help his team excel.

It's that attitude, along with his massive frame and high motor, that made LSU instantly attracted to Shelvin. He's built a great relationship with LSU defensive line coach Ed Orgeron as well as head coach Les Miles and is a big fan of the on-campus culture.

"I've been visiting there since my sophomore year," Shelvin said. "I love the atmosphere and the coaches. Since Coach O. got there, it's really been awesome. I know I can learn a lot between him and Coach Miles."

This is where things get tricky for LSU. Shelvin's been committed for more than a year, and as it gets closer to national signing day, the idea of taking official visits becomes more of a reality. He said he's still committed to LSU but admits that there are other schools he has an interest in.

Schools like Alabama, Nebraska, TCU, Texas A&M and USC are among the many that could get an official visit sometime in the fall or winter. Shelvin said he's looking not only for a great football program but also an institution with a reputable business school. He's looking to obtain a business degree.

"When they offered, at the time, LSU was the only school," Shelvin said. "They've shown me a lot of love since then. I just want to make sure I'm making the right decision."

Wherever he ends up, Shelvin wants to be pushed on the field. Part of the spring camp experience for him is the chance to compete against some of the best offensive linemen. At The Opening New Orleans regional, he lined up against athletes like 4-star Alabama offensive tackle pledge Alex Leatherwood and 4-star offensive guard Nick Brahms, who holds 34 reported offers. Both offensive linemen earned invitations to The Opening.

Credit: 247Sports.com

The camp circuit also is a time to see his good friend Marvin Wilson, the nation's top-ranked defensive tackle. Shelvin said he and Wilson are close, but they also are alpha dogs. Neither wants to finish in second place at anything.

"Every top camp we went to, we saw each other," Shelvin said of Wilson. "The first time we met was [The Opening New Orleans] last year, and we've been cool ever since. We're both out there to dominate.

"We both like to have fun, but when the time comes, I want to win, and he wants to win. But we're like brothers. It doesn't matter to me where we end up, as long as we both make it. It's cool being around him."

The idea of being college teammates with Wilson—who is uncommitted but has LSU interest—has crossed Shelvin's mind, but he understands that Wilson will make up his own mind when that time comes. As for Shelvin, whichever school lands him will get a run-stopper and a space-eater.

"He has the potential to develop into a monster," Huber said. "Give him a few years, and his athleticism will allow him to not just eat up space but also make big-time plays in the middle of a defense."

And while he's making a name for himself, look for Shelvin to do so with a low profile.

"I try to keep everything inside. That way, I can mostly stay focused," he said. "I want to dominate, but I'm going to stay humble."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles