Shelton signs
Pitcher, outfielder to play at Carson-Newman University
Clinton Dragons left-handed pitcher Harrison Shelton has signed a letter of intent to play for Carson New- man University in 2025. Shelton celebrates the signing event with his family.
Shelton, a senior left-handed pitcher and outfielder for the Clinton High School baseball team, recently signed a national letter of intent to continue his academic pursuits and athletic career at Carson-Newman University.
“Carson-Newman is definitely my dream school,” said Shelton, who helped the Dragons share the District 4-AA regular-season championship with Knoxville Halls and crosstown rival Anderson County last spring.
“My dad went to Carson-Newman and he could’ve played sports, but he followed his faith in God. He wanted to be a preacher.
“My dad and I used to go to football games there and ever since I was a young kid, I wanted to go to Carson-Newman.”
Clinton High School has several ties to the university.
“Our coach’s wife went to Carson-Newman and I love it there,” Shelton said. “We have several teachers who went to Carson-Newman. People from Carson-Newman are all over the place at Clinton High School.”
Shelton, a two-way player for the Dragons, said he plans on pitching for the Eagles. But he will play wherever he’s needed, he said.
“The goal is to be a pitcher, but I will play in the outfield if that’s what they need,” said Shelton, who is entering the school as a pre-law major with aspirations to attend law school and pursue a career in business law.”
He said he has been impressed with the arrea when he’s visited the school.
He also said that he looks forward to having small classes at the school.
“I love the communities in Jefferson city and Jefferson County,” he said. “It’s a lot like Clinton, and I liked the campus.”
Shelton didn’t necessarily want to stay close to home, he said.
But he won’t be far away.
“Carson-Newman is my dream school, and it didn’t matter whether it was three hours away or 45 minutes away, which it is,” he said.
“I love the culture (at Carson-Newman), and when you go to school there, you’re not just a number.
“I wanted to go somewhere where I could get my education and I could play.”