Arjay Shelley / Cornerback / University of Manitoba

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Arjay Shelley:  I am 6’4, 190 pounds.   

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?

Arjay Shelley:  At Gravity Laboratory in British Columbia.  It is in my hometown.   

Alex Khvatov:  When is your scheduled Pro Day?

Arjay Shelley:  CFL combine is going to be all virtual.  We will all film our workouts.  Rules are a bit different this year. 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your training routine right now. 

Arjay Shelley:  I am following my strength and conditioning coach and his program.  I do strength training based off his recommendations.  I do field training on my own at a local field.     

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Arjay Shelley:  I played QB, receiver, DB (CB and safety), punter, and punt returner.  I used to be a kicker when I was younger.   

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Arjay Shelley:  Out of high school, Simon Fraser and Manitoba.   

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose the University of Manitoba? 

Arjay Shelley:  I got my best offer from Manitoba.  I liked the coaching staff and I had a couple of friends that were on the team. 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall career with the Bison?      

Arjay Shelley:  I played for three years.  Overall, I definitely had some good moments.  I redshirted my first year.  In 2017, I started as a corner.  It was a tough year for me.  In 2018, I started getting some INT’s, and started getting more comfortable with the playbook.  In 2019, I was very comfortable.  I had three INT’s, some PBU’s and got a conference all-star selection.  As a team, we were always on the bubble of the playoffs.  In 2019, we had a playoff game in the first round against Calgary.  We lost by one-point, the score was 49-48.  We lost on a two-point conversion.  We completed a Hail Mary pass for the TD at the end of the game.  We went for the two-point conversion and the win and failed.          

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Arjay Shelley:  My overall awareness is good and my game recognition.  I have pretty good speed, long arms and I am a good tackler.   

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Arjay Shelley:  My man coverage and eye discipline.   

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall experience at the Tropical Bowl all-star game in Florida.

Arjay Shelley:  It was really fun.  It was different to play football with the American guys.  They are really good competition.  I felt like I could play good against them.  I made decent plays in practice and in the game.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Arjay Shelley:  Probably the UBC game at home in 2019.  I had a pick-six in that game.  I had a few really good tackles. 

Alex Khvatov:  What was it like not having a 2020 season?

Arjay Shelley:  It was weird.  I had no film this year for my draft year.  We had online classes and no football.  I have been at home in BC this year.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Arjay Shelley:  The LA Rams.  That has been my team ever since they were still in St. Louis.   

Alex Khvatov:  Is there an NFL CB that you aspire to play like? 

Arjay Shelley:  I like Jalen Ramsey a lot.  My favorite CB of all-time is Richard Sherman. 

Alex Khvatov:  Are you looking to play in the CFL?

Arjay Shelley:  The CFL draft is in May.  We have less players in the draft this year.  The draft is six or seven rounds.  I am looking to play in the CFL.  Calgary scout has been in touch with me.  I also have been in contact with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.     

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye out for next season?

Arjay Shelley:  Abdul-Karim Gassama (AK).  He is our slot receiver.  He is the fastest guy on the team.  He is also a returner.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a CB?

Arjay Shelley:  Discipline.  Knowing what the receiver will do and understanding the situation.  Knowledge of the game and football awareness.     

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Arjay Shelley:  The whole game is super fun.  I love the competition. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Arjay Shelley:  I like cars, work out and play some video games.  Snowboarding, skateboarding and playing basketball.     

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Arjay Shelley:  I want to become a car mechanic.  My mom has been a real estate agent for a long time.  I might be interested in that.   

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Arjay Shelley:  Disciplined, hardworking, quiet, fun, and physical.