“I think about it every day, just the sweat and blood and the tears I’ve put into this program for three and a half years, going on four,” Shelton said. “I want to go out the right way and just set the tone from the first game.”

At 5-foot-11 and 202 pounds, he’s a shade smaller than both Fowler and Burbridge, who stand at 6-foot-1 each, and he’s even smaller than the 6-foot-3 Lippett. But despite lacking compared to their size, he’s learned from them and wants to be the threats at receiver that they were. In other words, it means getting the ball all the time.

“Third down, second down, first down, fourth down — I want the ball,” Shelton said. “Any big time plays that need to be made, I want to make them.”

When it comes time to make his play and perhaps turn the game, Shelton said he has confidence in himself to do so, adding it’s a shared feeling amongst the team.

“I’m just ready for that moment and just ready for Sept. 2 against Furman,” Shelton said.

But he emphasized too that, even with what Lippett, Fowler and Burbridge had done, there's another level to be reached. 

"Guys in our room like Aaron Burbridge, Tony Lippett, Bennie Fowler, just seeing those guys, and seeing what they did, I'm just trying to top that because that's the standard here," Shelton said. 

In an offense dotted with inexperience, Shelton is the lone standout. Fifth-year senior Monty Madaris has had an extra year but substantially less snaps than Shelton. For the offense to find consistency, Shelton has been vocal about wanting to lead it.

“R.J. sort of feels like he can be that next guy for us at the receiver position to make plays, so I think he is really looking forward to it,” co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach Dave Warner said to the media Wednesday.

Used as a kick-returner and punt-returner, Shelton has garnered attention for his speed and versatility, though his name has popped up more recently as a receiver. Last season he finished the year having snagged a career-high 43 passes for 503 yards — the third best on the team — and four touchdowns.

The Furman game will provide the first opportunity to catch a glimpse of how often Shelton will be utilized. As the most experienced, he’ll be relied on until fifth-year senior quarterback Tyler O’Connor finds his rhythm and targets other receivers.

“I’m just going to do what this team needs to get back to to where we need to be,” Shelton said. “Winning the (Big Ten East Division), winning a Big Ten championship and getting in the playoff system and getting in the national championship.”

Fellow receiver Felton Davis III and Shelton are expected to be O’Connor’s deep ball threats, something Shelton relishes as long as he can contribute to a win.

“Again, big time plays, that’s kind of where I strive at,” Shelton said. “Big moments, especially with the deep balls. I like deep balls as well,  any AR routes or end arounds or anything  — just to get this team in a situation to win is what I’m about.”