Submitted photo – Former Del Norte Warrior Anthony Slayton has been receiving a lot of interest from four-year programs after two big seasons at Shasta College.

By Ray Hamill — After two big seasons at Shasta College, former Del Norte Warrior Anthony Slayton is taking his talents to a four-year football program.

The only question is which one?

Slayton, who has featured among the state leaders in tackles in each of the past two seasons, is receiving plenty of interest at the next level, but is biding his team before he commits to a team.

“I’ve had lots of interest, mainly NAIA and D-II, and I’ve been talking to some D-I coaches,” he said. “I’m going to see how spring ball works out and if there’s a team with a need after that. I’m hopeful of getting a (Division-I) offer.”

The 2020 Del Norte graduate, who played a big part in the Warriors’ run towards a state championship game as a junior, has enjoyed two outstanding seasons at linebacker for the Knights after quickly adapting to the college game.

He was named the team’s defensive MVP in his first full season in college and finished with a state-high 61 solo tackles and 14 tackles for a loss, which was second best in the state.

And he has shown his mental toughness by overcoming plenty of adversity on his way to success, suffering a torn ACL in the final game of the 2021 fall season but returning in time for the 2022 campaign.

Not only that, but Slayton went on to receive first-team all-conference honors in 2022 and led the entire state with 16 tackles for a loss, while also featuring among the state leaders in tackles for a second straight year and earning a second straight team defensive MVP award.

He admits the injury hindered him a little during the season — he was forced to sit out practice for the week on a couple of occasions in order to rest it — but was just glad to get another chance to play the game he loves.

“I really had no idea how it was going to go,” he said. “That first game, it was just a relief to be out there and to get to play a game again.

“With how severe it was, it all turned out as well as it could.”

Slayton is still a part-time student at Shasta and has been participating in non-contact drills during spring ball with the Knights, before he finalizes his move.

And he says no matter where he ends up, it is an adventure he’s looking forward to.

“It will definitely be a move wherever I go, that’s my anticipation,” he said. “I’m open to wherever.  It’s going to be a real good experience and I can go see a different part of the world and get a different feel for a different place.”