Oklahoma defensive lineman Shaw finds fit at UNT

North Texas played its share of thrillers on its way to the New Orleans Bowl this season.

Derrick Shaw saw one of them and quickly was convinced UNT was the perfect place to continue his football career. The Oklahoma defensive lineman committed to the Mean Green on Friday.

"I went down there for their game against Old Dominion and loved the atmosphere and the team," Shaw said Saturday. "I could see myself being there in the future."

UNT beat the Monarchs 45-38 behind a late touchdown run from Nic Smith. The Mean Green went on to finish 9-5 after losing to Troy in the New Orleans Bowl.

Shaw committed to UNT shortly after the bowl game and hopes he can help the program continue its rise under Seth Littrell

Shaw, who is 6-1, 275 pounds, was a second-team all-state selection in Oklahoma this season and also was the District 6A-1 defensive player of the year. He finished with 82 tackles, including 13 for loss, and six sacks in his senior season at Broken Arrow, a suburb of Tulsa. 

Shaw is rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports. 

UNT defensive line coach Marc Yellock recruited Shaw, who said the Mean Green plan to use him in a variety of spots along its defensive front.

UNT announced its midterm signing class of 14 players earlier this week. 

Shaw will sign with the Mean Green during the late period that begins Feb. 7. Verbal commitments are non-binding.

Texas State, Navy and a host of schools that compete on the Football Championship Subdivision level also offered Shaw a scholarship.

Shaw elected to pass on those opportunities because of what UNT offered.

"North Texas is close to home, and I have family 30 minutes from campus," Shaw said. "I also loved the coaches and the winning atmosphere."

BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870 and via Twitter at @brettvito.

North Texas commitments

The following is a list of players who are set to join North Texas' 2018 recruiting class

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