Interview with Lafayette LB Billy Shaeffer

After attending Archbishop Wood High School out of the Philadelphia area, Lafayette LB Billy Shaeffer has made himself into a key contributor for the Leopards. As Billy enters his junior season he is ready for a leap in personal and team success and he dives into what has been going on this offseason as he aims to improve in the interview below.

Q: "Thanks for taking the time to talk with us Billy. What has been the biggest obstacle for you when it comes to preparing for the season due to the pandemic?"

A: "The biggest obstacle for me has been not being able to weight train as much as I would like, but I have found ways around that. I have some lighter weights and other equipment I have been able to use. I’ve also been able to work out a local field and I’ve been going on runs and bike rides and playing basketball to stay active."

Q: "What has been the main thing you have focused on this offseason to better your skills?"

A: "I’ve really focused on becoming a more explosive athlete this offseason and also have been focusing on my footwork and core strength a lot."

Q: "Coming out of Pennsylvania high school powerhouse Archbishop Wood, how do you feel coming from that program prepared you for the college level?"

A: "Coming from Wood, I feel like I learned what it takes to be successful as an individual and as a team."

Q: "What led you to committing to Lafayette?"

A: "Lafayette was a great fit for me in terms of location, academics and athletics. It really checked all of the boxes for me in my process."

Q: "Your freshman year you were a rotation player along the defensive line, but this past season you made the transition into a LB. Can you describe what that change was like?"

A: "It honestly wasn’t a big change for me. I consider myself an all around athlete so I was able to pick up linebacker fairly easily. Tyrann Matheiu is one of my favorite players in the league and that is someone I model myself after because of his versatility."

Q: "You saw a big jump in playing time from your freshman to your sophomore season. With that increase in playing time your production jumped as well from 8 total tackles as a freshman to 66 total tackles as a sophomore. How did your freshman experience help you make that big jump?"

A: "Freshman year I was able to show my skills which led to an increase of playing time sophomore year. I knew I could be an impact player and showed glimpses of it freshman year, and that really helped my confidence going forward."

Q: "In your two years as a member of the Lafayette football program your teams record is a combined 7-16. How do you and your teammates, as well as the coaching staff plan to turn it around this year?"

A: "We have a lot of guys coming back who are buying into the team and want to win now. I know we are working hard this offseason through the circumstances to have a great year this year."

Q: "In week two this year your team has a matchup against Navy, who has been a very good program in recent years. Can you describe your emotions and feelings towards playing a team of that caliber?"

A: "The game against Navy is certainly a game that is circled for us on the schedule. If we can play sound against the triple option we think that's a game that we can shock some people for sure and put ourselves on the map. I’m very excited for the experience."

Q: "What are some of your personal goals for the upcoming season?"

A: "Personally my goals for this year are to win the league championship and earn a spot in the FCS playoffs. The personal accolades will come but that is my only goal at the moment. I’m just worried about doing my job and being a leader on defense."

Q: "Thanks again for your time Billy, and I have a one more question. What is the outlook for the Lafayette football program this upcoming season in your eyes, and for the future of your career there?"

A: "I think we have a lot of talent this year, and I think that we will be able to make some noise in years to come in the Patriot League and in the FCS."