Interview: 2022 Massachusetts RB Will Stafford Further Shows Athleticism on Defense
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
All sports, especially football, is about taking advantage of the opportunities given and maximizing those moments in a meaningful way. At Whitman-Hanson Regional in Massachusetts, Class of 2022 running back Will Stafford (5-10, 187) did the most with the four-game season provided further expanding his looks to college scouts getting after it on defense at outside linebacker and free safety. As most juniors put between a rock and a hard spot with a shortened schedule, Stafford has used the 2020 season played this spring as a tune-up for his senior season.
In an RNG update interview, Stafford headed back to the RNG Lab going over his junior campaign with a look at his offseason workouts.
*Click the link for the Oct. 2020 RNG interview with Will Stafford
Interview
Will, the Panthers got four games in this season. Even though it was not a full season, how did it feel to be back on the gridiron playing with your brothers?
So awesome. This was something I couldn’t have asked anything more of. It was a great season, and it was great to play with my seniors.
How did the season go for you overall?
I think it went really well. There is room for improvement, but overall I did well.
Keying in at running back, once the season ended what strides had you made to improve upon your skills?
My speed is there, my cutting ability and footwork is there. I need to put on more weight to shed tackles and I will be better off.
Of the games played, which was your best personal performance?
Our first game against Silver Lake (Regional).
Why did you choose that game?
I had 85 rushing yards off 12 carries. It was a good running game for me.
*Stafford rushed for 245 yards off 40 carries with one touchdown in 2020
Last we spoke you were getting ready to play some defense. Where did you end up lining up on that side of the ball this spring?
I was playing outside linebacker and free safety.
What were your roles in the scheme?
I was a hybrid, hitting hard and going back to cover. They had me switching from both. I had to be the best of both worlds against the run and the pass.
The team wrapped the season in early April, what have you been doing to push your fundamentals forward?
Right now, I am back in the weight room. Track is starting up so I am doing a lot of running.
What are some of the things you are doing to increase your speed and strength?
A lot of Olympic lifts, squats, snatches, cleans, and explosive movements.
With track, which events will you be competing in this spring?
The 100 and the long jump.
Are there any camps you may attend that are local or national?
I know there is one end of May, a Top 100 of the New England area. I am going to a try out for a national football team at the end of May as well. There is a Top 200 of the East Coast I plan to attend as well.
And what about college camps? Are there any on your schedule yet?
Yes, there is a BC (Boston College) camp, Penn State, and I will probably go to some local colleges like UMass.
Will, thanks for your time again today. Wishing you success with track and at all the upcoming camps.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Stafford family; Will Stafford