Offseason Update Interview with 2022 Massachusetts RB Will Stafford
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
At the high school level, for those serious about the game, dramatic changes can be seen in the skill and athleticism displayed between a sophomore and junior football season. The exposure to varsity action can propel the determined into a motivated furry over the offseason ready to build upon what was learned and what needs to be improved; all holds true for Class of 2022 running back Will Stafford. During a 2-10 season with Whitman-Hanson Regional, Stafford picked up 42 carries covering 376 yards. The extra time to develop over the offseason has brought a physical metamorphism, thanks to the weight room, hitting the fall months at 5-9, 182-pounds. The focus on the game has expanded what the Panthers’ staff can do with the rising talent during the 2020 season.
To see what else the Massachusetts talent has been working on this fall, Stafford stopped by the RNG Lab for a quick confab.
*Click link for April 2020 RNG interview with Will Stafford
Interview
Will, when we last spoke, we broke down all the different positions you may play this season; all of those positions include running back, cornerback, and punt and kick returner. Has anything changed with all that you may do this season?
No. All is still accurate.
What have you been working on with your skillset on defense?
I have been doing a lot of press coverage, trying to get better as a corner. I did not get that much time at corner last year, both corners were starting seniors. As a sophomore, I could not get time in last year at that position.
Offense, for now, is your key spot. What have you been doing to prepare yourself on that side of the ball?
I have been working out a lot, every day. Since how everything is scheduled to begin in February, I have put on more weight. I am trying to get bigger for the running back position. I am going to the field every day working on my route running a lot. About five days a week I have been strictly working on my route running.
From late April to now, you’ve added about 10 pounds to your frame. What weightlifting workouts have you been doing to bulk up?
I have been squatting like crazy. That is my one big thing, I have been doing that like crazy. The goal is to maximize my legs and leg strength. I have also been doing a lot of stability, balance, and core work. Things that will transfer over more than a bench press, that is what I’ve been doing. I also flipped a tire for a mile. For me, that is a key part of being me, outworking and being more mentally tough than the competition.
With all the squat workouts, did you get to max out on that lift?
Yes. My last max on squat, but that was a month or two ago, was 425.
Nice. To keep your speed and agility progressing, what workouts have you been doing?
Running hills like crazy, and I use a weight vest and a band that goes around your quads. I have been using that band a lot. Using the band benefits running backs a lot, the tension is always on your legs. I have been doing a lot of track work as well; I run track as well. Going onto the track, I am getting faster while putting on the weight.
Have you clocked a new 40-yard dash?
Yes, my new hand-timed 40-yard dash is a 4.68.
What is the Panthers’ practice schedule this fall?
We just started again this week. We are doing conditioning and a team passing league. The practices are set up for three-days a week doing conditioning on one day, 7v7 on another day, and then conditioning the other. The 7v7 is just with team.
Is there any new news on the 2020 season in Massachusetts?
Feb. 12 is the official date. We are hoping for the best.
Will, great getting an update with you today. I appreciate your time.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Stafford family; Will Stafford