One to Watch Interview with 2022 Massachusetts RB Will Stafford
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One of the beauties of high school football across the country every year is the inevitable occurrence of the dreamed about “breakout season”. Once the 2019 schedule kicked off for Whitman-Hanson Regional, the foundation for a standout high school career began building off the hard work put in by running back Will Stafford over the spring and summer months. Stafford (5-9, 173) worked his way into the all-purpose role for the Panthers getting the tough yards on inside zone plays and stretched the defense to the outside with his speed carrying the rock 42 times for 376 yards. Proving to be an every down back, Stafford excelled on third downs as a weapon out of the backfield in the aerial attack.
As in every sport, the offseason is where talents make their money for regular season success, and that notion has not been lost on Stafford with another big season ahead. Covering his growth on the field and offseason grind, Stafford steps into the RNG Lab for the first time in a detailed one-on-one.
Interview
Will, you filled that all-purpose role for the Panthers during the 2019 season coming out of the backfield. How did your sophomore season play out on the field taking on that role?
“I think I did really well with the time I played.”
Your speed pops on film. What is the best-timed run you’ve posted?
“My best 100-meter time is an 11.89.”
What offensive scheme were you guys executing last year?
“It was more of a run-first out of the Spread. As the season progressed moved more to a pro-type set then we went to a 12-personnel with two tight ends.”
How was the offensive coordinator getting the ball into your hands?
“The majority were inside and outside zone plays and screens.”
Which areas of your game took off last season?
“My speed and cutting.”
Since the season ended what have you been working on with your game?
“Since the end of the season I have been working on my strength, speed, and working on my technique as a running back.”
Once the 2020 season gets going, will you take on any new roles on the team?
“Yes. I am still playing running back, but on defense I will be playing corner and I am already a punt and kick returner.”
Are you excited about playing corner this season?
“Yes, I am very excited.”
During this time with limited gym and workout options, what have you been doing with your daily routine to stay fit?
“I’ve been waking up at 6:00 a.m. working out. We have a shed in the backyard, I workout in there and I am going on runs.”
When the college camp circuit gets going this summer, are there any camps you may attend?
“Yes. I went to the Boston College camp last year; I plan on going to that again. There is a Penn State camp I’d like to compete at, I plan on going to that.”
Time for my virus buster question. What have you been doing for fun during the extra downtime?
“I’ve been doing every little thing around the house – cleaning everything and I built my brother’s bed. I have been working out like crazy and doing my school work.”
Will, it was great getting time in with you today. Wishing you continued success with your workouts this spring until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Whitman-Hanson Regional/Stafford family; Will Stafford in action