It's getting pretty bad when you have to do this. I understand looking throught he student body to find a kicker to get the ball in the endzone, but now we need student LBers as well. Is it not kind of weird to be holding a walk on tryout 2 weeks prior to the first game?
Shaffer earns spot on AU football roster
Published Friday, August 21, 2009
Former Benjamin Russell standout linebacker Blake Shaffer got a rare chance to live out his dream, and he seized the opportunity.
Shaffer has wanted to play big-time college football his entire life, and earlier this week, he tried out with a group of 25 players for a spot on the Auburn Tiger roster. A day later, he got a phone call from AU director of football relations Wayne Bolt, who delivered the best news that Shaffer could hear.
“Coach Bolt called me and told me I made the team, and I was shocked,” Shaffer said. “Playing college football is something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid. I wanted it really bad. I worked out hard all summer, ran and lifted weights, and it paid off. My parents (Linda and Blake Sr.) were a big support. They helped me get the opportunity to try out, and I was able to impress the coaches.”
Shaffer was an All-Outlook selection last year, recording 62 tackles and anchoring the middle of the Wildcat defense. His addition to the Tiger roster continues the BRHS pipeline to Auburn. Fellow BRHS graduates Eltoro Freeman and Michael Goggans are currently defenders for AU.
The try-out was a one-day workout in the indoor practice facility with 25 total hopefuls. The players were split into groups and went through drills and agility work in front of their respective coach. Shaffer, who was evaluated by defensive coordinator Ted Roof, said though he was still unsure about whether he would make the team after the workout, he felt good about his performance.
“I was happy with my workout,” Shaffer said. “I focused a lot this summer on getting stronger in my chest and legs and on improving my foot speed. I figured I had just a good a chance as anybody else there. Coach Roof didn’t say much, but he knew a lot about linebacking and I enjoyed working with him. I’m just excited that I made it and am grateful for the chance to play.”
Shaffer said Freeman was a big help to him during the process.
“Eltoro kind of talked me through it,” Shaffer said. “He encouraged me to work hard and go for it. He asked me how I did afterwards. I told him I thought I did pretty well, and he was happy He was a great motivator for me.”
Though Shaffer is just thrilled to be playing football, playing for Auburn makes it a bit sweeter for him.
“Auburn has been one of the top schools in the SEC for as long as I can remember,” Shaffer said. “I love the people here and the atmosphere. I got to tour the athletic department and some of the other facilities, and they were spotless. It’s amazing.”
Shaffer’s goal for the upcoming season is simply to do what’s best for Auburn.
“I’m not expecting to play; I just want to help the Auburn football team any way I can,” Shaffer said. “I’ll do anything possible to do that, whether it’s playing a different position or whatever. I want to help them get closer to a national championship.”
Shaffer said he will get his equipment soon, and, pending a physical, he will begin practicing with the Tigers, who start the year Sept. 5 against Louisiana Tech.
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