2023 PFN Player Profile: Getting to know Northern Lebanon LB Luke Shaffer
Tagged under: District 3, News, Player Previews
Billy Splain | June 12, 2023
Luke Shaffer
LB/TE
Northern Lebanon
Class Of 2024
Jersey #8
HT/WT 6’1 220
141.5 tackles (school record)
Other sports Basketball Track
2nd team 4a All-State 2nd team 4a All-Eastern PA 1st team all county 1st team all section
Twitter @Itslukesss
Coach Jason Rice: “What really separates Luke from others is that he plays with his head. He is a student of the game, constantly watching film and studying opponents. He catches on to tendencies in the trenches and coming out of the backfield. He has such a knack for avoiding blocks and closing down the space in between himself and the ball carrier.
He is also an excellent student in the classroom with a 3.8 gpa and is a member of the National Honor Society. He comes from a great household, his mom is a nurse and his dad is a detective. Luke is a natural leader with a very bright future. Many FCS and even a couple FBS programs have reached out to talk about Luke and his potential as a college football player. Luke started as a sophomore at linebacker but was shadowed by the dominant senior Kalani Adams who then went on to Shippensburg University. After Kalani graduated, Luke quickly asserted his dominance on the gridiron, amassing 141.5 tackles in his junior year, only playing in 8.5 games and earning himself All-State honors. He has since gained the recognition of reputable collegiate football programs such as Army West Point, Villanova, Temple, and many more”.
LET’S GET TO KNOW LUKE!
Why do you play football?
I play football because I love the physicality and competition this sport brings, it also is a really fun time playing the game I love with my best friends!
Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?
I would have to say Luke Kuechly. This is because he is the first linebacker I remember watching and I have always tried to model my game after his. He is a great guy on and off the field as well.
Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:
I had a pick 6 my sophomore year that got called back due to a holding penalty, but that would have been my first touchdown. None the less it still counted as a 40ish yard return which was pretty cool.
What was last years season like for you?
It was definitely a great step towards my goals, I definitely got better as a player but I’m not satisfied. As a team it was not the outcome that we worked hard for each day.
What are your goals for this coming season?
I want to achieve 1st team all state, and lead the state in tackles while winning the section.
Who is the best player you ever lined up against?
I’ve played against plenty of great players but the best player I’ve played against would probably be Jven Williams who is now at Penn State.
What stadium, HS/college/pro would you love to visit for a game?
I would love to go on a visit to Penn State for the white out game.
What is your favorite Pro team, any sport?
Probably the Eagles
What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?
Definitely 2019 LSU vs Alabama, it was super exciting and filled with a ton of NFL talent.
What would you do to improve the recruiting process?
Describe what the perfect teammate is
Someone who is both selfless and gives it his all for his teammates. As well as a good person off the field.
Tell everyone why you think football is good for a community
It brings everyone together for a great time where you don’t have to worry about anything else. It also builds friendships that could last a lifetime.
Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?
Win states, or kick a game winning field goal.
Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?
Definitely my Dad, he’s always there for me and he taught me a lot I know about football. He’s always there to help me get better and he tells me what I need to hear even if it’s not what I want to hear.
What is your favorite practice drill? What is your least favorite practice drill?
I love hitting drills or when we run live in practice. But like most other players, I do not like conditioning.
Preseason Two a Days are:
FUN
Is there anyone in your family, besides your parents, you could consider your biggest fan? Who, Why?
Probably my sister, she’s at all my games and she always supports me.
When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?
Fishing or hanging out with my friends because it is low stress and they definitely make time move fast.
What is your favorite football memory to date?
After our shut-out win against Lebanon my sophomore year, our head coach was dancing in our locker room. (Which was definitely a sight to see)
What is your favorite play to run?
Probably cover 2 because I can cover the whole middle of the field like a safety.
is a hot dog a sandwich?
No it’s a hot dog
Music of choice:
Rap!
Best thing you ever got from a teammate? Why?
Probably some helpful tips or information from past teammates which helped me to become a better player.
Best Pizza topping?
Mushrooms
Which one? Sheetz or Wawa
Neither
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Florida (preferably the gulf side)
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