Arizona State football: Linebacker leaves team, intends to transfer

TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State football linebacker Will Shaffer has left the team, and intends to transfer. Since Shaffer has only played in four games this season, he can use this season as a redshirt if he wishes. He’ll have two years of eligibility remaining. This was first reported Wednesday morning by Chris Karpman of SunDevilSource.

Shaffer leaving Arizona State football with intentions to transfer

Shaffer is a local product, hailing from Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Ariz.

In high school, Shaffer was dominant, and a three-sport athlete. In his career at Saguaro, he racked up 139 total tackles in his varsity career, while also adding two interceptions, a forced fumble, and three pass breakups.

At Arizona State, the linebacker hasn’t been able to crack the starting rotation on defense but has been invaluable on special teams. Shaffer’s standout play on special teams can be traced all the way back to his freshman season. Against Oregon State he blocked a punt and returned it 22 yards, earning him Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week Honors.

In 2021, his redshirt freshman season (2020 wasn’t used against eligibility thanks to NCAA COVID-19 rules), Shaffer continued his special teams contributions. He took the field for the 7th most special teams snaps in the Pac-12. The linebacker earned the seventh-highest PFF Grade of special teams players (minimum 200 snaps).

Last season Shaffer played 195 snaps of special teams. Good for 19th in the conference.

So far this season Shaffer has compiled five total tackles and a quarterback hurry, all against Fresno State.

Wherever his journey takes him next, Sun Devil fans wish him the best of luck.

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