Shaffer Earns Spot on Buck Buchanan Award Watch List
7/30/2025 11:00:00 AM | Football
Abilene Christian linebacker Will Shaffer continues to receive national recognition for his stellar play in 2024, and his potential in 2025 as he was named to the 30-man Buck Buchanan Award Preseason Watch List by FCS Stats Perform on Wednesday.
The Buck Buchanan Award is given annually to the best defensive player of the Division I FCS level. The award, in its 31st season, is named for defensive lineman Junious "Buck" Buchanan, who starred at Grambling State before being the first pick of the 1963 American Football League (AFL) Draft by the Dallas Texans, who later relocated to Kansas City and became known as the Chiefs.
Shaffer was one of 35 finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award in 2024. His 123 tackles led the United Athletic Conference, were eighth most in the FCS, and tied for sixth most in a single season in ACU history.
Earlier this summer Shaffer was also named Preseason All-America First Team by Stats Perform FCS, and FCS Football Central (Sports Illustrated). The UAC's head coaches voted him as the conference's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
"He has a very high football IQ. He understands the game," ACU head football coach Keith Patterson said during UAC Media Day in Nashville on July 16. "He has a great feel for anticipating what offenses are going to do."
"I love watching football. We could sit and play the video game all day," said Shaffer. "I take what I can from the film, applying my tips and keys that we get, and making sure I can apply that each snap."
Shaffer transferred to ACU before the 2024 season and became an instant playmaker with his knack for always being around the ball. He started all 14 of the Wildcats' games at weakside linebacker and clinched a victory over No. 5 Central Arkansas with an interception in the final minutes.
"I give a shoutout to coach Patterson for giving me the chance and opportunity to come to Abilene, be productive and be a leader for this squad. I'm extremely blessed."
Shaffer is one of five 2024 Buck Buchanan Award finalists on this year's preseason watch list, and one of two players from the UAC (defensive lineman Lando Brown, Southern Utah).
Click here to view the entire Buck Buchanan Award Preseason Watch List by Stats Perform.
The Buck Buchanan Award is given annually to the best defensive player of the Division I FCS level. The award, in its 31st season, is named for defensive lineman Junious "Buck" Buchanan, who starred at Grambling State before being the first pick of the 1963 American Football League (AFL) Draft by the Dallas Texans, who later relocated to Kansas City and became known as the Chiefs.
Shaffer was one of 35 finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award in 2024. His 123 tackles led the United Athletic Conference, were eighth most in the FCS, and tied for sixth most in a single season in ACU history.
Earlier this summer Shaffer was also named Preseason All-America First Team by Stats Perform FCS, and FCS Football Central (Sports Illustrated). The UAC's head coaches voted him as the conference's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
"He has a very high football IQ. He understands the game," ACU head football coach Keith Patterson said during UAC Media Day in Nashville on July 16. "He has a great feel for anticipating what offenses are going to do."
"I love watching football. We could sit and play the video game all day," said Shaffer. "I take what I can from the film, applying my tips and keys that we get, and making sure I can apply that each snap."
Shaffer transferred to ACU before the 2024 season and became an instant playmaker with his knack for always being around the ball. He started all 14 of the Wildcats' games at weakside linebacker and clinched a victory over No. 5 Central Arkansas with an interception in the final minutes.
"I give a shoutout to coach Patterson for giving me the chance and opportunity to come to Abilene, be productive and be a leader for this squad. I'm extremely blessed."
Shaffer is one of five 2024 Buck Buchanan Award finalists on this year's preseason watch list, and one of two players from the UAC (defensive lineman Lando Brown, Southern Utah).
Click here to view the entire Buck Buchanan Award Preseason Watch List by Stats Perform.
Players Mentioned
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