2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Billy Shaeffer, LB, Lafayette

- Name: Billy Shaeffer
- Position: LB
- College: Lafayette
- Height: 6’4
- Weight: 235
- Twitter: billyshaeffer15
- Instagram: billyshaef
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?
I am a top prospect because of my versatility. I can rush the passer, drop into coverage and play in the box. I have a great feel for the game and great instincts.
At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?
I started playing tackle football when I was 5. My earliest memory of football is watching the Eagles Patriots in the Super Bowl. I fell in love with football at a very young age.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
NFL teams should know about my toughness and competitive nature. I love to win and will do whatever I think is necessary to do so. I have passion and controlled energy that comes out when I’m on the football field.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
I would donate to the Boys and Girls Club.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best advice I have received was to set high goals for myself and work nonstop to achieve them.
Who was your childhood hero?
My Mom and Dad. On the football field, I also look up to Brian Dawkins because I love how he plays and his approach to the game.
Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?
The most underrated teammate in the locker room at my school is Preston Forney. He brings a lot of energy to our team and to our defense and I think he is going to have a big year this season.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Someone who is unorganized.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
The toughest moment for me was getting injured the first game back during the spring season after Covid. I worked hard for a year and a half after a good sophomore year and was eager to prove myself. I worked hard to get back to 100% and was ready to play for week 1 in the fall.
Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?
My school is small but it is a close-knit community and the best part about it is the people there. Everyone is very supportive of each other.
What is your favorite snack food?
Jerky
What is the best part of football?
Hitting someone. I love the physical aspect. I also love the bonds you build with teammates and lessons you can learn from the game.
If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?
I am a hardworking, physical athlete with a lot of versatility and willing to do the dirty work and whatever it takes to help my team win.
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?
Isaiah Simmons
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
LeBron James, Peyton Manning, Chase Utley. These are 3 people who reached the top of their sport. They were all great leaders and hard workers. I would love to pick their brains and learn something from each of them.

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com