BearcatReport.com - Schaffer is making a name for himself

September 25, 2009

Scott Springer
BearcatReport.com Staff Writer

He already has more tackles than he had all of last year, he's tied for the team lead in interceptions and he has red hair.

You probably didn't know...about the hair.

You usually don't see the linebackers much with their helmet off. They're usually lunch bucket guys. Punch the clock. Get dirty. Make some plays. Get'er done (though they're typically in far better shape than "Larry the Cable Guy").

That's J.K. Schaffer (and for the record, J.K. stands for Jerome Kyle in case some of you want him to sign his autograph fully after a game). The good thing is, J.K.'s only a sophomore and is already making a big impact on UC's defense.

UC's defense is also making a big impact on the opposition, shutting down offenses that were scheduled (in theory) to score points. For the doubters, ask Rutgers or Oregon State how "down" the Bearcat defense is.

"Ever since last year they said we'd be in trouble because we lost the 10 starters," said Schaffer. "We always talked about how even though we lost 10 starters, everyone that was going to be starting got a lot of reps last year. We've been saying all along that we're going to prove people wrong. We love being the underdogs."

For those of us that have been privy to spring practice or Camp Higher Ground, we've seen coaches Diaco, Elston, Inge and Coombs implore the Bearcats to "fly to the ball". Different ones have success in doing so, but usually those that do it consistently are the most rewarded. J.K. Schaffer's success was evident in April, evident in August, and evident now in September as he's tied with Aaron Webster with two INT's in three games.

"Yeah, I found it a couple of times, but I had a lot of help," said Schaffer. "That wouldn't have happened without Andre Revels tipping a pass in the Rutgers game and Brad Jones smacking the receiver in the Oregon State game. We're a very fast defense. We love to fly around, that's what we do."

Schaffer is a LaSalle product, coached by Tom Grippa. He's was the GCL (Greater Catholic League for non-Cincinnatians) linebacker of the year. GCL schools usually end up facing Colerain HS at one time or another. The fact that Schaffer even speaks to Revels, or vice-versa is impressive in itself. But, the prep rivalries end when players strap on the red and black.

"I wasn't a big fan of Colerain in high school," Schaffer admitted. "I'm not complaining now, I love the guy. It's pretty funny how things end up working out."

That underscores the importance of the local prep stars playing at UC. With each year, the Bearcat staff has increasing success in having star athletes "go away to school" by coming to UC where their friends and family can watch AND they still have a crack at a BCS bowl game.

"There's a lot of talent here in Cincinnati," said Schaffer. "It's also pretty cool because I know the guys that are from Cincinnati like to play in front of their hometown and for their city. I think it's a really cool thing."

Compared to when Schaffer was a youngster for the Lancers off North Bend Rd., the Bearcat bar has been raised dramatically. While Brent Celek of LaSalle has gone on to NFL success with the Eagles, he never got to experience the rewards that J.K. Schaffer and the other locals are having now.
Celek got to go to Fort Worth and Toronto. Schaffer's been to the Fontainebleau on Miami Beach while at the Orange Bowl.

"It wasn't the same thing," Schaffer recalled of his early recollections of the Bearcats. "You didn't see people walking around with Bearcats t-shirts on and stuff. Now that we've come this far, you see that a lot and it's a pretty cool thing."

Another difference is that past teams would go to so-called "name" stadiums and people would be merely satisfied with making a "good showing". Now, UC marches into such stadiums with the full intention of kicking every fanny in the seats in order to get the win. For example...the recent win at Corvallis against Oregon State.

Most of you would consider a game at Oregon State to stand out in a young player's memory. While the win does, Schaffer likes his atmosphere on the home turf.

"It was pretty wild (Corvallis) but nothing like 'The Nipp'," he said. "It'll be real crazy (Saturday) it's always special to play in 'The Nipp'."

Schaffer and the 'Cats have the advantage Saturday in that Fresno State's body clocks will be set on breakfast, while UC will be ready for afternoon lunch. That said, the Bulldogs can score and Coach Kelly believes this game will be the biggest challenge to date for the defense.

"They're very talented but we're not worried about it," said Schaffer. "We're going to go out there, we're going to prepare and work hard. We don't underestimate anybody. They're a very talented team, but we're going to prepare well for them."

While Fresno State's offense can move the chains and score the points, their defense and special teams took a beating against Boise State. Wisconsin also scored big. Logic would say, that doesn't bode well for the Bulldogs coming into a different time zone against a team ranked #4 in the nation in scoring offense.

"Our offense is pretty powerful, I think a lot of teams will have trouble," agreed Schaffer.

While Schaffer didn't go the Isaiah Pead route and challenge "that team up north", he also is enjoying the luxury of being a ranked team. Ranked teams play on TV and for those that miss their games, the highlights get shown later. Teams "also receiving votes" usually don't get featured on "Gameday".

"It's awesome, I've got friends calling and saying, 'Have you guys seen your last rankings?'," said Schaffer. "It's been really cool to look at ESPN and see us on there up at the top, it's really neat."

The highlight reel continues Saturday. If you're lucky, you might catch #37 with the ball in his hands again (courtesy of a tip from one of his high school rivals).

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