To Activate the Valley, the Sun Devil program will need the buy in of fans, businesses, and the community as whole. It will also need to get more of the top local talent to stay home. One guy hoping to provide a blueprint for the hometown hero path is Will Shaffer. After a standout prep career at local powerhouse Saguaro, Shaffer has spent three seasons as a reserve linebacker and special teams contributor. But with a new season and a new defensive scheme comes new opportunity, and Shaffer put together a strong showing while running with the starting defense in spring. Heading into the 2023 season, he’s poised for a breakout campaign for his hometown school. On this episode, we discuss his lifelong connection to Sun Devil football, the lessons learned from last year’s struggles, the power and potential of activating the Valley, the new defense, rising up to meet an opportunity, and more.