Exclusive Interview with Brian Chaffin

The Stanford Cardinal mystique has grown over the years with names like John Elway, Jim Plunkett, Andrew Luck, Zach Ertz, James Lofton, Sione Fua, and Richard Sherman laying the groundwork while leading the way for the next generation of players. Under fourth year head coach David Shaw, that ideal has continued to grow, recruiting outstanding young men in life, in the classroom, and on the football field.

Coach Shaw has found another embodiment in Charlotte Christian center Brian Chaffin.

Chaffin is a four-year starter for the Knights helping lead the Charlotte, North Carolina program to two state championships during his tenure. The 6’2”, 286 pound, center is more than just a road grader looking to pancake block the next unfortunate opposing defender, he also calls out alignments getting the offense on the same page after doing his pre-snap reads.

Stanford picked up Chaffin’s verbal commitment in mid June leaving behind offers from Boston College, Cal, Charlotte, Duke, Kansas State, Louisville, Mississippi State, North Carolina, N.C. State, Northwestern, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and an assured dozen of others if he was not “100 percent committed to Stanford” already.

In an exclusive interview, Chaffin sat down for a one-on-one interview going over game preparations, high school football, the recruiting process, and life off the field.

Brian, you committed to Stanford early in the process. Are any schools still making a run at you trying to flip you?

“Duke and NC State still contact every now and again but I let them know I am solid with Stanford.”

Throughout the recruiting process what type of feedback have you received from these colleges about your style of play?

“The college coaches like my motor and that I am a high energy guy. They also like that I get after people and take my blocks to the next level. The coaches have commented they like how I grind on the other players for four quarters. I have received high marks for my football IQ and athleticism as well.”

When it came time to make your verbal announcement why did you pick Stanford?

“I felt Stanford offered the best combination of athletics and academics. When I went to visit the coaches were genuine guys and not doing a sales pitch on me. I felt like I was at home. The guys on team seemed similar to me and that was comforting.”

The Knights had a great season last year going undefeated, what drove Charlotte Christian to a state championship win?

“We had a lot of good players and a lot of humble guys that put the team first. Each day everyone came to work with a common goal to get better and win a state championship.”

How does the team look this season?

“We’re 3-1; we had a game get rained out. We lost by a touchdown to Mallard Creek (28-21) in our opener. We have a strong team. I think we’ll be good again this year.”

If a high school football fan was heading to a Knights game for the first time, who are some of the players on the team that fan should watch throughout the game?

“We have a lot of great players defensive back Jaylon McClinton (committed to Army), linebacker Daulton Gouveia, punter/kicker Jackson Vansickle, left tackle Phillip Walton (committed to N.C. State), running back Elijah Deveaux, quarterback John Turley, and linebacker Ryan Gilmartin are just a few fans should watch.”

What type of offense do the Knights run?

“We line up in a couple of different formations but primarily run a pro style offense, with run gap schemes, lot of power options, and man-to-man blocking schemes.”

What are your strengths as the team’s starting center?

“I call out all of the pre-snap checks. I try to be a leader for my team. I try to be there for the guys bringing my intensity to every play. I feel I have a high football IQ that helps me understand what the defense is trying to do to stop us before I call out my reads.”

What type of game preparation do you spend off the field preparing for each game?

“I watch about two hours of film a week. I go over our script with our offensive coordinator and talk with the other lineman ahead of the game to make sure we are all on the same page before taking the field.”

What are your goals for the 2014 football season?

“I want to win state win conference again.”

Any personal goals?

“I would like to be named All-State again and lead team in pancakes (12 in three games). Really just want to win another state championship. That is my No. 1 goal.”

As a senior how will your role change this year compared to last year?

“I’m trying to be more of a leader than I was last year. I want to be more of a leader to my teammates who are relying on me to make plays.”

Do you have a NFL player do you model your game after?

“Ryan Kalil the center for the Carolina Panthers. I have a very similar body style and playing style as Kalil. I love the way he gets out on screens, the way he does it textbook.”

What is your most memorable moment in high school football so far?

“Winning two state championships.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“The brotherhood, making memories as a team. I enjoy hanging out and building that bond with my teammates.”

When you take off for Stanford and enroll in June, do you know what you want to major in yet?

“I’m going to major in management science engineering.”

Brian is college ready in more ways than one. He has a bench press of 380 and a squat of 520, but even more importantly he has all of his priorities in the classroom in check leaving this physically gifted athlete the opportunity to excel not only on the field but off the field.

Photo credit: Brian Chaffin; No. 65 Brian Chaffin.