Football
Evan Nemec
Abilene Christian’s Will Shaffer and Kaghen Roach have been selected for the Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Teams, as released by the organization on Tuesday.
Shaffer, a linebacker, was named to the first team, while Roach, a defensive lineman, landed on the third team.
“Will and Kaghen embody our three core principles we teach to our team: be men of character, be disciplined, and be tough,” head coach Keith Patterson said. “Your team can transform when your best players are also some of your best human beings. We expect both Will and Kaghen to lead the defense, and the entire team, this coming season.”
Shaffer and Roach each transferred from an FBS school before the 2024 season, and each had standout years.
Click here to view the full All-America teams by FCS Stats Perform.
An All-American by four media outlets, Shaffer attracted national attention with his play. He was one of 35 finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is given to the best defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). He finished with 123 tackles, which led the United Athletic Conference (UAC) and tied for the sixth most in ACU single-season history.
Roach spent two seasons at North Texas, close to his hometown of Celina, Texas, and then decided to come to ACU. He was named to the All-UAC second team, and totaled 10 tackles for loss, three sacks, and blocked two kicks. Roach also intercepted a pass in the Wildcats’ second round FCS Playoffs game at North Dakota State.
ACU had two players named to the Stats Perform FCS All-America Second Team after the 2024 season: Shaffer, and running back Sam Hicks, who exhausted his eligibility. The Wildcats were also named the Stats Perform FCS Team of the Week after defeating Tarleton State for the UAC title last November.
ACU kicks off its season on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Tulsa. The first of five home games is one week later – Saturday, Sept. 6 – vs. Stephen F. Austin at 7 p.m.
The Wildcats’ first game of their UAC championship defense is at home on Saturday, Sept. 20, against Austin Peay for Family Weekend.
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