When Schaefer was a tight end at Robinson High, Navy coaches liked what they saw. Just one problem: In their triple-option offense, the Midshipmen have no tight ends.
But Navy continued its pursuit. And when Schaefer arrived in Annapolis, the Mids turned him into a linebacker. Saturday at Notre Dame, Navy was happy it didn’t typecast the 6-2, 220-pound senior. Schaefer made the clinching play, sacking Irish quarterback Jimmy Clausen in the end zone for a safety with 1 minute left, in a 23-21 victory.
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“The coaches call it ‘running the hoop,'” said Schaefer, describing his circular route around the Notre Dame left tackle. “I didn’t have much luck with it all game. Finally I got through. I guess persistence paid off.”
Persistence has been a quality Schaefer has exhibited throughout his Navy career. Mostly a special teams player, Schaefer has been a stuck on the depth chart behind a pair of talented three-year starters, Ram Vela and Clint Sovie.
But on Saturday, after a strong week of practice, Schaefer was rewarded with a rare start, and produced. In addition to his sack, Schaefer made eight other tackles, tying for team honors.
At the academy, Schaefer is realizing a life-long dream, but it’s not what he imagined.
“My dad was in the Air Force for 21 years, retired Lieutenant Colonel,” said Schaefer. “I wanted to go to the Naval or Air Force Academy to fly. I never thought too much about football. But then I realized football was my way to get in.”
After graduation next spring, Schaefer will report to Charleston, S.C., for training as a submarine officer.
