If you had a picture of an offensive tackle from North Dakota, you would probably think of someone that looks similar to new Washington Huskies commit Jack Shaffer. On Tuesday, he was a surprising flip from Iowa State to Washington in a major win for coach Jedd Fisch.
Shaffer had been committed to the Cyclones since April but flipped his commitment quickly after taking a recent official visit to Seattle.
Shaffer, the No. 2 prospect in North Dakota, will now look to help strengthen an offensive line in dire need of his services in 2025. Last season, he was an all-state player after he split time between left and right tackle.
He may ultimately slot in better at right tackle or inside at guard, but his versatility along the offensive line is a major selling point for his profile.
It’s always impressive when an offensive line is completely dominant, even against a lower level of competition. Shaffer checked that box last season. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound lineman was a wrecking ball for his offense. The team showed a total commitment to running behind him wherever he was lining up.
Shaffer had a very impressive rep against fellow top North Dakota prospect Kade Pietrzak, a Nebraska commit, showcasing that his adjustment to tougher competition could be smoother than expected. As of now, he is operating in a run-heavy offense where he primarily lines up in a three-point stance.
He did show some pass-blocking chops, but that will be a major point of improvement when he arrives in Seattle next year.
The mammoth offensive lineman has plenty to like about his profile; he has shown he can easily pull across the formation and be a lead blocker on counter concepts, something that will be important to the Huskies and offensive coordinator Brennan Carroll. Shaffer will look to come in and compete with the plethora of younger talent that will try to improve the Huskies’ offensive line in 2025.
I have officially flipped to WASHINGTON! pic.twitter.com/OUAa9mc7s5
— Jack Shaffer (@jjshaffer0) September 18, 2024