2025 Interview with Shawn Rife Jr. from Whetstone High School

 

Shawn Rife Jr.

Whetstone High School

RB, WR, SS, OLB (Rover/Sniper back)

2026

Height and Weight: 5’9, 180 lbs

Jersey Number 8

Awards won or earned: First Team All-City, All-Conference, Honorable Mention All-District

What or who got you started playing football, along with the reasons you continue to play?

My dad got me into football at 4 years old. I’ve had a strong passion for the sport since then. I continue to play football because it’s an outlet for me. The early morning lifts and long practices, as hard as they may be, give me purpose and meaning. It’s where I can zone out the outside world and focus in on what I love doing. Without football, I’m not sure where I’d be today or the type of person I’d be.

What makes you a good teammate?

I always hold my teammates accountable. Making sure there’s effort in practice, focus in the film room, and everyone’s doing their job correctly. Just as importantly, I celebrate our successes as often as possible. Even something as simple as an interception in practice should be celebrated. If you don’t have that chemistry and positive connection with your teammates, how are you supposed to work together in the game? I really just try to push my teammates as hard as possible.

Whetstone struggled last season with just one win. What was the biggest lesson you learned from the season?

Perseverance was a big thing I learned last year. Losing is part of the game whether you like it or not. I would be lying if I said I never wanted to give up or relax. Learning how to persevere through every game no matter the score, wake up the next day, and work just as hard is definitely something that developed my character. I think that speaks for a lot of my teammates.

What are your personal goals for the 2025 season?

I’m setting the bar extremely high for myself this year. First team All-District, become All-State, 1,000+ AP yards, 10+ TDs, and 70+ tackles.

What goals are you setting for the Braves this season?

We're definitely trying to win the City this year, get a spot in the playoffs, and get our rivalry trophy back.

With this being your final high school season, have you prepared any differently during the off-season? Explain

This off-season has been great. I’ve definitely been working harder now than ever. Weight room 5-6 times a week, field work about 4 times a week, and taking stretching a lot more seriously. I’ve been doing a bit of yoga, and my body feels better than ever. I’m up about 10 pounds right now, and my lifts have skyrocketed. Benching 285, squatting 405, and cleaning 185 right now, but really trying to hit 205 before the season gets here. Other than the physical part of the off-season, I’ve been contacting coaches as much as I can. I’m emailing tons of coaches, trying to keep my Twitter as updated as possible. I’ve taken visits to Akron, Eastern Michigan, and Butler University so far. Really excited for camp season coming up. Planning on attending quite a few camps.

If you are invited to play in any of the statewide all-star games after the season, will you? Explain

Yeah, I would love to have the opportunity to do so. I think it would be a great way to play against some competition and get my name out there.

Who is the best player that you have faced in a game, along with the team they played on?

Henry Ohlinger from Grandview Heights is definitely up there. Big frame, fast guy. Was very hard to take down and had quite the game against us. Heard he just committed to Indiana, so big shoutout to him.

Who is the one teammate that is most likely to do something funny at practice or in a game when things are tense?

I have to say our DB, Karl Jenkins. He’s a big locker room guy. Loves to joke around and always has a positive attitude going into things.

What game are you looking forward to the most? Explain.

I’m really looking forward to our opener against Youngstown East. Also looking forward to playing East. They have some ballers out there and a great coaching staff, so I love to go out there and compete with them. Our rivalry game is also highly anticipated.

Offense or defense, which side of the ball do you enjoy playing the most?

I don’t think I’d be able to pick one over the other. I love offense because it’s a great feeling pounding the ball down the field. I love having the ball in my hand, and there are very few better feelings than breaking off a big run. On the other hand, I’m never one to shy away from contact. There are very few feelings like coming downhill and laying a big hit. If I had to make a choice, though, I would say defense.

If you are hearing from any colleges, would you name some of them?

I’ve been talking to Akron, Eastern Michigan, Butler U, Slippery Rock, Ashland, and a couple other schools. Coach Cordle from Ashland University actually stopped by earlier today at my team lift to talk to me in person, so it was nice to see him.

Where is the best spot in your area to grab a pizza?

I really like Cottage Inn, Houndogs, and JT’s Pizza.

What scares you?

I wouldn’t say I’m particularly afraid of anything. Spiders freak me out a little bit, though.

What was the last book you read along with the author?

Pacman: My Story of Hope, Resilience, and Never-Say-Never Determination, written by Manny Pacquiao and Timothy James. This is a great autobiography by one of my favorite boxers of all time.

From the player thoughts on 2024 season

Last season was definitely filled with ups and downs. Regardless, I’m super proud to have had the teammates I did and will definitely miss the graduating senior class. My favorite highlight was the day before our last game, when all the seniors did their senior hit. Jaydin Souders picked me and definitely laid a big hit on me.