Shafer Suggs - #23 - SS - Ball State - Profile

PRO: "Shafer is a hitter," Michaels said. "He's strong enough to cover big tight ends one-on-one, and he's got good speed to stay with wide receivers. Shafer also has great jumping ability." ...played in every game at strong safety and started 15 last year when he matched his career high of three interceptions ...did not start at Buffalo (flu) ...returned interception 32 yards for first TD as a pro vs. Vikings on Monday night TV...other interceptions were against Cleveland and Oakland when he received Pentax Jets' player of the week award ...his fumble recovery vs. Colts at Shea set up FG...tied for fifth on squad with 108 tackles (49 solos) ...led the Jets in tackles in 1978 when he started 16 games at SS in his first injury-free season ...started just eight games in 1977 when his progress was hampered by a series of injuries, beginning with shoulder separation he suffered in car accident en route to training camp ...found home at SS in his second season after starting nine games at LCB and one at SS as a rookie.

COLLEGE: Named Mid-American Conference defensive player of the year as a senior ...AP second team AII-America ...first Ball State player in 17 years to earn four footbailletters ...stood out in East-West and Senior Bowl games ...set school career interception record with 14, including eight in 1975...three-year basketball starter ...played in last College All-Star Game in Chicago ...kicked nine straight FGs as sophomore and junior.

PERSONAL: Single ...majored in history ...lives year-round in Westbury, NY ....coaches Little League baseball team almost 40 miles away in Port Chester, N.Y ...donates bats and balls himself... plays clarinet...all-state football and basketball standout at Central High in his birthplace and hometown of Elkhart, Ind.

From 1980 Jets yearbook.