Even though the Wilkes’ football season is coming to an end, DJ Shuttleworth’s dedicated to his team and friends will never be forgotten. He went to Schuylkill Valley High School in Reading, Pa., where he excelled not only in football but in basketball and volleyball. DJ is a junior accounting major who is not only praised for his athletic ability but how he holds his head high with a great attitude and mind set not only on the field but in the classroom. DJ says he would not be the man he is today without his family, but then Wilkes’ football would not be what it is without its Colonel, DJ.

When you play football how does it make you feel?

I love the game of football, but when I’m playing it doesn’t seem like it because I play like I’m pissed off, ha ha.

What position do you play and what are your responsibilities at this position?
I play outside linebacker. As a linebacker you have a lot of responsibilities, but my first responsibility is to stop the other team from running the ball.

What is your major and what are you looking to do with it?

I’m an accounting major, and right now I’m not sure what I am going to do with it, but I’ve been most interested in Forensic Accounting.

What do you love most about Wilkes University?

I love my teammates and the people that go to Wilkes. I also enjoyed the green-way, before the new building was put there.

When playing football what is your most memorable moment?

I have two memorable moments. First, I was a sophomore and had a breakout game against a great team and made the front page of the paper. Second, when my best friend Dylan Mohring broke his elbow my senior year of high school, I wore his number the next game because his season was over. I told him when I score it was for him and on my first carry I scored.

What motivates you to keep playing and do good in school?

My family really motivates me because without them, I would not be any where I am right now. Also Coach Sheptock motivates me to become the best man, student and football player I can be.

Who do you idolize most in football/life?

I actually idolize my younger brother in football, Edward. He is only 16 and a sophomore in high school, but the dedication he has and the way he plays is just incredible. In life, I idolize both my parents. My dad has always been really strict with me, but being older I realize how good it was for me to have a great man like him in my life. My mom is the most amazing person in the world. She has always been there for me and I don’t know what I would do without her. I would be lost.

If you could choose one word to describe yourself what would it be and why?

One word to describe me would be “hardworking.” No matter where I am at with any aspect of life, I’m always trying to improve myself.

Before a big game what do you eat to get yourself ready?

Before every game, I actually barely eat. I usually get really nervous, but I usually get a bagel and right before the game I will have half of it.

What is your greatest strength?

My greatest strength, I’ve been told, is my personality. People usually come to me for advice and like to hangout with me because I can make them laugh and always have a good time.

Do you have any special rituals you do before every game, if so what?

I say a prayer in the locker room holding my chain with a cross on it and a dog tag saying “I will always be my brother’s keeper.”

Would you rather be liked or feared?

On the field, feared. Life, liked.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I honestly don’t know. I’m more of a “go with the flow” kind of guy.

What is you greatest weakness?

My greatest weakness is probably being naive with somethings going on in my life.

Do you have any lucky charms?

I feel like my family is my lucky charm. They never miss a game unless my brother and I have a game on the same day, then one comes to mine and the other goes to my brothers.

What are your other hobbies when you’re not playing football?

When I’m not playing football, I’m usually working out, playing basketball or volleyball. During summer I’m always outside, have to love the outdoors.

What is your biggest goal in life?

My biggest goal in life is that at the end when my wife, kids, all my other family members, friends, and people that just know me, come and can say, he was the best man I ever knew.