- Name: Aaron Kaufman Jr
- Position(s): MLB/FB
- Height/weight - 5’9” 205
- Jersey # 13
- School & Class: Springfield (STHS) 2026
- GPA: 3.5
- Key Stats: Team Leader in Tackles
- Awards - 1st Team All-League DT(2023), 2nd Team All-League LB (2024)
- Hudl Link
- Favorite NFL team: EAGLES
- quote from the head coach:
- “Aaron is a senior captain and returning two time All-League defensive player.
On-Field Focus
What’s your proudest moment on the football field for Springfield this season or in your career?
“Making it to District championships and fighting til the last whistle of that game.”
Describe a play where you made a game-changing impact. What was going through your mind?
“One of the first plays against Plymouth whitemarsh I got a strip sack on their qb and we got the ball. It proved we could play with them and had a chance.”
What’s the toughest part of playing FB/LB, and how do you prepare for it?
“Defensively (LB) was easy as I could understand the schemes and came easy to my brain. Offensively (FB) was the hardest as I had to study and rehearse my offensive plays.”
Which NFL player do you model your game after, and what do you admire about them?
“Zach Baun because of his technical focus and he has the ability to play dline and linebacker.”
What’s a drill or skill you’re grinding to perfect before the season?
“One technique is a gallop step for offensive guard and keeping my head up.”
Personal Story
How did you start playing football, and what keeps you passionate about it?
“I started playing football when I transferred to Springfield School District and finally had a opportunity to try it with the push from my mom to play. I’ve always been a aggressive kid and we thought it would be a good constructive outlet. The brotherhood I found with my teammates and coaches keep me playing as well as the love for sport and positivity it brings to my life regardless of the scoreboard.”
Who’s been your biggest supporter (e.g., coach, family, teammate) in your football journey?
“Honestly I’ve had an excellent support system! First my family (my Mom, Stormii Duncle, Gavin, Pop) at every game, scrimmage, dinner you name it cheering me on and up. They are truly my biggest fans. Second, my coaches, Shelly, Shef, Krewson, and J Hill who push me to be the best version of myself on and off the field helping me through highschool and and looking ahead at the future. Teammates- Caden Bronson, Tommy Ryan, Ryan Vernick, Jason Morrisy, and Dick Jones have always been there to remind me of who I am and the various strengths I add to the team.”
What’s a challenge you’ve overcome—on the field or off—that’s made you a better player or person?
“I have been through a lot over the years that have molded me and pushed me to be where I am today. My father passed away in march of 2022. Before he passed he allowed my Mom (technically my godmother) to take custody of me opening up everything I have today teaching me when one door closes another one opens.
In May of 2024 I had a episode of psychosis and got diagnosed with several disorders after being hospitalized. Returning to Football and school after this was hard not knowing what people were thinking or going to say. But it taught me it’s ok to ask for help, that one event doesn’t define who you are, that obstacle are just that an obstacle and not the end of the road, and a diagnoses doesn’t define who you are.”
How does playing in the Suburban One League shape your experience as a high school athlete?
“Playing in the SOL is especially Hard given the size of STHS being so small compared to all the other schools in the league. It challenges us to the max with our schedule and teaches us to not be afraid of big challenges. We learn to attack and face the bigger things rather than back away from them. It also has proven these last few years that hard work, determination and heart are far stronger than bigger numbers and people.”
Football Flair
What’s your pre-game ritual or superstition to get in the zone?
“I normally listen to music for a while and a mix of stretching and muscle activation exercises.”
What’s the one song on your pre-game playlist that fires you up, and why?
“Paint it black by The Rolling Stones puts me into a different mood Almost every time.
What’s your nickname in the locker room, and how’d you earn it?
“I have a few but Shelly came out of no where with raw meat and was telling everyone I was eating raw meat that’s why I was so savage and it has stuck.
If you could take one teammate’s skill for a game, whose would you pick and why?
“I would choose my teammates Caden Bronson’s speed because he’s a nationally ranked sprinter he’s fast fast and humble about it.”
Future and Goals
What’s your biggest goal for this season with Springfield?
“Make it back to PJP.”
Are you eyeing college football? What’s your dream school or program to play for?
“I would love to play in collage but am struggling choosing between football or wrestling. My dream program for me would have to be either Penn State football or Lehigh football.”
Where do you see yourself in football or life five years from now?
“I see myself either playing my last year of football in college or wrestling it out in college and preparing to graduate with my Bachelor’s.”
Team and League Pride
What makes playing for Springfield in the Suburban One League special to you?
“Being a little guy in the league teaches you how to be a better competitor and not to be afraid of new things and challenges You gotta go against the best to be the best. Playing in a smaller school with a smaller team makes our bond that much stronger.”
Who’s an under-the-radar teammate who deserves more shine, and why?
“A under the radar teammate is definitely Zymir Small our running back he’s so elusive and quick on the feet he’s gonna do amazing this year.”
What’s the loudest or most memorable crowd moment you’ve experienced in a game?
“The loudest crowd moment and most memorable is a three way tie between Wissahickon Senior’s night my Sophmore year when we came back and won in overtime. The crowd was louder than we were on the field. Second was last year again Upper Moreland when we won against them for the first time in 13 years…. Our side of the stadium was packed and rowdy the whole game. Third Elizabeth Town last season, it was a distance to get to the game but our parents and fans made the drive most stuck in dead stop traffic on turnpike due to an accident. It was hottter than hot but our fans had our back the entire game giving us the energy to come back and win!!”