While Yough football has failed to consistently garner wins over the past several years, the Cougars did produce one of the most prolific running backs in the WPIAL. Dustin Shoaf ranked as one of the top rushers in both his junior and senior campaigns, and now he’s finding success on the gridiron at Mercyhurst University. As a result, he’s the featured athlete on the latest installment of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

Shoaf earned significant varsity snaps as a freshman in 2015, as he rushed 13 times for 156 yards and caught a dozen passes for 102 yards, scoring two touchdowns. Yough went just 2-7 that year, however, and failed to qualify for the WPIAL postseason.

In 2016, Shoaf compiled 1,077 yards rushing on 194 attempts, and caught 10 passes for 32 yards, scoring 10 total touchdowns. Yough posted a mark of 4-5, including 3-4 in conference action.

As a junior, Shoaf ascended to near the top of the WPIAL rushing leaders, as he amassed 1,880 yards on 280 carries, and added two receptions for 20 yards, scoring 16 times. He also connected on 3-of-10 passes for 27 yards and a score. However, Yough compiled a record of 2-8, including 2-5 in the conference.

In his senior campaign, Shoaf was even better, as he rushed 257 times for 1,968 yards, caught three passes for 30 yards, and scored 18 touchdowns. As a passer, he was 5-of-15 for 52 yards, one touchdown and one interception. His Cougars once again failed to qualify for the WPIAL playoffs, though, as they went 3-7 overall, and 3-5 in conference play.

During his Yough career, Shoaf was named a three-time All-Conference performer, including winning the conference MVP award, and he was also recognized as an All-State performer. Additionally, he wrestled for the Cougars.

Following his graduation, Shoaf matriculated to Mercyhurst University, where he joined the Lakers’ football team for the 2019 season. Playing in all 11 games, Shoaf contributed 23 receptions for 251 yards and a score, while he added five rushes for 33 yards. Mercyhurst posted a record of 6-5, including 3-4 in the PSAC West.

Although the 2020 fall football season was cancelled, the Lakers played two games this past spring. In the one game in which stats were recorded, Shoaf rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown, and hauled in an 8-yard pass.

Back to the traditional fall schedule, Shoaf has played in all six games thus far this season, compiling 111 yards rushing on 38 attempts, while adding seven grabs for 28 yards. The Lakers are 1-5, including 0-3 in PSAC West competition.

Dustin took time from his schedule to answer questions about his best attributes on the field, his decision to attend Mercyhurst, and his favorite vacation spot and where he still wants to go.

Q: How has your role evolved during your time at Mercyhurst?

A: I believe my role has changed a lot on and off the field here at Mercyhurst. From freshman year to now, I believe I have become more of a leader.

Q: What is your best attribute on the field?

A: My best attribute has changed a little from high school to college. I used to use my speed and athleticism to put me in positions to win on the field. Now, I use my brain and football IQ, as well.

Q: What was your reaction after the PSAC cancelled the fall football season a year ago?

A: I was disappointed to find out we wouldn’t be playing last fall. However, instead of dwelling on it, I used it as an opportunity to become a better football player by learning our playbook more etc.

Q: How did you approach the abbreviated schedule you played this past spring?

A: I approached the spring season as a learning experience. I was getting moved back to tailback from fullback. And I took the time to enhance my role on the field - whether it was knowing what check route I had or what backer I had on pass blocking.

Q: What team and individual goals did you set for 2021?

A: Our goal as a team is always going to be to win a championship. As far as individual, I set a goal to become a better player than I was in 2019, as well as doing whatever it takes to help the team win.

Q: What led to your decision to attend Mercyhurst?

A: The school itself speaks a lot of volume. I knew I was going to get a great education going to Mercyhurst. I had a few friends who were up at Mercyhurst and playing football as well at the time. Overall, I bought into the school and football program.

Q: What is your major, and ideal future profession?

A: Early childhood and special education. I would love to teach in a school district somewhere back home (Westmoreland County) and coach football one day.

Q: What has been your most challenging college class?

A: I had an English course that was called Western Classics.

Q: You were also an accomplished wrestler in high school. How did that sport benefit your football career?

A: It taught me to play low. Even though I play offense, it helped with blocking and getting leverage on a defender. It also taught me mental toughness.

Q: What was your fondest memory at Yough?

A: I had a lot of good memories at Yough. My fondest is probably the friends I made playing sports and going to school with.

Q: Who was the best player you faced in high school?

A: Dom Deluca of Derry Area.

Q: If you could change one rule about college football, what would it be?

A: Not so much changing it but adding that plays can be reviewed in DII.

Q: Do you use water, a sports drink, or something else during football?

A: I drink a lot of water, but other than that, I just take prelift when I lift.

Q: Who is your celebrity dream date?

A: Taylor Swift.

Q: What is your favorite vacation spot, or a place you've always wanted to go?

A: I’ve been to Florida a few times; I really like it there. One place I would like to see is the Bahamas.