Prior to Stanford
- Played at Peters Township High School in McMurray, Pa. for head coach TJ Plack
- A consensus three-star recruit who is a top-five outside linebacker in Pennsylvania, ESPN ranks him at No. 3
- Ranked as high as the No. 29 overall prospect in Pennsylvania.
- Played three sports in high school: football, baseball, and basketball, earning three varsity letters in football
- Plays on both sides of the ball for Peters Township, also appearing as a tight end
- Recorded over 65 total tackles with 7 sacks and 3 interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns as a senior
- Hauled in 29 passes for 500 yards and four touchdowns during his final year
- Captain of the Peters Township football team
- All-State honoree (2025)
- First Team All-WPIAL at both tight end and outside linebacker (2025)
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 (2025)
- Helped the Indians reach the PIAA championship game where they capped off an undefeated season (2025)
- Four-time National Honor Society member (2022-25)
- Four-time High Honor Roll member (2022-25)
Personal
- Son of Allison and Jason Shanafelt
- Has an older brother named Carter and a younger sister named Emme
- Enjoys to travel
- Has considered Stanford his dream school since he was a kid
- Interested in pursuing economics and management science & engineering