By John Raffel
Hunter Buczkowski is a running back who will be among the most dangerous weapons for the Mount Pleasant Oilers this season.
The 6’0″, 222-pound fullback and linebacker was first-team all-conference as a linebacker.
Buczkowski rushed 136 times for 914 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, while recording 120 tackles on defense.
Key moments in 2014 included 20 tackles in a loss to Carman-Ainsworth. Against Midland, Buczkowski had a tackle for a loss in the closing seconds and blocked a potential game-tying field goal in a 24-21 win.
This will be his third varsity season. From his sophomore to his junior season it was a huge jump in statistics on both sides of the ball. But Buczkowski plans on being an even better player as a senior.
“I put on a little more weight, and I think that will help my game in being faster and stronger,” he said, adding that as a linebacker, “I have good field vision, seeing the pulling guard and screens as it happens.”
Buczkowski expects to see a lot of carries in a diversified backfield. “I see myself as a power back,” he said.
The Oilers were 7-4 last season.
“I think we’re looking good,” Buczkowski said. “We have more experience from last year. We’re returning most of our offense and defense on both sides of the ball. There’s people who have stepped up. Our skill players are looking good. I think we’re going to be good this season.”
Buzkowski already decided on his college future by picking Central Michigan University. The choice was easy for Buczkowski, who has many relatives with ties to the school.
He is expected to focus on the defensive side of the ball in college.