K-State vs. Louisiana-Monroe: Kansas State linebacker Buhl small in stature, big on impact
Manhattan ? Not even plates full of pancakes and peanut butter would work.
Since his arrival at Kansas State three years ago, Josh Buhl and the Kansas State football training staff have done everything short of reverse liposuction to get the lanky linebacker to gain weight.
They’ve tried extra helpings of fat-soaked cheeseburgers, slices of pizza, candy bars, sandwiches and dietary supplements, but Buhl just can’t get much over 200 pounds.
Nevertheless, Buhl, a junior, has used his speed and mental toughness to entrench himself as a starter and a playmaker for a defense that has routinely been one of the country’s best.
“He’s determined to be the smallest, best linebacker in the country,” said fellow linebacker Terry Pierce, who is Buhl’s roommate.
Buhl, a junior from Mesquite, Texas, was everywhere on the field in the Wildcats’ 48-3 win over Western Kentucky, recording a team-high 13 tackles last week.
Although even the Division I-AA Hilltoppers had plenty of players that outweighed him, Buhl still slid through offensive lineman and tight ends to make tackles.
“I think some teams underestimate me because of my size,” he said. “They try to run right at me. That’s fine by me. I just use my speed to my advantage. I see myself as elusive.”
Although Buhl adapted to his size by earning a Big 12 honorable mention bid last year, that doesn’t mean he isn’t concerned about his frame. During his freshman season, Buhl arrived on campus at a skimpy 173.
Buhl eventually reached 205 and earned eight starts in his sophomore season, when he tied for third on the team with 68 tackles and was third in the Big 12 with two fumble recoveries. In his best games last year, he made 13 tackles against Nebraska and 10 against Missouri.