Mercyhurst-bound
JEFFERSON TWP — When it comes to the next level, Knoch senior linebacker Tyler Buterbaugh's goals are basic.
“I want to play in a college football game. That's been my dream since I was a little kid,” Buterbaugh said. “And I want to win.”
He hopes to accomplish both at Mercyhurst University in Erie, where he recently signed a letter of intent.
Buterbaugh plans to major in pre-chiropractic at Mercyhurst. The Lakers announced their 22-member 2021 recruiting class on national signing day earlier this month.
Buterbaugh was not on that list.
“I just went up there for a visit last weekend,” Buterbaugh said. “I liked the campus, the coaches, the team, everything about it.
“Mercyhurst put together a strong finish in 2019 and they plan to add to that, to keep on winning. I want to be part if it.”
While Buterbaugh led a winless Knoch team with 18 receptions for 203 yards last season, he also led the Knights with 41 tackles.
And defense is where he wants to be.
“They're going to look at me at outside and inside linebacker,” he said. “Inside probably suits me a little better.
“Once I get to camp, I have to prove myself. Everybody does. After the evaluations, the coaches will determine whether to red-shirt me or put me on the field.
“One hundred percent, my goal is to get on the field my first year,” Buterbaugh added.
He also considered Clarion, Gannon, Washingon & Jefferson and Robert Morris before choosing the Lakers. Mercyhurst was 6-5 in 2019, winning its final three games to post the program's first winning season since 2014.
Marty Schaetzle has been head football coach at Mercyhurst for 19 years. He sports a 93-105 career record and has the longest active tenure of any head coach in the PSAC West.
“Tyler's worked hard for this opportunity and I'm happy for him,” Knoch coach Brandon Mowry said. “The PSAC is a tremendous league and I'm confident he'll earn his spot at that level.”
Mowry said Buterbaugh liked Clarion, “but they play a 425 defense there and that doesn't leave a lot of room for linebackers.”
Mercyhurst signed two linebackers — Blaze Grabowsky of McKeesport and Jonas King of Mount Pleasant — among its original 22-member recruiting class.
“Brandon will have to work his way up as a young college player,” Mowry said. “Maybe make a name for himself on special teams and go from there.”
Buterbaugh has no problem with that.
“I love the challenge that comes with competition,” he said. “Competing for playing time makes everybody better. I have to improve my foot speed, my agility, and keep my emotions in check. I get pretty emotional when I'm out there.
“The best guys will get on the field. That's the way it should be. It's all about proving yourself.”
