Frank Buncom excels on and off the field for St. Augustine High School

Exclusive interview with Frank Buncom and St. Augustine head coach Richard Sanchez

 

Success has not spoiled St. Augustine cornerback Frank Buncom IV yet. Under the tutelage of head coach Richard Sanchez Buncom has become a highly recruited defensive back with schools across the nation hoping to gain his commitment.

Buncom’s strong leadership and tight cover skills has resulted in offers from Pac-12, SEC, ACC, and Ivy League programs. The Class of 2015 standout won a championship in 2013 under Coach Sanchez’s guidance with the two looking forward to their upcoming season.

After sitting down for an interview with both player and coach, one can see the special bond the two have on and off the field and why St. Augustine remains one of the top high school football programs in the nation year in and year out.

Since becoming the head coach of St. Augustine High School, located in San Diego, California, in 2009, Richard Sanchez has amassed an impressive 50-13 record with a CIF Section Championship under his belt. A large part of his success can be attributed to his personality and the way he connects with his athletes, with one of them being Buncom.

 

When asked about Buncom’s development as a player Coach Sanchez responded “He has been a starter since his freshman year but has developed into a great leader.”

Frank comes from a pro football bloodline, his late grandfather, Frank Buncom II, played linebacker for the San Diego Chargers from 1962 to 1967 ending his career as a Cincinnati Bengal in 1968. The patriarch of the family is a member of the Chargers Hall of Fame, inducted into their inaugural class in 1976 earning the honor after being selected as a three-time AFL All-Pro (1964, 1965, and 1967).

The elder Buncom played his prep football at Dorsey High School before attending East Los Angeles Junior College and continuing on to finish his collegiate career at University of Southern California (1960-1961).

Being an amazing athlete was not the only legacy passed down from the Hall of Fame honoree, being a strong community leader was important as well according to his grandson. Before Frank Buncom’s tragic passing in 1969 of pulmonary embolism during Bengals training camp at the very early age of 29, being a leader in the community and giving back was impressed upon those around him.

 

Now his grandson Buncom IV looks to continue the work his grandfather started, by not only excelling on the grid iron but also continuing his role as a community leader. Making his grandfather proud, Frank shows selflessness and dedication by regularly volunteering his time at the Ronald McDonald house to serve breakfast to the homeless and also mentors kids at the nearby orphanage.

When asked about his off the field activities Buncom proudly responded, “Every second Saturday I serve breakfast at the Ronald McDonald house to help feed the homeless. I also play with the kids at the local orphanage.”

Frank’s grandfather is not the only member of the family to stress excellence off the field, his grandmother, Sara, has served as a school principal within the San Diego School District. His grandfather’s bloodline has helped secure offers from top football programs including UCLA, Washington, Nebraska, Arizona State, and Cal Berkeley but his grandmother’s influence has helped secure offers from top academic institutions Duke, Harvard, Northwestern, and Yale by maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.

Attesting to the influence Frank Buncom still has on his grandson, when asked why he plays football Buncom responded, “I play for my grandfather’s legacy.”

When Coach Sanchez was asked about Frank Buncom the person and the player a quick response was given, “Frank was a starter as a freshman and has developed into a great leader.”

Buncom has shined in Sanchez’s defense. “I run a flex D where the linebackers shoot the B-gap.”

At 6’2”, 185 pounds, Buncom has the prototypical size for a cornerback to succeed at the next level and his production speaks for itself. Unlike many cornerbacks he will not shy away from tackling racking up 91 total tackles and forcing a fumble this past season after tallying 50 tackles in 2012 and an amazing 14 pass breakups.

Showing his versatility Buncom played a little bit of offense catching 21 passes for 261 yards with one touchdown.

When asked about what helped the Saints capture a state title in 2013 Coach Sanchez’s answer was simple, “We were a more experienced team this and I think that helped us win.”

St. Augustine should be in the mix for another state title with the return of 1,400 yard sophomore rusher Elijah Preston. On defense underclassman linebacker Quinn Seau returns to help bolster the defense with Buncom along with Elite Football Network camper Chuck Filiaga, a 6’7”, 275 pound, true freshman stud who had 52 tackles in 2013.

A bar of excellence has been set by Coach Sanchez for his players on and off the field. Saints fans should expect another great season for the St. Augustine Saints program with the leadership of players like Frank Buncom on and off the field leading the way.

Primary photo credit: utsandiego.com; No. 5 Frank Buncom IV scores for the Saints

Interview by Daiki Sato, written by Ryan Wright