Interview: 4-Star 2021 QB Tyler Buchner Gives Update on Comeback and Recruiting Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Photo credit: Raymond Joyce Photography

Twitter: @RJPSports

When spring time rolls around in Southern California, a lot of college football programs, 16 to date, will be very interested to see Class of 2021 quarterback Tyler Buchner in action. The four-star recruit had an unfortunate ACL tear in the opening game of the 2018 season but that has not stopped the enthusiasm in the college ranks about his abilities at the next level.

Buchner is a smooth passer with strong mechanics and an arm to match. He picked up varsity snaps as a freshman with Bishops (La Jolla) hitting 28 of 37 passes for 512 yards with six touchdowns avoiding the rookie mistake of an interception. His 6-2, 205-pound, frame and talents in the pocket have led to offers being extended from UCLA, Alabama, Michigan, USC, Notre Dame, Arizona State, Arizona, Columbia, Georgia, Pennsylvania, TCU, San Diego State, Yale, Utah, Washington State, and Oregon.

In an RNG catch-up interview, Buchner gives insight on his rehab process and timeline in returning to action and talks about visits to Notre Dame, USC, and Texas.

Interview

Tyler, I’m sure you’ve answered this question a few million times, how did the injury happen?

“It was during the first game of the year against Grossmont. We were going three and out, we were punting and I was the punter. I faked the punt, got 30 yards on left side line. The kick returner came up, I planted and my knee blew out tearing my ACL (left).”

I saw the Twitter video you posted rehabbing your quads, how is that coming along?

“It is going well. My physical therapist is great. He has worked with Manti Te’o (Chargers) and Carson Palmer (Bengals) among others. I am lucky to have great people around me helping me during my rehab process. To be honest, I am ready to come back and play.”

Have you been able to throw and keep the wing loose these last few weeks?

“Not really. My left leg does not allow me to transfer weight. I can throw off my back leg but I am not supposed to do that. It will be four weeks until I can throw again.”

When are you expected to be cleared and back on the field for full contact?

“I am a week and half away from running and then two weeks for throwing. They say nine months after surgery until you can be back to full contact. I will work out and run soon.”

Even watching from the sidelines, one can learn a lot about the game taking it all in. What were some of the things you learned this season about the game that will help you going forward?

“Yes, I definitely learned a lot this season watching. It was a different experience. I learned a lot. I got to help call plays. I know more about offenses and defense now. I will come back smarter because of it.”

Your recruiting has been on fire since we last spoke, how many offers do you have now?

“I have 16 offers.”

Which were the last couple of schools to offer?

“TCU offered last weekend and I had a late offer over the summer from Oregon.”

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Stanford and Texas are the main ones, but I’m not going out for offers. I am just working on building relationships with coaches so I can figure out where I want to play football.”

Have you visited any schools this fall?

“Yes. I went to the Notre Dame game against Stanford, USC, and I just came back from Texas for their game against Iowa State.”

How did the Notre Dame visit go?

“I thought it was super cool. I love the campus, like the coaches, and the atmosphere there is great. Visiting Notre Dame was a unique experience. I will go back to South Bend again.”

What about USC, how did that go?

“It was cool. I got to hang out with a lot of the players and coaches. I have some friends that go there who showed me around. I have been there a couple of times now. It is fun to watch the games. They are my hometown school.”

And what about Texas, how did your visit to Austin go?

“Texas was cool as well. One of my best buddies, his family went to school there. Austin is a great college town, I loved it. Texas is a great school, and they have a great business great program which is important to me. Who does not love Texas football.”

Tyler, great catching up with you. I look forward to seeing you back at in time for spring practices and camps.

“Thank you.”