Dan Buker

By Nathan Martinson
UW-RF Sports Information

In this his senior season, Dan Buker anchors the Falcon defense at linebacker.

Buker, the lone player on the Falcons defense selected as a Football Gazette Magazine pre-season All-American racked up 36 solo and 60 total tackles in 2005.

"It was kind of cool to be named a pre-season All-American, but I do not really think about it that much," Buker said.

Last season Buker was named the Defensive Player of the Week against Whitewater where he had five solo and seven total tackles.

Ever since joining the football program in 2002, Buker feels that UW-RF was the place that he always wanted to be because it offered him the opportunity to extend his football career.

"UW-RF has meant a lot to me personally. I have made a lot of life-long friends and I feel that the work ethic football has brought me will only help me in the real world when I graduate," Buker said.

Buker, 5-11 220 pounds, uses his quickness and big play ability to find opponent ball carriers and pass receivers.

Buker has been a very important player for the Falcons over the years. He started at linebacker in 2004 and 2005 and saw major playing time in 2003. In his first season he intercepted a pass and returned it 58 yards for a touchdown against Oshkosh

"Buker has a tremendous work ethic and along with his well-rounded personality he is a great leader for this team. Future Falcon players should look up to him," Coach John O'Grady said.

The Falcons are expecting to improve from last season's disappointing 3-7 record with more disciplined play on the defensive side of the ball.

"If we cut down on the mental mistakes and play smarter I think we have the chance to win any game in the conference. Many of the games will come down to the fourth quarter and I hope our mental toughness will prevail," Buker said.

The Falcons (1-1) so far this season have already made some big strides this season on the defensive side of the ball. Against Pacific Lutheran they forced six turnovers.

"Buker played a good game against PLU; he had a tipped pass that lead to an interception and that helped seize the momentum," O'Grady said.

Buker, who has 78 solo and 143 total career tackles, grew up in Waseca, Minn., where he played high school football. He received many accolades at Waseca including all-area and all-conference recognition in 2000 and 2001.

"I have been a part of some good teams and some bad teams, but my senior year we went 8-2 and lost the section title game and a trip to state," Buker said.

As a wrestler he was named all-area three times and finished third at state in 2002 at 171 pounds. He also graduated with academic honors. He has continued his academic success and has been named to the UW-RF Dean's list four times.

He is the son of Barb and Mike. Buker is majoring in math education.

He got his start in football in sixth grade where he signed up to play flag football.

In his spare time he likes to hunt, fish, lift weights and participate in other sports. He likes to watch movies, listen to music, go out with friends and spend time with his family.