GARY VANCLEAVE
Special to HutchPost
BUHLER — Few wide receivers are going to outrun Buhler’s version of a gazelle in Brady Gotti.
“He’s very aggressive when pressing and is really good at figuring out what each receiver likes to run and how they break on their routes and rarely misses tackles and leads the DBs very well,” senior outside linebacker Will Hanen said.
“I play safety and was moved to tight end this year,” Gotti, who runs a 4.38/40, said. “What’s allowed me to stand out from others and excel is the amount of work I put into the sport and getting better.”
That extra work has gotten the attention of several colleges for football.
“Just constantly going to the field outside of practice and in the weight room getting bigger,” said the 6-foot, 195-pounder.
“He always plays like he has nine lives on the field,” junior linebacker Jacob Miller said. “He’s going to go as hard as he can and doesn’t care what happens as long as he’s there to make the play. And he leads the guys with passion and respect. With him it’s always about how we can get better as a team.”
“Hard working, focused, determined,” senior safety Jeremy Gentry said. “Stayed consistent and dedicated in the weight room, more experience and reps, therefore learning the defense.”
“Gotti is a hard worker which not only elevates his game but also pushes guys around him,” senior linebacker Nick Gazaway said.
“Brady is maybe the most physical DB I have seen,” senior running back Mitchel McDaniel said. “He is just built like a truck and he’s not just strong he’s fast and quick too. He’s also super smart which is extremely important. He knows what he’s doing when he’s supposed to do it. He communicates and builds everybody up around him and most importantly he leads by example and he leads well.”
Gotti calls himself a physical player at safety.
“I am able to come downhill and meet the back right at the line of scrimmage while also being a ball hawk and having good coverage,” Gotti said. “As a TE I can be a threat in the passing game because I’m undersized for that position. I am ok with the move to TE as long as it helps the team out in the best way possible.”
Last year, Gotti picked off two passes and broke up 11 aerial attempts. Gotti, whose vertical is in the 30s, also had an 80 yard pick six called back but the pick still counted.
“What makes a great safety is being able to be versatile and be a big part in stopping the run and pass,” Gotti noted. “What makes a great TE is also being versatile because they are needed to block most of the time while still being able to go out and catch passes.”
“Brady is a very physical defensive back, he is very verbal,” senior quarterback Brendan Scripsick said. “He’s helpful to the other defensive back to make sure everyone is on the same page and running the defense right. He is also a very good leader and someone to look up to.”
“He’s quick, strong and is aggressive when guarding somone and tackles hard,” junior running back Ben Clouse, who racked up 894 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns, said.
“Brady is a very hard worker which not only translates over to his play but also pushes the guys around him,” Gazaway, who recorded 55 tackles and scored a rushing touchdown, said. “Definitely his catching and speed have had the most improvement.”
Football has been a valuable learning tool to Gotti.
“Football’s taught me a lot mostly how to be a leader and step into a role where I need other guys trusting me,” he said.
“Brady is one of the most physical players on the entire team and his speed makes him a very versatile and key player,” senior receiver Cash Carson said. “His leadership is very crucial for the team as well. He makes sure everyone is working hard and not skipping reps.”
“Brady is a great leader and teammate,” Jared Miller said. “Brady has gotten a lot better at being a leader and pushing everyone. He is always focused and doing the right things.”
Gotti hopes to get the chance to play college baseball.
“It means a lot to have this many colleges interested in me and my abilities,” Gotti said. “It’s always been my dream to play college football so it would mean a lot if I can.”
“He’s gotten in the weight room alot and has grown taller and bigger,” Hanen said “His years in track have started to help as he now is the fastest on the team clocking a 4.3.40.”
“He has made many improvements the most being his strength,” Scripsick said. “He has been focusing on lifting and had gotten a lot stronger since last season.”
“Brady has developed a lot this summer both as a leader and as a player,” Jacob Miller said. “He’s become more vocal on the field, just getting people to do what they need to do. And as a player he’s gotten both stronger and faster in the offseason.”
Buhler kicks off its season on Sept. 6 against visiting Mulvane.
“Friday Night Lights is awesome. The atmosphere and the adrenaline you get when you’re running out of the tunnel, there’s nothing like it,” Gotti said.
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Sent from my iPhone