Ryan Buckley is a self-admitted average athlete, but his track record may carry him to the college ranks.

The Notre Dame senior will be a three-year starter at guard and defensive end, and he is one of the team captain candidates.

“Ryan is one of those kids you never worry about,” Fighting Irish coach Charlie Wiggins said. “He works hard and sets a good example, but he also reaches out and helps the new guys at his position and the younger guys on the team. He is one of those who see the big picture.”

Academically, Buckley carries a 3.5 GPA and has scored a 25 on the ACT. When he isn’t studying or playing football or baseball, he works the counter and serves at a local sandwich shop.

He strives to make the most of every opportunity.

As a sophomore on an 8-3 team in 2006, the 6-foot, 210-pounder was voted the best newcomer, and last season he was named most improved offensive player. Earlier this month, he was awarded a three-foot trophy for overall performance, leadership and marked improvements in his 40-yard and shuttle times and bench, squat and clean showings in the weight room.

When asked what it takes to make a football player, Buckley responded, “Selflessness. You have to want to play for something other than yourself.”

He added, almost in afterthought, “Hard work. It is kind of a foreign concept for me to give less than 100 percent at anything I do, and that comes out when I’m in a group of people. I’m a mediocre athlete who works hard. I’m average and I have to work harder to keep up with others.”

That, said Wiggins, is what makes Buckley a good football player, and it is an approach the coach hopes is contagious.

Notre Dame returns only seven starters, three on offense and four on defense, and there will be times when the Irish have fewer pure athletes on the field.

“We have some guys who are blessed athletically, but we’re going to beat guys by outworking them, by giving more effort,” Buckley said. “I expect we’ll do well.”

He had early concerns that have been erased despite Notre Dame’s overall youthfulness and the fact that at least six players will be asked to play both ways.

“I had my doubts during summer weightlifting, but after camp and seeing the guys in two-a-days, I got excited,” Buckley said. “What excites me is seeing the guys get excited. We’re having fun at practice, and we have had a good intensity level.”

His coach echoed that assessment.

“We had a good camp. The guys were on time to meetings and practice. They came and worked like they really wanted to get better,” Wiggins said. “I think they realized the importance of camp rather than thinking they had all the answers, and they did the little things — even helping the freshmen do the things that you normally only ask of freshmen, whether it was cleaning up or carrying equipment.”

Wiggins said selflessness and hard work from his linemen will be the key to any Notre Dame success.

“I have always felt that you win or lose with the offensive and defensive lines,” he said.

Their performance is even more crucial this year. The Irish have a couple of experienced receivers and a handful of running backs with some speed, but none of the four quarterback candidates has varsity experience.

“Quarterback is up in the air, and that’s another reason that we’re going to have to rely on the offensive line more, at least early, while those guys get their feet on the ground,” Wiggins said.

“I think our strength will have to start with the line,” Buckley agreed. “That’s where the games will be won or lost. Individually we may not be the best, but as a group we’ll be strong.”

Comments