Bernard Buhake

Defensive End / St. Ambrose University

Christopher Reiss: What are your measurements? (Height and Weight)

Bernard Buhake: 6’6 and 235lbs.   

Christopher Reiss: During COVID-19, what have you been doing this offseason to prepare for the upcoming season?

Bernard Buhake: I am from Texas, when I came down here after school. I started training with other players when I was in Texas. When I went back to Iowa, my teammates and I work out a bunch. One thing that I wanted to do this offseason was to gain some weight, 15lbs.

Christopher Reiss: When breaking down your film, what should stand out?

Bernard Buhake: My high motor, speed and quickness of the line. Wherever the ball is that’s where you will find me, I play relentlessly and fast football. I leave everything on the football every time I play. What I want everyone to know is that I am not just a pass rusher, I am a player that can stop the run too.

Christopher Reiss: Coming out of high school, what schools showed interest in you?

Bernard Buhake: I toured SMU and Drake. I also had some D-II schools in Texas and Oklahoma that were interested in me as well.

Christopher Reiss: In high school, what other positions did you play besides being an edge rusher?

Bernard Buhake: I played some offense as a tight end and a wide receiver.

Christopher Reiss: In high school, what other sports did you play besides football?

Bernard Buhake: I played basketball. I played both forward positions in high school, but I mostly played power forward.

Christopher Reiss: What are the expectations for St. Ambrose for this upcoming season?

Bernard Buhake: We have extremely high expectations coming out of COVID-19. My coaches and players all believe that if we do not win a conference championship, then this was a failed year.

Christopher Reiss: Is there anyone on St. Ambrose that we should keep our eye out for this season?

Bernard Buhake: LB Mark Mudd, DL Ryan Zitkus, DB Griffin Zajac, WR Vince Vignali, and WR Blake Wittman. 

Christopher Reiss: How would you describe your overall career?

Bernard Buhake: My freshman year, I did not play much. I was at the bottom of the depth chart, just like everyone else is as a freshman. My sophomore year, I started playing more and more and by the end of my sophomore season, I was a starter. I faced a lot of issues and started getting better and better as a player. The most important part about football for me was growing more as a man that I am today.

Christopher Reiss: What is the highlight of your college football career?

Bernard Buhake: The highlight of my career happened my junior year against Trinity International. One of my teammates blocked a punt on special teams. I ended up with the ball in my hands and I just ran to the end zone. It was my very first touchdown of my college career. Something that I think about all the time and one of my greatest accomplishments.

Christopher Reiss: What are some strengths of your game?

Bernard Buhake: My motor is like no other and my speed. But something else I have to say is my football IQ. When I play, I am just in the right spot at the right time. Something that I live by is a Kobe Bryant quote “make your opponent uncomfortable”. That is my job and that is what I am going to do to all my opponents.

Christopher Reiss: What are some assets of your game that you are trying to improve on?

Bernard Buhake: I am trying to improve on my false steps. When I was watching my tape, I saw that I would false step. This offseason I have made it a priority to get better with no false steps. Another thing is, I am a strong man, but I think I could get even stronger when I am coming off the edge.

Christopher Reiss: What do you enjoy most about football?

Bernard Buhake: I enjoy getting on the field with my teammates. I have created a special bond with these guys that I will have for the rest of my life.

Christopher Reiss: What are you majoring in?

Bernard Buhake: I am a sociology and public health major.  

Christopher Reiss: What does life after football look like for you?

Bernard Buhake: If the NFL does not work out for me, I plan on getting my masters and maybe my doctorate and becoming an epidemiologist or infectious disease specialist.

Christopher Reiss: What or who motivates you?

Bernard Buhake: My parents motivate me because they have supported me through everything. They have worked for me my entire life. I want to repay them for everything that they have done for me.

Christopher Reiss: Is there a player in the NFL that you look up to?

Bernard Buhake: The Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter. I model a lot of what I do based on him.

Christopher Reiss: What is your favorite NFL team?

Bernard Buhake: America’s Team, The Dallas Cowboys! Coach McCarthy and Dak are going to take us all the way, remember this statement.

Christopher Reiss: Who is your favorite football player of all-time?

Bernard Buhake: I am a Cowboys fan and I play edge rusher. This one was easy. Demarcus Ware is my favorite player of all-time.

Christopher Reiss: What are some hobbies of yours?

Bernard Buhake: I have been playing a lot of PS4 with my roommates and teammates. I have also learned how to cook from this pandemic. I also like getting out and trying new things with my friends.

Christopher Reiss: On game-day, what is your go-to artist?

Bernard Buhake: My go-to artist has to be Drake, no question.