HAYS - After receiving first team All-America accolades from just about every outlet and publication, Fort Hays State tight end Hunter Budke is looking for even better things in 2022.
The Beloit product was named All-America First Team by the American Football Coaches Association, the Division II Conference Commissioners Association and Don Hansen and was named a D2Football.com Elite 100 First Team selection but as he prepares for the upcoming season, Budke said he’s trying to not think about any of that.
“At the end of the day I just want to win games” Budke said. “All of the personal accolades I feel like take care of themselves when you compete and do everything right. More than any thing I just want to win games and a conference championship this year.”
2022 will be the sixth season for Budke wearing a Tiger uniform. After redshirting his freshman year in 2017 Budke has played in 34 games with 57 career receptions for 725 yards and 11 touchdowns. His breakout season came in 2021 when he had 47 catches for 620 yards and eight touchdowns.
And even though he had one more year of eligibility remaining due to the lost season in 2020 due to COVID-19, Budke says his return wasn’t a slam dunk.
“I’d graduated and ultimately, I decided it was in my best interest to come back and play another year. I feel like we had some unfinished business left out there last year, so ultimately, I put my career on hold and decided to come back and play another year.” Budke said.
With all of the accolades from last season, Budke is sure to get some looks from NFL scouts this fall. He says a chance at making an NFL team would be a dream come true.
“That’s a goal of mine to make it to the next level, but right now I’m just focused on the season. (I’m) Just taking it day by day, trying to get better at my weaknesses. Ultimately I feel if you play hard and do things right all of that stuff will come along with it.”
As for weaknesses, Budke says there’s plenty for him to improve on as the Tigers prepare for the upcoming season.
“I just want to get better in the run blocking game, I feel I can be more aggressive, more physical, I can take better steps. Yards after catch. Whenever I make a catch, I need to pick up more yards. Contested catches. Just going up and making that play whenever my number is called.”
FHSU is coming off a 5-6 season in 2021, their first losing campaign since 2012, but Budke thinks things will be different this year.
“I think our offensive line is as good as it’s ever been since I’ve been here. We have a very experienced, veteran group across the board with receivers, running backs, tight ends, offensive and I feel like we can do great things in the run and the pass game.” Budke said.
“I think it’s just doing the little things correctly. It all matters in the game of football. Everything and everything you do outside of football matters as well. I feel like we’ve come closer together as a team this year and we’re working harder than we ever have. “
Budke and the Tigers continue with their preseason camp at Lewis Field. The Tigers open their season at Northwest Missouri State on Thursday, September 1st. They play their first home game one week later on September 7th vs. Missouri Western State.