Last week, Maple Grove 2020 DT Joe Buelow (6’0, 255 lbs.) committed himself verbally to the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs in Marshall, Minnesota in the southwest part of the state. The D2 scholarship program that competes in the Northern Sun…
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SubscribeLast week, Maple Grove 2020 DT Joe Buelow (6’0, 255 lbs.) committed himself verbally to the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs in Marshall, Minnesota in the southwest part of the state. The D2 scholarship program that competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference is headed by Coach Cory Sauter and whose DC is Shay McClure. The Mustangs are picking up a strong and aggressive defensive lineman who had a productive senior year for the 5-5 Crimson squad. Northstar Football News was lucky enough to catch up with the senior – who also held offers from Northeastern State (D2) and the University of Mary and competed at the Gopher Mega Camp, Iowa Camp, and UND’s camp – who gave us some exclusive insight into his recruitment and eventual decision to take his talents to Southwest Minnesota State University. Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/7970646/5d89a01090f90210d0930ec4
NFN: Thank you for your time, Joe, and congratulations on the decision! Start by sharing with us some details about the recruitment process and what you found to be important when getting recruited.
Buelow: “The recruiting process was a journey….Me and my family new little to none about how it worked. So I got with a football trainer(Potenza sports) and they helped me develop the knowledge and skills I needed to be successful! I started hearing from schools when camp season started.
No schools knew about me so I had to make a name for myself doing my time at camps. Knowing that no schools knew about me was motivation… and it gave me more confidence to show my energy and get more reps. An important part to the recruitment process is just to go to camps… once you do that get as many reps you can and talk to as many coaches after. Pop out during camps so you can be remembered. My thing was energy and having my gut show (lol).”
NFN: Great answer, Joe! What stood out to you about SMSU and made you commit to their program?
Buelow: “I committed to SMSU for the fact that the coaches were honest people. And I genuinely felt wanted(not saying other schools didn’t make me feel that way) players matched my vibe and I made friends and bonds I didn’t want to let go. But the huge part was academics….. 15-30 kids per class and a 99% graduation rate is amazing. Also the tuition is really cheap and affordable. So in my eyes and my families SMSU was the best decision for me. I felt a home feeling on campus and the coaches weren’t over the top either…. they were themselves and it felt right.”
NFN: Glad to hear that. Academics should always come first. What do you like about playing football in MN? Did that factor into your decision to stay in the state at all? And how was Maple Grove’s 2019 season?
Buelow: “I like playing football in Minnesota because its cold… and it shows who’s afraid to hit or not and also the fact that my family can come and watch me play. And that had a factor on why I chose SMSU too. My Maple Grove season was fun… I played nose guard the whole season with 50ttcks and 3ff. And in the playoffs I played both sides playing fullback on offense. I had a great season overall. Nothing to complain about other than winning state instead of losing in the 2nd round.”
Keep your eyes open for Buelow as he begins his college football career. He is a great representation of our state and I am fortunate to have interviewed him. Congratulations and good luck, Joe!
