Recruiting Report: Gerrit Poncius (Buffalo-2021)

Built into the roots of one of Minnesota’s more up-and-coming and recently successful programs: the Buffalo Bison, lies the last name Poncius. The program has gone from being relatively competitive to competing for a state title -and putting out half a dozen+ scholarship commits and/or All-Metro/All-State selections - in the past three years alone. Beginning with older brother Hunter - now a NDSU Bison offensive lineman - the Poncius name has been associated around the Northwest suburb of Minneapolis with physical prowess, hard work, and an athleticism destined for something greater than prep football, hockey, or wrestling. Hunter’s time at Buffalo has passed, continuing to honor the family lineage is younger brother, and 6’7, 265 lb. Bison OG/OT Gerrit. The c/o 2021 offensive lineman has everything you could want in an offensive lineman: size, foot speed/quickness, a multi-sport athlete with a good understanding of leverage from a wrestling background, a D1 bloodline, and a mean streak that leaves bodies cemented into the ground and a well-felt soreness the next morning for those poor defenders. However, the should be blue-chip recruit remains offerless and somewhat under the radar as gameday visits to Iowa State (future home to his QB <a href="https://www.northstarfootballnews.com/player/aidan-bouman/"><a href="https://www.northstarfootballnews.com/player/aidan-bouman/">Aidan Bouman</a></a>), Northern Illinois, NDSU, & Kansas State, and some future Junior day visits have been the extent of his reported recruitment in 2019-20. Northstar Football News was lucky enough to catchup with the current junior and in this down-time of his recruitment to catch-up on his career so far as a Buffalo Bison, playing with his big brother as a prep, what junior day visits he has lined up, and more! I hope you enjoy, and thank for reading NFN! <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2CDMNG">Junior Season 2019</a> [caption id="attachment_17619" align="aligncenter" width="300"] #78.[/caption] NFN: Hello and thank you so much for your time, Gerrit! Please begin by telling us a little bit about yourself, when you began playing football and what you enjoy about the sport, and your measurables! Poncius: “My name is Gerrit Poncius and I’m from Buffalo, MN. I started off playing flag football when I was 8 years old and went through the Jr. Bison Football Program. I played Middle School football and now will be starting my senior year in the fall of 2020. Some fun facts about me are I like to hunt and fish, and the best catch I’ve ever had was a 45 inch tiger muskie. I also like to build things and be creative. What I like best about playing football is that it’s a great team sport, it’s aggressive, and you have to give it all you’ve got to succeed. Height: 6ft. 7in Weight: 265 lbs. - and still growing!” NFN: That’s a big muskie, and an even bigger recruit! Continue by sharing some info on Buffalo’s 2018 6-3 season, the offseason going into this year, as well as what you like about the Bison program? Poncius: “It was something special to be a part of! To watch and learn from an incredible OLine, QB, and Receivers/Runningbacks - 4 D1 Athletes - was something pretty special. During the off season, my focus was on lifting, and working on my feet. Something I like about Buffalo football, and learning under Coach Bouman was that you need to be on and ready at all times for every rep at practice and during games. He was always open to listen to and talk with you about any questions you may have along with giving great advice on how to be the best I could be.” NFN: Awesome. And how was it playing with your older brother that year? How did that impact your game? “It was pretty special playing with my big brother! It was the first time we were on the same team together. To watch his drive and determination has only encouraged me and made my “want” to continue to play this great game that much more! He persevered through the naysayers and showed me that the only person that can beat you is yourself.” NFN: Forsure. So how was the 2019 season? What did you learn throughout the season, how was your year personally, and what are some things you will be working on this offseason going into your senior year? Poncius: “I learned that you need to be aggressive all the time - especially in order to protect the QB. Personally, I felt that I got better every game. It was great being a part of the record setting offense. This season we finished 4-4 in the regular season. Some of my best games this year were against Cambridge Isanti, St. Francis, Monticello, and Andover. With Coach Bouman stepping down, we’re waiting for our new coach to be named. I’m really looking forward to this upcoming season - a new year and new opportunities. I’ve really been working hard this off season, while wrestling, to improve my game so that I can be the best I can be and in return be the best teammate I can be.” NFN: Hard work pays off! So last but not least, what’s up with recruiting? Poncius: “I have been in contact with some coaches, and have some Jr. Days lined up that I’m really excited about. I have a handful of Missouri Valley schools lined up for JR day visits and have also been invited to a couple D2 schools too! I also plan on attending camps this summer and through the process finding my best fit.” Whatever team is lucky enough to land the beast from Buffalo will be getting a tremendous student-athlete with a sky-high ceiling as a player and leader. If you don’t happen to believe, all you have to do is get yourself to Buffalo and ask about the name Poncius.