Joe Gaiter: What does football means to you?
Michael Buckhanna: Football is more than a game to me it’s more than a game for me. It’s one of the ways I express myself when I’m on the field just letting everything go and giving 100% effort every play whether that’s in a game or in practice. You can never watch a game and say I didn’t give it my all!
Joe Gaiter: Where did you grow up and how was your childhood?
Michael Buckhanna: I grew up in a city named Grantville, Georgia. My childhood was good I have great memories with the guys I grew up with. That is the reason I don’t mind hitting hard in the game of football today. Also, playing “Throw em up, bust em up,” with the football in the background made me tough!
Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories of Newnan High School?
Michael Buckhanna: Newnan high school, just seeing the way they work with me throughout my whole four years there. The staff there is amazing also the principal Mr. Puckett. When I walked across the stage it was definitely sad everyday was great one there. Great school with even better people. Office Evans also kept me grounded on doing the right things!
Joe Gaiter: What made you choose Greenville?
Michael Buckhanna: House visit from Coach Laune, he sat down and was honest with me. He let me know what I was up against and how I could help his defense at the time. I’m glad I went to Greenville because my relationship and faith has improved a lot.
Joe Gaiter: What was some of your stats this year?
Michael Buckhanna: This year I had more tackles than anything I also had a few PBU’s. Dealing with that abdominal muscle at the beginning of the season play a big impact.
Joe Gaiter: What is your motivation? My motivation would have to be my mother and the younger generation in my area. The reason I would say my mother is I’ve seen her work hard daily to provide my brothers and I with what we wanted or needed. She’s a lady that has never made an excuse that always find a way to get the job done no matter what. She made sacrifices not excuses. So, I’ve took that from her always find a way to do things and never give up. The younger generation motivates me also I’m just trying to show them that you can live out your dreams with faith, hard work, and God.
Joe Gaiter: How was your proday?
Michael Buckhanna: I didn’t have a proday because of the virus but I went to a combine. My numbers was good but they have improved since then. My numbers are the best they ever been.
Joe Gaiter: Who is your agent and why did you choose them?
Michael Buckhanna: Honestly, I don’t have an agent but I am working with a guy named Mel Bratton who is an agent that played a couple years in the NFL. He’s been keeping me updated on certain things and important dates I should know.
Joe Gaiter: What has been your biggest accomplishment as an athlete?
Michael Buckhanna: My biggest accomplishment would be helping others get better and bringing some of those guys to Christ. I learned life isn’t all about me it’s to help others and make them better in anyway possible.
Joe Gaiter: What makes you a great Defensive Back?
Michael Buckhanna: My ability to read offenses knowing what they are going to do in certain downs and the where they Fs on the field. Also, knowing what situations we are in and what to do. Another one would be having a nose for the football. My biggest one would be knowing my assignment and all the other defensive back on the field with communicating what they supposed to do on what play.
Joe Gaiter: How vocal are you in the locker room?
Michael Buckhanna: I always been a loud guy since high school but when I got to college I was even louder. I was the guy that made the workouts, practice, or meetings fun. On game days I would say a little but pray a lot for the team!
Joe Gaiter: What is your message to any NFL/CFL team that has you on their radar?
Michael Buckhanna: My message would have to be draft me, I’m willing to workout anyway at anytime. I will change your organization for the better and I will bring out the best in everyone around me. Also, I will do it with a smile and motivate daily!
Joe Gaiter: How have you faced adversity this year?
Michael Buckhanna: I’ve faced a lot of adversity this year but I overcame it. So much on the field I had to bounce back from an abdominal pain that happen in fall camp and worked my way back in rotation that was very hard for me. Also mentally I had always battle with depression after every season but after last season I grew closer to God and overcame it. I did spiritual exercises and read the Bible with some of my spiritual guidance partners.
Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?
Michael Buckhanna: My untold story would have to be I was always the underdog. I have always had a lot to prove but I was always the strongest and hardest working guy in my position. Also, God has brought me through all my adversity. The story is also still being written daily.
Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?
Michael Buckhanna: Legacy, I want mine to be a motivational story to the younger generation of you can overcome anything. You just have to keep your faith in God and keep working no matter what.
