Top 2021 QB Tyler Buchner Updates Rehab, Recruitment and Visit Plans

It’s been a long five months for 2021 The Bishop’s School (Calif.) quarterback Tyler Buchner‍ as he rehabs from tearing his ACL in the first game of 2018. The injury was a non-contact injury on a fake punt on the fourth play of the game, but the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder is well ahead of schedule as he’s running and throwing. 

“Everything is going well and I’m close to five months right now, which is a big milestone,” the La Jolla native told Irish Sports Daily. “I’m able to throw and do almost everything throwing wise. My rehab is going well and I’m ahead of schedule. I’m running, jumping and I’m close to getting back to normal.” 

Speed and using his legs are significant for Buchner, who played quarterback and receiver as a freshman, so being able to run again was a critical step reach.

“I remember my first time, I started jogging in my room by myself,” laughed Buchner. “I wanted to see if I remembered how to do it. It’s good to come back and you set small milestones. You go from squatting to jumping to jogging to running. You set the small milestones and it becomes easier to get through it.” 

As he continues to progress in his rehab, Buchner has started to get his friends together to throw a few times each week to prepare for his junior season. 
 
“I started off slow working with my physical therapist,” explained Buchner. “I had to make sure my feet were tied up with my upper body. I’m at the point now where my footwork and throwing is back to normal. I’m working with my quarterback coach and I go throw a couple times a week to make sure everything is tuned up so I’m ready when the season comes.” 

When it comes to recruiting, Notre Dame has made Buchner a priority and includes quarterbacks coach Tom Rees making a trip to stop by his high school.

“It means a lot,” Buchner said of Rees making the trip. “I’ve built a good relationship with Coach Rees and some of the guys on the staff. Having those guys come out to the school shows a lot about the program.” 

The Irish watched Buchner throw live at Notre Dame’s Elite Skills Camp in June and quickly offered following the camp. In fact, Buchner is at the top of the board in 2021 and it apparently means a lot to him as he knows there isn’t a ton of film to put out.

“It shows they have faith in me and even after my injury,” Buchner explained. “It shows what type of program and people are at Notre Dame. It speaks highly of them. It’s only a positive.” 

Rees has not only made Buchner a top priority but the two have developed a close relationship.

“I call Coach Rees once in a while since he offered me last summer,” stated Buchner. “We talk here and there. I keep him up to date on my physical therapy and let him know about what I’m doing. He keeps updated on Notre Dame football, so it’s good. 

“I really, really like Coach Rees. He’s down to earth and real which is something you don’t often see in the coaching industry.” 

Michigan, UCLA and USC have also dropped by The Bishop’s School to check on Buchner in recent weeks, but Buchner has visits set up for two similar programs.

“I’m planning on heading up to Notre Dame on February 23rd to watch spring practice or see the academics and do that stuff,” said Buchner. “I’m also going to Stanford on March 1st.”