December 3, 2009
Bujari a matchup nightmare
Betim Bujari's size and athleticism has made him a matchup nightmare for opponents.
Click Here for photos from the Patriots' 2009 season.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
SECAUCUS – It’s a decision that on the surface sounds like the work of a football mad scientist. Put Betim Bujari, one of the state’s most talented linemen at linebacker? It sounds crazy, but the decision to put the 6-foot-4, 295-pound Bujari at linebacker has paid off for a Patriot team that will be playing in a state championship game on Friday for the first time since 1996.
A big reason for that success has been the use of a wide variety of fronts within Secaucus’ 3-4 defense. According to head coach Charlie Voorhees, there are 20 different players who can play multiple defensive positions for the Patriots. Bujari, who has lined up at all spots within the front seven, is the centerpiece of their multi-dimensional defense.
“A lot of flexibility on that defense (comes from) moving him around,” Voorhees said about the Rutgers-bound Bujari. “He loves it. (Teammates) know where he wants to go. You don’t know where he’ll be.”
Voorhees and Secaucus started toying with the idea of giving Bujari snaps at linebacker late in his junior year. It was an experiment that the Patriots were committed to from the start of practice this season. For Bujari, it was a move he embraced.
“I was really excited,” Bujari said. “Every defensive lineman wants to be able to run around and hit people like linebackers.”
“He couldn’t wait to go there,” Voorhees said. “He loves it. He’s a maniac.”
| Finals Week |
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Secaucus vs Cedar Grove Friday 12/4 5 p.m. |
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St. Peter's Prep vs Don Bosco Prep Saturday 12/5 1:30 p.m. |
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Bujari said that Ray Lewis was one linebacker he watched film of to help with the adjustment. In addition to the coaching staff, Bujari could also rely on his older brother Bekim – currently a starting linebacker for Kean University.
Betim may be nearly 80 pounds heavier than his older brother, but there were few problems from the adjustment to his new part-time position. The transition has been so smooth that Voorhees trusts Bujari in every situation that he would with his much smaller linebackers.
“He can do what every linebacker has ever done for us,” Voorhees said. “He’s exceptional.”
Primarily splitting time between inside linebacker and all three spots on the defensive line, Bujari leads the team with 78 tackles while often facing double teams from the opposition. This attention has allowed for other defenders such linebacker Joe Impreveduto the freedom to run and make plays without having blockers focus as much on them.
“You feel a lot more comfortable with him out there (at linebacker),” said Impreveduto who is second on the team with 77 tackles. “You feel like you’re not going to get hurt.”
Bujari has also added three sacks on the season. While his sack totals might not be the amount typically associated with a pass-rusher, few sights are more intimidating than the 295-pounder wearing No. 75 coming full-steam ahead from his position.
“If I was a lineman on the other team I’d be scared,” safety Matt Traynor said. “I’d want to get out of the way.”
“(Betim’s) a very aggressive guy,” Voorhees added. “He’ll get to the quarterback and he’s faster than people think.”
For good measure Bujari has added an interception on the season.
Bujari’s versatility also extends to offense where he is expected to play when he gets to Rutgers. Currently a starter at tackle, Bujari has played all five offensive line spots in his career and according to Voorhees has the athleticism to play at tight end as well.
With such versatility, you never know where Bujari will be on any particular play. Cedar Grove might even find him in a new spot for Friday’s North 2, Group I title game.
“Maybe he’ll play safety this week,” said Voorhees.
