Defensive end Tyler Huenemann is headed for his junior season with Mount Pleasant’s football team but has already made a major name for himself.

He’s coming off a strong sophomore season.

“It went pretty good,” he said. “We missed playoffs, which was unexpected. All together, it went fine. I learned a lot from the seniors. They taught me a lot. It was a good year.”

Huenemann has some unique strengths at defensive end.

“I fire off the ball quick and I read pretty fast,” he said. “My pass rush, I feel, is one of the stronger parts of my game.”

He’s likely to be at defensive end again this season, although Huenemann anticipates seeing some time at defensive tackle.

“I’ve been focusing on speed,” he said. “I’ve been working with my coach a little bit on getting off the guy quicker. We’ve been doing a lot of footwork.”

Huenemann plays tight end on offense.

“Last year, I only had five or six catches,” he said. “But we threw a good amount to our receivers.”

As a receiver, “for being a big guy, I run routes and get open faster than most people expect,” Huenemann said.

He like his team’s potential this season. Mount Pleasant was 5-4 the last two years.

Huenemann has been on varsity since his freshman season.

“I think football is my better sport,” he said. “I think I’m more skilled in football.”

Huenemann is getting some interest in football. He’s already been offered by Central Michigan University/

“I’m open to all the campuses (that have interest in him),” he said. “I still have a long time to decide where I want to go.”