Tanner Thurn is East Buchanan football: ‘A tough, hard-nosed football player’

WINTHROP — A good fit. The perfect match. Prototype player.

Few embody the core values of their program like East Buchanan’s Tanner Thurn. The senior fullback/linebacker exudes the toughness, work ethic and physical play associated with the squad.

Thurn seemed destined to be a Buccaneers football player.

“He epitomizes what East Buchanan football has always been and what we continue to strive to be and that is a tough, hard-nosed football player,” East Buchanan Coach Jerry Alden said. “The type of kid with a nose for the football on both sides.

“He’s one of those kids you don’t get very often and we’re glad we’ve had him for four years because we are going to miss him when we don’t have him. That’s for sure.”

Thurn leads the Buccaneers in rushing and tackles, helping them to a 5-2 record and a shot at the Class A District 4 title. East Buchanan is assured of a top-two district finish with a win at home Friday against Postville.

Thurn said he shares the same mentality as many of the Buccaneers that played before him. The all-stater and program have a symbiotic relationship.

“Everything I’ve heard and everybody I’ve seen has been put your head down and run,” Thurn said. “Hard-nosed, old-fashioned. I feel I’m a good fit for this team. It’s a good fit for me.”

Interestingly, Thurn once shared the backfield with all-state lineman and University of Iowa recruit Cody Fox. Alden knew at least one would transition to the line but Thurn maintained his fullback spot, taking the starting varsity spot as a sophomore and running with it.

At about 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, Thurn plays much larger than his frame. He packs a punch, whether he’s amassing 877 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns with 11 2-point conversions or tallying 63 total tackles with 36 solo.

“He’s not a big kid by any means,” Alden said. “Let me tell you, when he runs the ball you better be ready to hit him low. When he’s on defense, you better be ready to get hit because he’s going to come at you.

“He definitely plays bigger than his size. Don’t get me wrong, he’s put together and pretty stacked.”

Contact is inevitable in Thurn’s position. He embraces the physical nature and almost craves it. Thurn wouldn’t want it any other way on the field.

“My favorite thing about football is going out there, getting hit and hitting people,” said Thurn, noting that his toughness was honed by his dad, Eric, and the impact of uncles and cousins. “I love it.”

The three-year starter has been a pillar on both sides of the ball since he stepped into the lineup. His production has placed an indelible mark on the program — for each season and a career.

Thurn surpassed the career rushing yardage mark in a 41-14 victory over North Linn, amassing 209 yards and four touchdowns. Thurn sits at 3,099 rushing yards before Friday’s regular-season finale against Postville. He is the latest and most accomplished rusher for a team that has been a staunch subscriber to a run-first philosophy.

“It means a lot,” Thurn said. “There have been a lot of good running backs who have come through here. A lot of people who have gotten a lot of carries the way our offense is set up. If anybody else followed the line I have, those other greats would be in the same position I am.

“All respect goes to the linemen. Without them, you don’t have a team. They’re the most important ones out there.”

Defensively, Thurn has 234 career tackles, including 139 solo and 33.5 for a loss. He has three career interceptions and recovered a punt he blocked, returning it for a TD against the Lynx. Film study, research and his need to be a part of each play puts him in the right position.

“I’ve always chased the ball and always been that way,” Thurn said. “I want to get involved in every way I can. Do everything I can to get a stop out there.”

Thurn, Fox, Hunter Bowers and Trystin Russell are part of the senior class that led East Buchanan to the 2021 state semifinals. It was the Buccaneers’ third semifinal trip and first since 1996. Thurn wants to lead them back to the UNI-Dome.

“That’s always the goal,” Thurn said. “Play our best football when postseason comes around. I think this team is doing just that. We’re playing really well right now.”

The influence isn’t restricted inside the sidelines and endlines. The leader by example demonstrates the values off the field as well for teammates and young Buccaneers to follow.

Alden said younger kids admire Thurn. He shares advice on how to conduct themselves as a player and person.

“There’s somebody you need to focus on to do things and learn how to do them the right way then watch Tanner Thurn,” Alden said. “That is how you do it the right way on and off the field.

“He’s a great kid. He is a tremendous person to get to know.”

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com