Senior Gameday Program Feature - Bud Sasser
10/9/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
Bud Sasser
By Jay Wallis, Mizzou Strategic Communications
Patience.
If Bud Sasser had to be described in a single word, it would most likely be patience.
"When something doesn't necessarily go my way, I don't panic or freak out about it," Sasser said. "I let most things work their way out. I always will just keep working towards what I want no matter what's going on around me."
The 6-2, 210-pound wide receiver has stepped into some large shoes left by recently graduated Tigers and has thrived as a top target for quarterback Maty Mauk. After hauling in only two touchdowns during his first three seasons with the team, Sasser doubled that amount and grabbed four receiving touchdowns...in his first three games this season.
"Man, I've been working," Sasser said with a smile. "I'm not just sitting here each year. I try to work my hardest no matter what, just like this team. You have to wait your turn unless you get the chance to beat somebody out or whatever it may be. But when your time comes, you have to make something happen, and I'm trying to do that this year."
Route running has always been one of Sasser's strengths since he arrived in Columbia, Missouri. His size and strength enhance his ability to make sharp cuts and get open down field, especially as the Tigers' primary possession target.
"I think it all starts with my football IQ," Sasser said. "I'm pretty smart out there on the field or at least I try to be. I know where I'm supposed to be and when I'm supposed to be there. Also, knowing what your other guys are doing helps open up the field for you as well. I just feel comfortable out there on the field."
Sasser has not always found himself in a comfortable position, though, as the redshirt senior had to wait until his final season--this year--to truly become a focal point for the offense. From the time he came to Mizzou in 2010 until the end of last season, he played behind Marcus Lucas and L'Damian Washington.
"It was definitely tough, I'm not going to lie," Sasser said. "I split a lot of my time with other receivers since I've been here up until this year. But like I told you, I knew I just needed to be patient.
"A lot of people I know will go to a big school, usually a Big 12 or SEC school and end up not staying. They would transfer schools or start moving around to different schools. Sometimes, they never even finish college or they wouldn't be happy where they were. I tried to see the bigger picture and my parents helped me see the bigger picture, as well."
Sasser's ability to remain persistent in his drive to get on the football field did not begin at Mizzou--it started back in Denton, Texas, at Ryan High School.
From an early age, Sasser hooked onto basketball and football, playing both throughout primary and secondary school. Eyeing a spot on his varsity football team as a sophomore at Ryan, Sasser didn't make the cut and spent the season on his school's junior varsity team.
"There was a time, I think it might have been my second year in high school, I wanted to stop playing football for good," Sasser said. "I even told the coaches I wasn't going to play anymore. After some convincing from my sister, I decided to keep playing both sports. I was really close to dropping it.
"All of this kind of goes back to why I'm so patient now. I wasn't where I wanted to be that year and was close to giving up. With the help and support of my family, I realized that wasn't the answer. Then when I got here, I wasn't where I wanted to be at times, but I didn't let that stop me. This patience has been great for me in the long run."
Just like Sasser has been doing this season, the Texas native eventually accepted a larger role his junior year, making the varsity squad at Ryan. As a senior, he was an honorable mention All-State performer on a team that made it to the state playoff quarterfinals.
"People were surprised that third year kind of like they are a little surprised now," Sasser said. "A lot of people have doubted I'd be where I am today, and I don't let that stuff affect me."
Where he is today is a special place. Before the season even started, Sasser's teammates voted him to serve as one of their four senior captains. On the field, he has been one of the most consistent and dependable wide receivers as his Tigers continue to defend their SEC East title and contend to be divisional champions for a second straight season.
For Sasser, none of this would have been possible if it weren't for one key characteristic he established and developed at an early age and still exhibits today.
Patience.
