Sophomore offensive lineman Travis Bruffy dropped nearly 30 pounds in a week during fall camp, an illness that forced him to miss the start of the season.

“When they told me what i had i busted out crying because it’s something you look forward to. It’s not even something that’s a personal goal of yours, you have just spent countless month through the spring, summer workouts, fall workouts playing with the guy next to you and blocking for Nic and then having all of that ripped away from you because of something you can’t control is just something that’s devastating,” said Bruffy.

Bruffy was out for three weeks, missing two games. When he finally got back on the field in Houston he couldn’t have been more excited.

“I was tweaking on adrenaline. The first two games, having to watch them from my house, feeling like I’m just a fan, it really makes you appreciate what you have. It makes you appreciate putting on a show and going out there and fighting. And the last couple of games since i have been back has been me out there really loving the game.”

Bruffy’s body was still trying to get use to playing again and the rapid weight loss and gain didn’t stop in the hospital. After his first game back in Houston, he lost 16 pounds, just during the game. Coach Kingsbury says he admires Bruffy’s drive to get better. 

“Really has a lot of juice and i know those linemen know they like what he brings to the room. He’s gotten better each week and that’s what you want to see. It was some time he missed and some significant weight that he lost when he’s a guy that’s always been fighting to keep it on. He’s still a bit undersized but he’s battling out there. And he’s just gonna keep getting better,” said Kingsbury. 

Whenever the running backs have a big play, Bruffy says they get thanked in a more unique way. 

“They hug me a little bit longer so i get extra pictures. That’s the only time someone takes pictures of us is if we are around the running backs or important people.” 

For Bruffy, it’s all about the team success nd nothing makes him happier than helping his teammates succeed. 

“I like doing my job, blocking someone and then looking to my right and seeing Nisby or Tre or Stockton busting a long one and that just makes me smile.” 

Bruffy says the offense has never been closer than they are now and the best way they will get through tough times is together.