INDIANAPOLIS – Bret Bushka and Luka Zurak will each return to the Butler football program in 2023 after claiming major Pioneer Football League awards in 2022. Bushka earned Offensive Player of the Year accolades while Zurak was tabbed Special Teams Player of the Year. 
 
Bushka is one of five quarterbacks on the spring roster. The 2022 First Team All-PFL selection was named to the Walter Payton Award Watch List as a junior. From the pocket, Bushka threw for 2,377 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also led BU with 627 rushing yards and five TD's.
 
"The quarterbacks have gotten off to a very strong start this spring," Uremovich said. "They are pushing each other on the field and in the meeting room, which has been very fun to watch. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will get into our third down and red zone packages. These areas put a much bigger emphasis on quarterback play than first and second down. I am looking forward to watching them operate in these areas."
 
Butler led the FCS in red zone offense a year ago (97.3%). When Bushka wasn't orchestrating touchdown drives, placekicker Luka Zurak was putting points on the board for the Bulldogs. Zurak made 12 of his 15 field goal attempts a season ago and did not miss a kick inside 40 yards. The longest field goal of Zurak's career came at a critical time for the Bulldogs. He hit a 56-yard game-winning field goal at San Diego to give BU their first win at SD since 2001 and just their sixth total victory over the Toreros in school history.
 
"I am excited about our specialist group and the progress they are making," Cheshire stated. "Luka Zurak has had a terrific off-season in the weight room with Coach Greenstone. He has set several strength records and I am excited to see his hard work pay off on the field. Zurak is a tireless worker and I know he is looking to improve on his performance from a season ago."
 
Zurak and Ryan Short are the only kickers on the roster which allows them to get involved with kick-offs, punting and field goal attempts. The third member of the trio would be long snapper Jason Hicks.
 
"I have also been impressed with Ryan Short this off-season," Cheshire added. "He has made significant strides in the weight room and has done a great job working with Coach Greenstone to add good weight to his frame. Ryan has a very strong leg and has improved in all three areas, including his punting consistency. Luka and Ryan do a great job working at their craft and it has been very evident with the way they are striking the ball."