No matter the conditions, H-back Seth Luhmann makes the Hope College football team's offense go.

The junior from Rochester, Michigan (Stoney Creek), has been invaluable as a blocker and playmaker for the 9-1 Flying Dutchmen, who host Wisconsin–La Crosse in the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 29, at noon at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium.

Offensive coordinator Andrew Hawken said Hope has relied on the 6-foot, 225-pound Luhmann since he stepped on campus.

"He's always brought physicality to the offense in terms of run blocking. We run the offense through him," Hawken said. "We've run the ball successfully — obviously we've had good O-line play — but we know that we can count on him to get his block every single time. We use him in multiple ways. He doesn't always get the stats — he's got a few touchdowns here and there and a few catches — but each year he's just continuing to get better and better.

"He's always been physical, but he knows the offense, can anticipate things and makes everything right. He's just the definition of a football player."

With Luhmann's help, the Flying Dutchmen have racked up yards unlike most NCAA Division III teams this season, averaging 513.2 yards of total offense per game, ranking fifth in the nation and first in the MIAA.

Luhmann has caught four passes for 33 yards and recorded his first rushing touchdown of the season on a 4-yard run against Olivet in the regular-season finale.

"We have always said if he were 6-4 and wore No. 88, he'd be on every All-America team, but because he wears No. 40 and he's an H-back, he doesn't have the stats," head coach Peter Stuursma said. "When he's blocking, when he's going, it's amazing how he can change the complexion of our run game. He is also a threat as a receiver in that he's going to pressure people down the field. He's going to give linebackers a mismatch, and that obviously opens other receivers up."

Luhmann, a co-captain, said he tried to be a more vocal leader after the Flying Dutchmen graduated 15 starters.

"I knew we'd have some big shoes to fill. A lot of guys stepped up in the team chemistry aspect," Luhmann said. "The offensive line is a close, tight-knit unit. There is a lot of talking between us. That helps a ton with our running backs and quarterback. Dudes are playing their role."

Luhmann didn't have to look far for leadership inspiration.

His older brother, Cole, was an All-America linebacker on last year's team that advanced to the third round of the NCAA Division III playoffs for the first time in program history.

"He truly loves the game," Seth said of Cole. "He was a great leader for us, being vocal, and it was awesome to see. I strived to be that vocal leader this year."