Gustafson was named the New England Football Conference Special Teams Player of the Week after returning a punt 54 yards for the decisive score in a 19-14 opening victory over Western New England. The following week, he took the opening kickoff 79 yards for a touchdown to spark a 51-13 homecoming victory over MIT.

“That was an unforgettable moment,’’ said Gustafson, a former captain at Plymouth South who sealed a Thanksgiving Day win over Plymouth North his senior year with a 99-yard run.

Last weekend, despite a blowout loss to Coast Guard, Gustafson recorded a career-high 12 tackles (nine solo), showing his versatility in the defensive backfield. He ranks second on the team in tackles (21 total, 16 solo) and has a pair of pass break-ups.

The NEFC’s Bogan Division Rookie of the Year last season after leading the Buccaneers with four interceptions, Gustafson said his track background in high school made him a quicker and fitter football player.

“I like being on the field in a lot of roles,’’ he said, “because you’re really in the game, always focusing on what’s going to happen next.’’

Mass. Maritime head coach Jeremy Cameron said he admires Gustafson’s instinct for the game.

“He has intangible qualities that make him an outstanding football player and puts himself in a position to make things happen,’’ said Cameron. “He played with great poise as a freshman and has taken that to a higher level in a very short time this season.’’