Bucknell University Athletics
2003 Bucknell Football Season Preview
8/25/2003 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 25, 2003
For new Bucknell head football coach Tim Landis and his staff, this spring was a lot like Christmas.
Like a child rushing to the living room at dawn to discover what Santa left under the tree, Landis couldn't wait to hit the practice field for the first time this past March for his initial assessment of his new squad.
Thanks to an especially cold and snowy winter in Lewisburg, spring practice was delayed a week, but despite the wait, Landis was extremely pleased with what he saw. Not only was he impressed by the talent level returning in 2003, but the rapid incorporation of new systems on offense and defense was not only encouraging, but extremely vital as the Bison welcome a new recruiting class to preseason camp this August.
"There is a real excitement among the coaching staff," says Landis, in his 11th year as a head coach after stops at Davidson and St. Mary's (Calif.). "Everything is new and fresh, so you can really feel the sense of optimism in our locker room. I think the players are ready to put the 2002 season behind them."
Last season was one of the most trying in Bucknell football annals. With ailing head coach Tom Gadd sidelined all year, the Bison never overcame a string of early heartbreaking losses and finished 2-9.
"Realistically, we are young and inexperienced as a whole," cautions Landis. "We are going to have to grow and mature quickly."
But Landis is also quick to note that this is not a "rebuilding" situation. "That's not fair to the seniors who have invested so much in this program," says Landis. "There is no reason you can't think about winning while rebuilding. We all have very high expectations for this season.
"This team is not far from getting back to where it was just a few years ago - competing for a Patriot League title on a yearly basis. How quickly this staff and this team can grow together will be a major determining factor."
Bison fans this spring paid very close attention to the new spread option offense, one that Landis has used successfully in his coaching stints at St. Mary's and Davidson over the last 10 years. While the term "option" does imply a run-oriented style, Landis is quick to caution that this is not a "three yards in a cloud of dust" offense.
"The spread option is a very dynamic offense," says Landis. "It is technically and fundamentally very tough to coach, and I hope our followers will come to understand the technical aspect of it. The quarterback has the responsibility of reading the option, and he has to make great decisions. When the offense is clicking on all cylinders, although we are not throwing the ball downfield on every play, it is very exciting to watch.
"Some of the pitches and downfield blocking, running and cutting that happens is very dynamic and exciting," Landis continues. "It is also important to understand that we do not run on every down. We throw the football, and usually when we throw, it's for a big play, because the defense creeps up to stop the option. It's really a big-play offense."
The good news for Landis is that, with seven offensive starters returning in 2003, he appears to have plenty of athletes already in place who will be well-suited to the option scheme. One of the most intriguing is junior Daris Wilson, a former option quarterback at Archbishop Rummel High School in Louisiana. Wilson spent the better part of his first two years in Orange & Blue at wide receiver, but as Bucknell's offense struggled late last season, the Bison experimented with an option attack with Wilson at quarterback.
"Daris enters the season as our starting quarterback, and we are extremely excited about his potential," Landis lauds. "The unkown right now is his experience level at quarterback, but I'd rate his progress as ahead of schedule. This spring was a very important experience for him."
The Bison also boast a talented stable of backs and receivers who should excel in the new offense. Blamah Sarnor led the team in rushing as a freshman last season, and he enters preseason camp as the probable starter at fullback, which in the option scheme is the workhorse back. Other young talents, such as juniors Frank Lazio, Raphael Darrington and Rapheal Hammond, and sophomore Antwan Kennedy are all promising runners. Senior Albert Marquardt heads a deep, veteran receiver corps.
Bucknell will have five players with starting experience returning to the offensive line in 2003, led by senior guard Rashad Stallworth, the team's only returning All-Patriot League selection.
While smothering defense has become a tradition at Bucknell in recent years, Bison fans will notice some changes on the defensive side of the ball as well. Defensive coordinator Tripp Merritt's highly regarded scheme utilizes an eight-man front that should take advantage of the mobility and versatility of the team's linebackers and safeties.
Bucknell will have some significant holes to fill up front, most notably the graduation of first team All-American and Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year Adam Lord. Lord, Gary Carruthers, Eric Storm and Pete Christathakis all depart on the defensive line, while at linebacker first team All-Patriot Leaguers Joe Massey and Stephane Pluviose, along with the versatile Billy Windle, must be replaced in 2003.
While a host of talented linemen are waiting in the wings, including converted tight ends Dave Gibson and Sean Conover, the Bison should still have plenty of depth at linebacker and in the secondary. Former safeties Will Smith and Mike Leatherman are the leading candidates to fill the "knocker" position, which is akin to an outside linebacker in Merritt's 4-4 scheme. Junior Kevin Ransome will anchor the inside linebackers.
"There is a rich tradition of defense at Bucknell, no doubt about it," says Landis. "We had all we could handle in the two years we played Bucknell at St. Mary's. I'm very excited because Tripp Merritt has a very successful track record going all the way back to his tenure at Davidson."
Below is a position-by-position breakdown heading into the 2003 season.
OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK
Quarterback
After getting a taste of running an option attack late last season, junior Daris Wilson enters the 2003 season as the No. 1 quarterback. Wilson, an option QB in high school, is a shifty runner who can also turn on blazing speed in the open field. He was Bucknell's leading rusher in the final three games of last season, totaling 162 yards in games against Lafayette, Lehigh and Fordham.
"The fact that Daris played some quarterback in an option style late last season really plays into our hands coming into this season," Landis says. "Daris has the potential to be an all-conference caliber player."
Wilson completed 20 of 33 passes for 174 yards and was intercepted twice last season. Landis also feels confident in his quarterback depth, as two other Bison signal callers quickly picked up on the new offense this spring.
Like Wilson, another fleet-footed quarterback who may benefit from the change to the spread option is junior John Henry Jackson. The 5'9" Californian made his varsity debut in relief against Lehigh late last season and has seen extensive jayvee experience over the last two years. He even played some running back in one game with the junior varsity last fall and had a 33-yard run. Jackson was the leading jayvee passer, completing 27 of 45 attempts for 362 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
Junior Cole Ciesnolevicz saw considerable action in Bucknell's West Coast style in 2002, and Landis was pleasantly surprised by his progess in the option system this spring. Ciesnolevicz completed 56 percent of his passes and threw for 595 yards in five games, including a career-high 288 on 23 of 36 passing against Georgetown.
Newcomers Josh Carr and Christian Tenekedes will serve as understudies to the three veterans.
"When we are recruiting these types of quarterbacks, we tell them that this is a great chance for them to shine," says Landis, countering the notion that option quarterbacks lack star power. "The quarterback in this offense should be one of the top two leading rushers on the team, one of the top scorers, and obviously he will lead the passing game also. I think it's a great opportunity for someone to step up and take a major leadership position on this team."
Running Back
In contrast with a pro-style offense, in the spread option, the fullback, as the first read in the triple option, is often the key rusher, while the slotbacks are the versatile players whose blocking duties are every bit as crucial as their ballcarrying duties.
"This offense really asks a lot of the fullback," Landis notes. "He has to be big enough and strong enough physically to be tackled not only when he carries the football, but also when he doesn't. The fullback also must have the ability to break the big run, speed-wise, when the hole is open.
"In this offense the slots are the multi-dimensional guys," counters Landis. "They must have the speed to catch the pitch on the perimeter and then outrun defenders. They have to catch the football. It's not unlikely that one of the slots will be the leading receiver when the season is over. And they have to be great blockers."
Last year's freshman sensation Blamah Sarnor is the leading choice to open the season at fullback. As a rookie Sarnor showed the two-fold ability to either outrun would-be tacklers or simply run over them. He logged a team-best 511 yards on the season, including an even 100 in a win over Cornell. Ironically, it was against Landis' St. Mary's team that Sarnor first made his mark. He rushed for 42 yards on 13 carries - all after the start of the fourth quarter - including the game-tying touchdown in the final minute of regulation (the Bison went on to fall 23-22 in double overtime).
Two converted defensive players will also vie for time at fullback. Junior Frank Lazio, who came to Bucknell as a running back after playing fullback in a similar option offense at St. Anthony's High School on Long Island, was moved to free safety in 2002 and served in a backup capacity. One of the team's fastest players, Lazio will switch sides of the ball again this spring, and Landis feels he can be a real wildcard with an ability to play either fullback or slotback. Also on the move is former linebacker Anthony Lovelace, who was also a running back in high school.
Senior Tim Johnson, juniors Raphael Darrington and Rapheal Hammond, and sophomore Antwan Kennedy will fortify the slot positions this spring. Darrington and Kennedy have the most varsity experience in the group. Darrington was Bucknell's fourth-leading rusher last season with 167 yards and two touchdowns on 56 carries. Kennedy emerged late in the season and gained 114 yards on 22 totes.
Hammond was the leading rusher on the junior varsity last fall with 221 yards and four touchdowns on 42 carries in four games.
Johnson moves to slotback from wide receiver, where he played the last three years. He brings an additional element of speed on the outside.
Landis is also very high on freshmen running backs Richard Bennett, Ed Cortez, Peter Kaufman and Matt Pisano.
"One of the great things about our offense is that it puts three running backs on the field at the same time, and that is certainly one of our deepest positions," says Landis. "Last year Bucknell had a pretty good stable of running backs, but they were really only able to get one on the field. Backfield-wise, I think we are in great shape."
Wide Receiver
"Wide receivers in this offense really have to be the quintessential wide receiver," says Landis. "First and foremost, they have to block, so they have to be physical and have tremendous intestinal fortitude. They also have to be able to run great routes and have the ability to catch the ball. So we are asking these guys to be the best all-around wide receivers possible. And they also know that their hard work will be rewarded, because when we do throw the ball, it's going to be for big plays. We had a two-week stretch at St. Mary's two years ago when we threw eight touchdown passes in two games."
Despite the loss of former all-league pick Jim Horan, Bucknell brings a veteran receiver corps back in 2003, one that Landis calls his deepest group in any of his 11 seasons as a head coach. Heading the list is senior Albert Marquardt, who led the Bison in yards per catch (19.4) and receiving touchdowns (4) and ranked second in receptions (27) and receiving yards (525) in 2002. The 6'2" Marquardt, who caught two touchdown passes in the spring game, owns the coveted combination of size and speed to excel in the spread option offense.
Fellow senior Evan Crawford is a good blocker who can turn a short pass into a long gain, and he can get behind the defense to catch the deep ball. Crawford had one reception last season and was a mainstay on special teams.
Junior Nisan Trotter is a likely starter opposite Marquardt. Trotter impressed the new coaching staff with his offseason conditioning and certainly boasts big-play potential. He caught four passes last season, including a touchdown in the season opener against Duquesne. Sophomore Matt Miller had a fine rookie season with eight catches for 74 yards but sat out the spring session after having offseason shoulder surgery. Second-year man Michael Cangelosi flashed his speed and big-play potential with a 99-yard TD catch in a junior varsity game last season. Former quarterbacks Ian Nutt, who converted to tight end last season and caught eight passes, and Devin Fitzsimmons will also be in the mix at wide receiver, joining freshmen Tyler Palumbo and Richard Simpson.
Offensive Line
Just like at wide receiver, Bucknell returns plenty of veteran talent on the offensive line. Four 2002 starters return, and all five possible starters in 2003 have considerable varsity experience.
Senior Rashad Stallworth, a second-team All-Patriot League selection last season, moves from tackle to guard in 2003. Landis places his biggest, most physical linemen in the guard slots, as they tend to be covered more in the spread option. Junior Aaron DeGraffenreidt, like Stallworth a 300-pounder, returns to his left guard spot.
Senior Andrew Cinamella returns at center, where he started all 11 games last season and was one of the team's most improved linemen. Senior Steve Kerr and junior Justin Gibson enter the preseason as possible starting tackles. Kerr played in all 11 games last season, starting seven, while Gibson made a half-dozen starts.
Sophomore Stephen Watts is coming off a fine spring and is listed as the probable starter at center for the season opener. Classmates Craig Swanson and Eric Becker will also vie for playing time.
Juniors James Petcovic and Steven Utke are also in the mix, along with incoming freshmen Michael Boccella, Kris Cooper and Joel Hoffer.
"The hardest thing for the linemen is the transition from the West Coast style to the option," says Landis. "A lot of our success hinges on their progress in the new system. They had a very good spring, but it doesn't happen overnight."
The offensive line will also receive a major boost from the addition of Tim Camp as offensive line coach. Camp was an All-Pac-10 lineman in an option offense at Oregon State.
DEFENSIVE OUTLOOK
Defensive Line
On paper, Bucknell's defensive line may seem tattered following the loss of four terrific seniors, including All-American Adam Lord. But in reality, Landis is extremely optimistic about a "new-look" line that will be anchored by two imposing tackles in junior Corey Mayo and senior Shawn Tidwell. Mayo, a starter since late in his freshman campaign, has all-conference potential. He had 35 tackles and three sacks as an 11-game starter last season. Tidwell, a junior college transfer last season, played behind Lord and brings an additional size element at better than 290 pounds.
On the ends, sophomores Brandon Bailey and Chris Praylo both lettered as rookies last season while serving as apprentices under the veteran linemen.
With a tight end rarely utilized in the spread option offense, Landis was able to bolster the defensive line with a pair of converted tight ends. Senior Dave Gibson actually started his career as a defensive lineman before switching to tight end last season, where he made eight catches for 79 yards. Gibson will moved back to defensive end, while athletic sophomore Sean Conover will also line up at end. Conover was a highly regarded tight end prospect who was one of the team's most improved defensive players throughout spring practice.
"You can't lose players the caliber of Adam Lord, Gary Carruthers and Eric Storm and expect to replace them easily," says Landis. "But I really think Corey Mayo and Shawn Tidwell are impact football players, so I don't think there is a need for anybody to panic.
"A lot of success on defense depends on the line. There is a learning curve there, especially with the younger guys."
 Joe Glenn will open the season in Bucknell's starting secondary.  |
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Sophomore Zach Richards, who missed the spring season with an injury, brings a ton of potential along the line, as does converted linebacker Andrew Decker from nearby Berwick High School. Seniors Jim Ruhlin and Joe Bering, a converted offensive lineman, and sophomore Jacob Burney add depth here, while Michael Hardman, Nicholas DeFeo, Michael Anthony and Andrew Rutherford come in as freshmen.
Linebacker
The Bison linebacker corps will be young, but fairly well tested, in 2003. Juniors Kevin Ransome and David Ulmer are the two most seasoned, as the Bison look to replace three outstanding performers in Stephane Pluviose, Juan Morales and two-time All-Patriot Leaguer Joe Massey. Ransome is coming off a terrific sophomore campaign in which he was Bucknell's second-leading tackler with 69 hits, including three sacks and nine tackles for loss. Ulmer is vying for his first everyday starting berth after serving as a backup linebacker over the last two seasons.
Senior Brock Williamson, a Ricks JC transfer who got a late start at Bucknell due to an injury last season will also be in the mix at inside linebacker. Junior Mike Shover is coming back from an ACL injury that cost him the better part of his 2002 season and all of spring practice. If healthy, Shover will be a key contributor on defense and special teams.
"Kevin Ransome is the stalwart at linebacker, a guy that is certainly very important to the success of our defense," says Landis. "Brock Williamson really helped himself with a great spring, and David Ulmer is right there as well. It's going to be interesting to see who emerges there."
The outside linebacker spots, or "knockers" in Tripp Merritt's 4-4 defensive scheme, are really more of a hybrid between a safety and an OLB. Landis likens the knockers to his slotbacks on offense, in that they have to be multi-dimensional players - part linebacker and part defensive back. They will be counted on to rush the passer, stop the run and defend receivers.
The two leading candidates here are senior Mike Leatherman, formerly a starting free safety, and senior Jared Marsilio, who saw time at safety and on special teams last season. Leatherman had 47 tackles in his first year as a starter at free safety. He also broke up four passes, intercepted one, recovered a fumble and had a 42-yard run on a fake punt.
Junior Jeffrey Montagna sophomore James Lachman will also vie for time at the knocker position. Lachman was very impressive with the jayvees last fall, leading the squad with 39 tackles in four games. Montagna is another versatile athlete who played cornerback last season. He could end up playing some defensive back again if needed.
Freshmen linebackers include Stephen Matzura, a local product from neaby Mount Carmel High School, as well as Zach Parrish and Dorian Petersen.
Defensive Back
Free safety is an extremely important position in Merritt's system, and he had a terrific one in All-American Weston Borba at St. Mary's over the last three years. Junior Joe Glenn moves from cornerback to free safety in 2003 and will compete for a starting spot in the preseason. Sophomore Michael Treston will also compete here. Glenn played in 10 games last season, including three as a starter after Bucknell's cornerback ranks were thinned by injury late in the year. He made 16 tackles and broke up a pair of passes.
At cornerback, veterans Jerome Acy and Anthony Lewis are slated to return to starting roles, although both missed most of preseason camp with injuries. Lewis was limited to eight games due to a hip injury late last season, but he was one of the team's top defenders when healthy. He logged 29 tackles (27 solo) and led the team with three interceptions and six pass breakups. Lewis, who studied off campus this spring, also notched three of Bucknell's school-record 10 blocked kicks last season. Acy missed virtually all of the 2002 season with a back injury, but is back at 100 percent and could be an all-conference candidate if he can return to his pre-injury form.
"Having Jerome and Anthony back healthy makes the cornerback position a real strong point," notes Landis.
Complementing that duo are senior Fareed Ali and sophomores Dante Ross and Braxton Lake. Another sophomore, Ryan Whitfield, played quite a bit late last season but is questionable for the start of the 2003 season with an injury.
Luis Flores and David Frisbey are two promising freshmen defensive backs who join the Bison squad this summer.
Special Teams
Landis is very excited to have Jared Backus returning as special teams coordinator in 2003. In Backus' first season in Lewisburg the Bison were extremely dangerous blocking kicks, racking up 10 in 11 games to set a new school record. Backus will have a busy preseason, as Bucknell has some key holes to fill on special teams.
The Orange and Blue will have brand new starters at both punter and placekicker in 2003, following the graduation of punter Billy Windle and kicker Chris Lundberg. Highly regarded recruit Ryan Korn and sophomore Ryan Bower are still in a neck-and-neck battle for the starting placekicker job. Bower handled the kickoff duties for much of last season and demonstrated a strong leg. He had the benefit of getting virtually all of the field goal and extra-point snaps this spring. Bower booted a 40-yard field goal in a junior varsity contest last season and nailed another 40-yarder in the spring game.
Junior Ryan Berry has been the jayvee punter for the last two seasons and is expected to shoulder those duties for the varsity in 2003. Last fall he averaged 36.6 yards on 19 punts, with a long of 51 yards. Freshman running back Richard Bennett is the backup punter.
While the kick blocking units were among the nation's best in 2002, the coaching staff will be looking for improvement in the punt and kickoff return areas this season. Sophomore Dante Ross showed flashes of potential as a punt returner late last season, and he took one back for a touchdown in a junior varsity game. Sophomore Antwan Kennedy is the top returning kick returner, and he and a host of backs and receivers will get looks there this spring.
Sophomore Jeff Orazi earned a varsity letter as a long-snapper last season and will likely handle those duties again in 2003. The Bison also return the bulk of their punt and kickoff coverage teams.
"In my years as a head coach I have normally handled the special teams," says Landis. "While I had great coaches at my side, it really occupied a lot of my time during the week. So the opportunity for me to work with Jared, who comes from many of the same philosophies, is exciting."
