Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell's Josh DeStefano Tabbed as PL Football Rookie of the Week
11/8/2004 7:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 8, 2004
LEWISBURG, Pa. - For the second time in three weeks, Bucknell freshman fullback Josh DeStefano (Altoona, Pa./Bishop Guilfoyle) has been named the Patriot League Rookie of the Week. DeStefano, making his second career start on Saturday, rushed for a career-high 100 yards on 17 carries in Bucknell's thrilling 21-20 victory over Fordham on Homecoming at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium.
DeStefano averaged 5.9 yards per carry, including a career-long 26-yard run in the opening half. He was also Bucknell's leading receiver with three catches for 46 yards, including a career-long 29-yard catch and run on a screen pass. DeStefano became the first Bison rookie to rush for 100 yards in a game since Blamah Sarnor did it against Cornell in 2002. Ironically, Sarnor's knee injury helped crate the opportunity for DeStefano to win a starting spot.
The recipient of this week's Lewisburg Touchdown Club Offensive Player of the Week award, DeStefano has also been praised by the Bison coaching staff for his blocking ability. The Bison are now 2-0 in his starts.
DeStefano has now appeared in four varsity games this fall and is now the team's fifth-leading rusher with 182 yards on 36 carries. He has also caught seven passes for 111 yards. The Bison now rank 10th nationally in rushing with an average of 248.6 yards per game.
DeStefano joins Fordham's Jonte Coven and Holy Cross' Ken Flanders as multiple winners of the rookie of the week award. Bucknell moved back over .500 at 5-4 with Saturday's victory, and the Bison host defending Patriot League champion Colgate this Saturday at 1 p.m.
