Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Football Preseason Camp Report #2
8/13/2004 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 13, 2004
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BISON GRIDDERS MAKING STRIDES AS "TWO-A-DAYS" LOOM
LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Although he descibed his team as "a bit sluggish" on Friday, Bucknell head coach Tim Landis is extremely pleased with the squad's progress through the first five days of preseason camp. A palpable spirit and intensity has been in the air for much of the week, led by a large group of veterans. Friday's session was the first in which the players wore full pads, and there were plenty of crackling hits on the Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium turf, particularly during a series of offense vs. defense interior line drills midway through the afternoon session.
Landis also led his team through special teams workouts as well as 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. Senior quarterback John Henry Jackson was impressive in the latter, breaking through the defense for a long run, and moments later connecting with Ian Nutt on a long pass.
"This is the fifth day, and we've gone hard," said Landis. "With lifting in the mornings and practice in the afternoon, the guys are getting their work in. I'm not surprised we had a bit of a flat day today, but now we need to see how we respond with two practices tomorrow. I feel good about where we are as a team. Some young guys are really emerging, and there are some good position battles going on. It's going to be fun to watch over the next three weeks to see who comes away with key positions."
OFFENSIVE GUARD COMPETITION HEATING UP
One of the most competitive position battles so far, according to Tim Landis, is at the offensive guard spots. Senior Aaron DeGraffenreidt, a returning starter, missed spring practice while spending the semester studying in Paris, and a pair of sophomores in Stefan Niemczyk and Mike Boccella emerged atop the depth chart. DeGraffenreidt has come back to camp in excellent shape and created quite a battle for starting berths. The Bison are fortunate to have solid depth across the offensive line, with as many as seven players coming in with No. 1 experience.
Slotback, with returnees Frank Lazio and Peter Kaufman being pushed by a host of good-looking newcomers, and wide receiver are two other offensive positions where key roles are up for grabs.
"Although we have eight returning starters on offense," said Landis, "there is a lot of playing time to be won. We typically like to rotate four slotbacks, so some young guys are getting a chance to earn playing time."
DEFENSIVE BATTLES SHAPING UP AT TACKLE, KNOCKER
Tim Landis noted that two primary position skirmishes on defense are evolving at one of the defensive tackle positions, and the "knocker," or outside linebacker, spots.
"Corey Mayo is solid at one of the tackle positions," said Landis, "but returning guys like Jacob Burney and Mike Hardman are getting a hard push from two real impressive freshmen in [Ryan] Walsh and [Jonathan] Grainger."
At knocker, senior David Ulmer, who has played both inside and outside linebacker, is battling two other veterans in senior Jeffrey Montagna and junior James Lachman. Sophomore Steven Matzura (Mount Carmel H.S.) and freshman Ryan Slater (Southern Columbia H.S.), two local products, have also been impressive.
RECRUITING CLASS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT
Tim Landis continues to be impressed by a number of freshmen early on in camp. In addition to Ryan Walsh and Jonathan Grainger on the defensive line, Landis also cited a pair of defensive backs in John Thomson and Matt Catalano.
Offensively, Landis said that Stephen Rivera has stood out among the rookie offensive linemen, while Josh DeStefano has made quick strides at fullback. He is also excited about Terrance Wilson's athleticism at quarterback, as well as the trio of Greg Sutton, Corin Erby and Roosevelt Davis at slotback.
SEVERAL BISON OPPONENTS RANKED IN NATIONAL PRESEASON POLL
Tim Landis didn't need any proof to understand that the Bison will be facing a difficult schedule this season. But just in case, three Bucknell opponents are listed in this week's ESPN/USA TODAY I-AA preseason rankings, including two teams in the top 10. Defending Patriot League champion Colgate, which advanced all the way to the I-AA national championship game last season, begins the year ranked fifth, while Villanova, one of the favorites in the Atlantic-10, is ranked 10th. The Wildcats were picked by the A-10 coaches to win the South Division, ahead of defending national champion Delaware. Another Patriot League foe, Lehigh, is ranked 22nd nationally. Penn, coming off a 10-0 season, is the top team listed among "others receiving votes."
TWO INTRASQUAD SCRIMMAGES HIGHLIGHT CAMP SCHEDULE
Bucknell will play two intrasquad scrimmages during the preseason as it prepares for its season-opener at Villanova on Sept. 2 in Philadelphia. The first will take place on Thursday, Aug. 19, while the second is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 26.
BISON BRIEFS
Starting QB Daris Wilson was expected to return to Lewisburg on Friday evening after attending a family funeral ... Saturday marks the first of six double practice sessions ... cornerbacks Joe Glenn and Dante Ross both returned interceptions for touchdowns during 7-on-7 drills ... Ross nearly pulled in a spectacular leaping interception later in the day ... veterans Blamah Sarnor and Sean Conover consistently led the pack during the end-of-day conditioning.
