Bucknell University Athletics
Wilson, Ransome Named Bucknell Football Captains
8/26/2004 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 26, 2004
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DARIS WILSON, KEVIN RANSOME ELECTED TEAM CAPTAINS
LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Following Bucknell's second of two preseason intrasquad scrimmages, head coach Tim Landis announced that, by team vote, senior QB Daris Wilson and senior LB Kevin Ransome will serve as team captains in 2004. Both players are coming off terrific junior campaigns and are strong all-league candidates this fall. Wilson rushed for 720 yards and threw for another 848 last season, despite missing nearly four full games with an ankle injury. Ransome logged a career-high 116 tackles and was a Second Team All-Patriot League pick in 2003.
"It is obvious that in both practice and game environments, Kevin and Daris are outstanding leaders," said Landis. "They both play the game the right way. While I'm not real surprised at how the voting turned out, it is great that the players are able to recognize the same things that the coaching staff does."
As was the case last season, a third "game captain" will be announced each week throughout the season, joining Wilson and Ransome. Landis also employs a team leadership council throughout the season, with one representative from each class meeting with the coaching staff on a regular basis throughout the season to discuss team issues. Landis annouced this week that freshman DL Ryan Walsh would join sophomore OL Kris Cooper, junior LB James Lachman and senior Ransome on the council.
2004 PRESEASON CAMP ENDS WITH HARD-HITTING SCRIMMAGE
Thursday's 90-minute intrasquad scrimmage marked the official end of the 2004 preseason camp. With opening night just one week away, Bucknell enters normal game-week mode following a day off on Friday. The Bison travel to Villanova to begin the regular season on Thursday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.
"It was a real good camp, one of the best I've been associated with," said Landis. "The attitude and chemistry of the players has been exciting, and they should be commended. Camp is not easy, and the staff is really appreciative of all the hard work we were able to get accomplished." Thursday's scrimmage was evenly played between the Bison offensive and defensive units, with a handful of highlight-reel plays by the offense countered by many hard hits from the defense.
"It was a good, crisp performance from both sides," commented Landis. "For the second straight scrimmage there were hardly any penalties and just one turnover. The defense, particulary in situations against Villanova's sets, was dominant today. Many of the veterans, especially Sean Conover, Virgil Rush and Kevin Ransome looked in game form. The offense executed well. Ever since the spring game I've seen the offensive players stepping up to a new level. Today I thought Daris Wilson, Nisan Trotter, Pete Kaufman and the entire offensive line really stood out."
DEFENSE SETS TONE EARLY
Thursday's scrimmage began with situational play, and the defense set the early tone with four straight stops in the red zone, forcing three incomplete passes as well as DL Andrew Decker's stop for a 7-yard loss on a reverse. In a four-play series of third-and-long situations, the defense held strong four straight times, highlighted by DB Virgil Rush's sack.
During full-field play, Rush and DL Corey Mayo made big plays and LB David Ulmer broke up a pass as the defense forced a punt on the first series. Later, Decker and DL Brandon Bailey had sacks, although the latter was nullified by a face mask penalty.
WILSON, TROTTER BREAK LONG PLAYS TO HIGHLIGHT OFFENSIVE SHOWING
The first of several big plays for the offense came during third-and-long yardarge situations, when QB Daris Wilson took off on a third-and-eight and streaked 79 yards for a touchdown. On the second full-field possession for the offense, QB John Henry Jackson connected with WR Nisan Trotter on a 62-yard TD strike. FB Anthony Lovelace, who made several nice plays during the scrimmage, scored on a 16-yard burst up the middle.
Other significant plays for the offense included a 14-yard run by RB Roosevelt Davis three plays prior to the Trotter catch; RB Peter Kaufman's 22-yard run; RB Josh DeStefano's 17-yard scamper; and Wilson's 23-yard pass to Frank Lazio during a two-minute drill.
YOUNGSTERS MAKING PLAYS AS WELL
While Thursday's scrimmage was a good tuneup for the Bison veterans, the team's freshmen players continued their progression, including several who could find themselves on the field at Villanova next Thursday. Near the end of practice the offensive and defensive reserves squared off, and DL Jonathan Grainger spent most of the sequence in the offensive backfield. Grainger registered two sacks, totaling 19 yards and also had a diving tackle on a quarterback keeper.
DB Matt Catalano had an interception and another pass breakup. LB Ryan Slater and DB John Thomson both sniffed out option runs and made tackles for short yardage, and Slater also broke up a pass.
Offensively, QB Terrance Wilson had two shifty scrambles for first downs and RB Josh DeStefano ran hard out of the backfield.
SPECIAL TEAMS SPOTLIGHT
All three of Bucknell's kickers -- "The Three Ryans" -- looked strong on Thursday. Placekicker Ryan Korn was 3-for-3 on PATs and also kicked a 35-yard field goal. Kickoff specialist Ryan Bower booted one kickoff just shy of the goalline and another five yards deep into the end zone. And punter Ryan Berry downed two kicks inside the 12-yard line.
FIRST LEWISBURG TOUCHDOWN CLUB LUNCHEON SLATED FOR SEPT. 7
The first meeting of the Lewisburg Touchdown Club will be Tuesday, Sept. 7 at the Lewisburg Hotel. Following a buffet lunch, Tim Landis will review the Villanova game and introduce his players of the week as well as the local high school player and coach of the week. Call 570-577-1771 for more information.
BUS TRIPS PLANNED FOR BISON AWAY GAMES
Bison Club and Bucknell Dining Services will sponsor bus trips to all five away football games during the 2004 season. The bus will leave on game day from in front of the Kenneth Langone Athletics and Recreation Center. Bus tickets alone can be purchased, or fans can buy a package to include both bus and game tickets. Fans wishing to take advantage of this easy and carefree way to travel to Bison games this season should contact Todd Newcomb for reservations at 570-577-1771.
