Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Football Camp Report #3
8/14/2006 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 14, 2006
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LEWISBURG, Pa. -- The second week of preseason camp is now in full swing, and Bucknell head coach Tim Landis and his staff are hoping for a bit more consistency as the countdown to opening night has dwindled inside 20 days.
"We've got a long way to go," said Landis. "Fortunately there is a little over two and a half weeks left. I'd like to see us put together three or four really good practices in a row. Right now we'll have one very good practice, like the one on Friday night, but then we are letting up. I'm not sure we've had two real good practices in a row yet. As soon as we can start doing that, the coaches will start feeling much more optimistic because there is some good talent out there."
After a weekend practicing in delightful weather conditions, including the first two-a-days on Friday and Sunday, the humidity crept back up for Monday's full-pads session on the Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium FieldTurf. Following typical position group workouts, the Bison went through some 11-on-11 drills, including a measured drive featuring younger players going head-to-head near the end of practice. Freshman fullback Paul Forcellini looked particularly impressive on three carries, including a 12-yard run in which he dragged a host of defenders across the first-down marker. Casey Williams' 9-yard run set up the offense at the 3-yard line, but the defense forced a fumble near the goal line to end the series.
Following practice, most of the Bucknell receivers, running backs and defensive backs stayed behind for some "hands" drills with the ball machine. After a number of dropped balls from both offensive and defensive players early in camp, this has been a particular point of emphasis from the coaches.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE DEFENSIVE SECONDARY
Led by senior David Frisbey at cornerback and junior Stephen Collage at free safety, both of whom started every game last season, Bucknell has some experience and depth at defensive back. Frisbey had 54 tackles and a team-best four interceptions last year, while Collage ranked third on the team with 69 stops.
"David Frisbey just keeps getting better and better," said Landis. "We expect him to be one of the foundations of the defense."
Sophomore Nolan Applegate is the top returning candidate to play the other corner position, but Applegate and Collage are both being pushed hard by younger players in camp. At corner, freshman Jason Davis has looked particularly impressive after being switched from slotback three days into camp. Another offense-to-defense swap is sophomore Harrison Baker, who has looked outstanding at free safety, as have promising freshmen Brigham Farrand and Jon Salem.
"Some of the veterans in the secondary are getting pressure from the young guys," said Landis. "They are going to have to execute every day or else risk getting beaten out. The coaching staff loves that competitive environment though. The best way to get better is through competition."
DeSTEFANO HEALTHY AND READY
Junior fullback Josh DeStefano has been one of the early standouts on the offensive side of the ball, drawing praise from Landis, who says DeStefano looks better than ever.
DeStefano, who rushed for 297 yards last season and 243 as a freshman in 2004, attributes the early success to his health.
"Everyone is going to be a little sore early in camp, but this is the best I've felt since I've been here," said DeStefano, who has played through a number of injuries over the last two seasons, including a broken thumb in 2004. DeStefano is also excited about the team's direction.
"The young guys are really picking up the offense quickly, and I've noticed a change in mentality," said DeStefano. "I think we lost some respect after a tough season, and we need to go out there and earn it back."
SCRIMMAGES ON THE HORIZON
Two intrasquad scrimmages are planned prior to the Sept. 2 season opener against Duquesne. The first is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 19 at 2:30 p.m. at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium. The second scrimmage is set for Saturday, Aug. 26, and while a time has not been determined yet, Landis indicated the session will likely be held in the evening to simulate a night game. Bucknell's first three games of the season are all 7 p.m. starts at home.
"Saturday's scrimmage will give us a real good assessment in a game environment," said Landis. "We'll try to get everyone some playing time in order to get them on film and see where we are in a game situation. We won't be concerned with score or stats, but we want to see who is going to step up in a game atmosphere."
TICKET INFORMATION
Bucknell football season tickets are currently on sale for $50 (reserved seat) or $40 (general admission). Call 570-577-1000 or visit www.bucknell.edu/boxoffice for more information.
BUCKNELL FOOTBALL MEDIA DAY INFORMATION
The 2006 Bucknell Football Media Luncheon has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 16, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The event will take place inside the Kenneth Langone Athletics and Recreation Center, on the second-floor terrace overlooking the main lobby. Head coach Tim Landis and his staff will be present and available for one-on-one interviews, as well as select players. Please contact the Office of Athletic Communications if you wish to attend the event, or if you have any specific interview requests.
BISON BRIEFS
In addition to the 37 new players in camp, there are also four new coaches on board this season in Ashley Ingram (offensive coordinator/offensive line), Steve Vashel (safeties), Pat Kingman (defensive line) and former Bison quarterback/wide receiver Devin Fitzsimmons (wide receivers) ... Bucknell has a handful of local players on the squad again this season, including WR Zach Allen (Catawissa), OL Ian Fullmer (Shamokin) and LB Ryan Slater (Elysburg) ... LB Stephen Matzura (Kulpmont) is unlikely to play this season due to a back injury, although he is helping out in practice every day as a student assistant.
