Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Football Camp Report #4
8/17/2006 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 17, 2006
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LEWISBURG, Pa. -- With the entire Bucknell freshman class set to report to campus for orientation activities on Friday, the Bison football squad chalked up its final scheduled two-a-day practice session of preseason camp on Thursday. The team had a strong morning session, with a night practice scheduled for 7:15 on the grass practice field.
The morning practice was highlighted by 11-on-11 drills, capped by two series of two-minute drill simulation. In the first "hurry up" series, junior QB Terrance Wilson led the offense effectively, connecting twice with freshman WR Cale Cadman for first downs. On the final play before time expired, sophomore K Will Carney nailed a 29-yard field goal. On the second series, the defense caught a break when senior WR Richard Simpson broke loose along the right sideline but couldn't control a long pass from sophomore QB Andrew Lair. Ultimately the defense forced a three-and-out, with freshman LB Sam Nana-Sinkham coming up with sacks on both third and fourth down.
Nana-Sinkham and Cadman both stood out among the rookies on Thursday morning. Nana-Sinkham also had a sack in 11-on-11 drills, and Cadman made the catch of the day, outleaping a defender on a bomb from Lair along the left sideline.
On Friday the team will work in a late-afternoon practice around a host of freshman orientation activities.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE OFFENSIVE LINE
With a ground-oriented offense, the big men up front are always a key piece to the puzzle. In 2006, the Bison will feature a veteran offensive line, with all five probable starters entering the year with some starting experience.
Senior guard Stefan Niemczyk is the leader of the group. Voted co-captain by his teammates during the offseason, Niemczyk will be in his third year as a starter.
"Stefan is a leader in everything he does," said head coach Tim Landis. "He is really intent on having a great senior year, and he is doing a good job keeping everyone focused."
Junior Chad Glasser will returns at left tackle, teaming with Niemczyk to form a solid left side of the line. Senior Joel Hoffer returns at center, where he has started games in each of the last two seasons. On the right side, junior Jonathan Grainger is back at guard, where he performed very well late last season after moving over from defensive tackle. Seniors Michael Anthony and Michael Boccella are still battling for the starting job at right tackle.
"It's good to have some experienced guys on the line," said Landis. "Our top eight linemen are juniors or seniors, and not only do they have experience in terms of playing time, but they are mature physically as well. This unit has to be real strong for us."
Landis singled out James Phelan as a freshman lineman who has looked very strong in preseason camp.
 QB Terrance Wilson chats with Tom Housenick of the Daily Item at Wednesday's media day.  |
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CARNEY TAKES OVER KICKING DUTIES
When sophomore K Will Carney booted a "game-winning" 29-yard field goal to close out a two-minute drill simulation on Thursday morning, he said he imagined the ball sailing through the uprights to win a league game on a Saturday this fall.
Carney is expected to be the starting placekicker in 2006 after performing well in that role in a late-season audition last year. As a freshman he made 5 of 7 field goals, including a 43-yarder against Lehigh and a 42-yarder against Villanova, as well as 10 of 11 point-after attempts.
"It was a great learning experience and really gave me a lot of confidence," Carney said of his 2006 performance. "As soon as I made my first kick [against Villanova] I felt a lot more relaxed."
Carney says preseason camp is preparing him well for the start of the season. "The coaches are doing a good job giving us a lot of responsibility and putting some pressure on us. We spend a lot of time working on special teams, and I've gotten plenty of work in on field goals, PATs and kickoffs. Those are situations that can help you win games, so it's great to be prepared."
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 at 6 p.m. Landis indicated the session is being 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.
BISON BRIEFS
Sean Conover, a 2006 Bucknell graduate and the former Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, made three tackles (all solo) for the Tennessee Titans in their preseason loss to New Orleans last weekend ... the Titans visit Denver on Saturday night ... the Bison went through their annual photo day and local media day on Wednesday ... while Landis has not yet named a starting quarterback for the Sept. 2 opener against Duquesne, he did indicate that Terrance Wilson and Andrew Lair are both likely to play early in the season.
