Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Football Camp Report #2
8/9/2006 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 9, 2006
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LEWISBURG, Pa. -- The Bison football squad finished its fourth day of practice under sunny skies on the grass practice field on Wednesday, and head coach Tim Landis seems pleased with the team's progress thus far. Landis reported that the entire offensive scheme has been installed by new offensive coordinator Ashley Ingram, and now that all the plays are in, the coaches will slow things down and emphasize particular areas as needed.
Late in Wednesday's practice the team went through some 11-on-11 drills, with positive plays on both sides of the ball. Of note, QB Andrew Lair threw a nice slant pass to WR Alex Odenbach for about a 20-yard gain; freshman DL David Young had a quarterback sack; and LB Chris Barr made a diving play to break up a pass.
Special teams continues to be a major focus of the early practice sessions. "We're only four days in, but we have seen a number of young guys that run very well and could contribute right away on special teams," Landis said. "It's important that they know what they're doing."
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE DEFENSIVE FRONT
Following the graduation of Sean Conover, Andrew Decker, Jacob Burney and Brandon Bailey, the competition for starting jobs is really heating up among the defensive linemen. While there is still a veteran presence at the two tackle spots with returning starter Ryan Walsh back along with senior Mike Hardman and junior Brandon Friday, things are much more wide open at the defensive end spots. Landis singled out two freshmen -- Josh Eden and David Young -- who have been very impressive thus far. Junior Craig Kostelic and Todd Rinaldo moved up from outside linebacker and are in the hunt, as is newcomer Kurt Schneider, who participated in spring practice after coming to Bucknell from the U.S. Naval Academy Prep School.
At defensive tackle, sophomore Stephen Edwards is challenging the veterans for playing time, as is freshman Will Braaf, who was the fastest of the linemen in conditioning drills at the end of Wednesday's practice. While the starting linebacker positions seem set with standouts Dorian Petersen and Ryan Slater back in the fold at inside backer and Matt Palermo and Julius Hopson outside, Landis cited Jason Kolodziej and Sam Nana-Sinkham as being two of the more impressive freshmen thus far in camp.
"[Kolodziej and Nana-Sinkham] are two guys who have really been impressive," Landis said. "Right now they are pushing Ryan Slater and Dorian Petersen to become better players. I don't want to say that I'm surprised, because we knew that they were going to be very good football players, but both those guys have picked things up quickly and are making an impact. Jason has excellent size at 6'1", 247 pounds. He's not a speedster, but he runs well enough and is really smart. Sam Nana-Sinkham runs extremely well. We're really excited about both of them."
SCRIMMAGES ON THE HORIZON
As of Wednesday, 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.
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.
PRESEASON PICKS
At last Tuesday's Patriot League Media Day in Bethlehem, Pa., the preseason football poll was revealed, and the Bison were picked sixth. The poll, voted on by the league's head coaches and sports information directors: Colgate (68 points), Lafayette (61), Lehigh (57), Holy Cross (35), Fordham (33), Bucknell (27), Georgetown (13).
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) ... the Bison have managed to avoid serious injuries in the early days of preseason camp ... freshman RB A.J. Kizekai, freshman DB Brandon Simmons, junior QB Ryan Ahern and sophomore DL Ben Watts missed Wednesday's practice with minor injuries.
