Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Football Heads into Final Week of Spring Practice
4/13/2007 8:00:00 AM | Football
April 13, 2007
LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Even though Mother Nature has offered weather more apt for late November, Bucknell football coach Tim Landis has been very pleased with the team's progress during spring practice, which is heading into its final week. With a robust 71 players in camp and no new significant injuries to report, Landis feels that the progress the team made during a 6-5 2006 season has carried over to the spring.
"We have the largest group in spring ball since I've been here, and we've been able to stay pretty healthy," said Landis, who will be in his fifth season at Bucknell in 2007. "That has enabled us to get a good look at everyone."
At the forefront of this spring's agenda has been introducing new defensive coordinator Andrew Cohen's system.
"Installing a new defense is a major challenge in 15 practices, but the guys are progressing nicely," said Landis. "The players have really come out and shown enthusiasm and a commitment to building on last year's success. They know we're not sneaking up on anyone next season."
The Bison conducted their only formal scrimmage prior to the Apr. 21 Orange vs. Blue game on Wednesday evening, and fans were treated to big plays on both sides of the ball.
The offense scored early when Justin Pulgrano's 35-yard run set up a 1-yard touchdown by quarterback Andrew Lair, who is back at full speed after missing most of last season with a broken collarbone. Later, quarterback Marcello Trigg hooked up with slotback Josh Lee on a 51-yard pass, which led to a field goal attempt.
Late in the scrimmage during situational work, the coaching staff backed up the offense inside its own 10-yard line, and on second down fullback Corin Erby sprinted 88 yards before being tackled at the 2. Fellow fullback Kevin Mullen and slotback A.J. Kizekai also had runs of 20-plus yards.
Defensive standouts included Sam Williams and Ryan Walsh on the defensive line, each of whom had numerous hits in the backfield. Williams had three tackles for loss on the first two series of the scrimmage. Linebacker Greg Jones made a nice stop for no gain near the goal line, and LB Todd Manjuck also had a TFL on goal-line defense. Corneback Jason Davis broke up a pass on third down, and converted quarterback Leonard Wilson stripped a ballcarrier, although lineman Stephen Edwards recovered for the offense.
"I really thought both lines competed hard," said Landis after the 90-minute scrimmage. "The offensive line [which will feature three new starters in 2007] is coming along really well. Sam Williams and Julius Hopson stood out on defense, and I was pleased with the intensity all the way around."
The Bison are scheduled to practice on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday next week, with the Orange vs. Blue game slated for Saturday, Apr. 21 at 8 p.m. at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium. The spring game is open to the public free of charge, and Doug Birdsong and George Burman will broadcast the game live on BucknellBison.com.
