Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Football Preseason Camp Update
8/13/2008 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 13, 2008
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LEWISBURG, Pa. - The Bucknell football team concluded its sixth straight afternoon practice under a warm sun on the Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium turf Wednesday afternoon. The Bison responded well to the warmer temperatures than they have faced in recent days.
With six practices under its belt, Bucknell is now facing its first two-a-day on Thursday when it takes the field at 8 a.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. It will be the first time the Bison will have a practice earlier than 2:30 p.m.
“We only have three two-a-days this year, which is different than in the past,” mentioned sixth-year Bucknell head coach Tim Landis. “Plus, the first one is early in the morning and the second is into the evening, whereas in the past they would be only a couple hours apart. I told the team I expect them to come out fast and finish fast.”
Wednesday's session featured a number of spirited blocking drills as well as a mix of controlled offensive and defensive sets. Practice concluded with an 11-on-11 session where the team was faced with different down-and-distance situations on one half of the field.
“I like the enthusiasm and the chemistry from the team so far,” commented Landis. “The guys are taking it upon themselves to get better and hold each other accountable. Last year we were young and the biggest change so far is the guys are comfortable taking charge in the locker room. The leadership is there.”
One position where Landis singled out leadership was on the offensive line, where senior Stephen Edwards and junior James Phelan have guided a young group through the first week of camp.
Notes: Bucknell has five practices over the next three days with its second two-a-day on Saturday … Sunday is the first off day of camp for the Bison … Landis singled out senior Kevin Mullen as a veteran who has provided enthusiasm on the offensive side of the ball … Landis mentioned the team will begin to focus on preparation for its season opener with Duquesne about 10 days before the contest … Saturday's first practice session will mark the midway point of the 20 practices the team is slated to conduct before classes start on Aug. 27.
