Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Football Spring Practice Update, Spring Game Scheduled for Saturday
4/11/2011 8:00:00 AM | Football
April 11, 2011
LEWISBURG, Pa. - The Bucknell football team has completed 11 of its 15 spring practice sessions, but still has a busy week ahead with three more practices and the spring game slated for this week. The spring game will take place Saturday at 8 p.m. in Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium. The Bison will have practice on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Bucknell's spring practice began on March 22 and despite unfavorable weather most of the time, Bison second-year head coach Joe Susan has been pleased with the progress of the team.
"As a team, we are ahead of last year," commented Susan. "This is the third time we have installed our schemes, starting last spring, in the preseason and now again this spring. Having additional experience helps and has enabled us to get in more reps."
Susan led the Bison through their second controlled scrimmage of the spring this past Saturday afternoon.
"It is gratifying to me that Saturday's scrimmage was more punch, counterpunch between the offense and defense than we saw last year," mentioned Susan. "As is usually the case, the defense is ahead of the offense, but we did some positive things on offense on Saturday, like succeeding in the four-minute drill."
In the week ahead Susan plans to focus on exposing the Bison to numerous game-like situations, citing a drill that was run during a recent practice that featured the offense with the ball at the 12-yard line with eight seconds remaining and needing a field goal to win. He mentioned he has never been in that exact situation, but wants the players and coaching staff to be prepared if it does arise. Additionally, Susan expects to work on the offense coming out from deep in its own territory and kickoff returns in the upcoming week.
Heading into spring practice, two of Susan's main goals for Bucknell were to continue to mentor the players on what it takes to be selfless in the selfish environment that is life and to be accountable for everything they do. He thinks most of the players have bought into the philosophy, which will only strengthen their on-field performance.
Susan cited a number of players on both sides of the ball that have had strong springs, including running backs Tyler Smith, Travis Friend and Jeremiah Young, who has shown he is ready to be a contributor, as well as offensive linemen Ian Dal Bello and Anthony Carter. Dal Bello has been getting a number of reps at center, shifting from his customary left guard position to replace the graduating Jason Vollmar
The tight end position has been by committee with Joe Sangimino impressing Susan, while Victor Walker and Frank DeNick have stood out at wide receiver. Susan mentioned that the quarterbacks have improved on the fundamentals and he would like to see that continue, especially incumbent starter and 2010 Patriot League Rookie of the Year Brandon Wesley, who is still polishing his play under center.
On defense, Susan noted that veteran All-Patriot Leaguer Josh Eden has adopted fellow All-Patriot Leaguer Robert De La Rosa as an understudy and the two have them have been a force on the defensive line. Additionally, Tim Bolte, Sean Rafferty, Ryan Morgan, Sal Vallala, Donald Quarles and Bryce Robertson, who is completely recovered from a hamstring injury that plagued him last fall, have posted strong springs as the defense transitions to a different formation and scheme.
Saturday's spring game will be similar in format to last year's. The roster will be divided into two teams with the two squads playing a controlled contest against each other. Among the specialized rules for the game are a running clock and all punts are fair catches.
Concessions will be available at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium during Saturday's spring game.
Bucknell Football Schedule This Week
Tuesday, April 12: Practice, 7 p.m. (Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium)
Wednesday, April 13: Practice, 5:15 p.m. (grass practice field)
Thursday, April 14: Practice, 7 p.m. (Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium)
Saturday, April 16: Spring Game, 8 p.m. (Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium)
