Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Football Spring Practice Update
3/29/2013 8:00:00 AM | Football
March 29, 2013
LEWISBURG, Pa. –The Bucknell football team in 2013 will return 16 regular starters and five All-Patriot League selections. That veteran leadership and experience is already helping the squad as it enters the second week of spring practice. Bucknell began spring practice one week ago and Friday evening's session will mark the fifth workout - and first scrimmage - of the spring.
“Having so many veterans that have been on the field the last three years gives us an advantage because they understand what we expect out of them,” commented Bison head coach Joe Susan, who will be on the Bucknell sidelines for a fourth season in the fall. “They understand the system we have installed, so it has enabled us to be more advanced and it is nice to hear the guys come off the field between plays and series talking football.”
Friday's 7:15 p.m. session will be a normal practice for the first half, but the second half will feature scrimmage situations complete with officials.
“We will do a variety of different phases tonight,” said Susan. “We aren't totally finished with our install, but we do have the red zone in.”
Bucknell has a couple of position battles this spring due to graduation. Chief among them is running back, where Tyler Smith and Jeremiah Young completed their Bison careers in the fall. They accounted for 231 of the team's 280 carries that were not by quarterbacks. Senior-to-be Charles Thompson and 2012 rookies Brian Regan and Matt DelMauro have taken most of the reps this spring and have been impressive.
“Charles came back at 210 pounds, and it is 210 pounds the right way,” praised Susan. “I think Brian is one of the fastest people on this campus. And Matt is not tall, but he is not small by any means. He has really become definitive in terms of how he runs.”
The tight end position is another that has plenty of competition. Juniors-to-be Patrick Kelly and Josh Lebo have received plenty of playing time alongside 2012 senior Nick Gatto the last two years. Their roles have only increased this spring, while Brian Duncan and Joe Sangimino are sure to be in the mix for playing time. Additionally, Susan expects to use Jake Hartman at tight end when he returns from injury.
Susan also praised the wide receiver group of veterans Victor Walker, Kyle Sullivan and Josh Brake, as well as Matthew Jegede, for their work this spring. Three-year starter at quarterback Brandon Wesley has looked comfortable throwing to all of his targets.
This spring has been especially unique for Susan, an offensive line coach for the majority of his 30-year assistant coaching career. He has been working closely with the Bison offensive line, which has advanced from an inexperienced group entering the 2012 season to a veteran contingent with four returning starters, headlined by two-year starter Lonnie Rawles.
Susan also had nothing but praise over the first week of spring practice for the defensive side of the ball that features returning All-Patriot League selections Evan Byers, Sean Sellers, Tracey Smith and Matthew Steinbeck.
Bucknell will take the remainder of the Easter weekend off and resume spring practice Tuesday, April 2. The second scrimmage of the spring is scheduled for April 7, while the spring game is slated for April 20.
Bucknell Football Spring Practice Schedule (schedule subject to change)
Friday, March 22: 7:15 p.m.
Saturday, March 23: 3:15 p.m.
Sunday, March 24: 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday, March 27: 5 p.m.
Friday, March 29: 7:15 p.m. (scrimmage #1)
Tuesday, April 2: 7:15 p.m.
Friday, April 5: 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 6: 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 7: 5:15 p.m. (scrimmage #2)
Tuesday, April 9: 7:15 p.m.
Thursday, April 11: 7:15 p.m.
Sunday, April 14: 4:20 p.m.
Tuesday, April 16: 7:20 p.m.
Friday, April 19: 7:15 p.m.
Saturday, April 20: 7 p.m. (spring game - scrimmage #3)
