Bucknell University Athletics

Bucknell Football Inks 11 on Early Signing Day
12/19/2018 2:45:00 PM | Football
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"We are excited about the young men who have signed with us today," Susan said. "The student-athletes who signed with us on the early signing date represent the efforts of our coaches, the young men we recruit and their families. The relationships we create throughout the process help them make a decision that will echo through their lives."
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The players hail from six states: Ohio (4), Pennsylvania (2), Texas (2), Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia. Seven different position groups are represented, including three at safety and two each at cornerback and offensive line.
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"This group of players provide us with talent at positions of need on our team," Susan said. "Their excellence on the field and in the classroom will enable them to make an impact on our program. They will benefit from their experience at Bucknell and will have a positive impact on our school during their time on our campus."
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Susan and the Bison football staff will continue to add to the class of 2023 during the traditional signing period of February 6 through April 1.
Ben Allen
LB, 6-1, 200, Whitehouse, Ohio, Anthony Wayne High School
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Anthony Wayne High School: Three-year football letterwinner … as a senior, captured District Defensive Player of the Year accolades after setting a school record with 182 tackles … also was named to the all-state, all-district and all-league first teams … All-Toledo Blade team member … had 17 tackles for a loss, five sacks and three forced fumbles during senior campaign … finished career with a school-record 34 tackles for a loss … served as a football and basketball captain as a senior … following junior football season, was selected to the all-state second team and all-district and all-league first teams … helped Anthony Wayne High School capture back-to-back league titles in 2017 and 2018 … the Generals went an unbeaten 14-0 in league action over that span … in 2018, helped team finish 11-1, with one state playoff victory … also lettered twice in basketball and once in baseball.
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Personal: Benjamin Thomas Allen … born August 8, 2000 in Maumee, Ohio … son of Tom and Judy Allen … has three older siblings: Kate, Reed and Abby … father played football at Ohio Northern … Kate played soccer at Northwestern … Reed was a member of Ohio Northern's football and baseball teams … Abby played soccer at Indiana.
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Coach Susan's Scouting Report: "Ben was our first commit this year. He can control the run game both as a downhill player and in his ability to run sideline to sideline. He is a physical tackler and very good athlete who will fit well in the downhill philosophy of our defense. He will also excel in our coverage concepts."
Linebacker Ben Allen (@benallen3226) has joined our herd out of Anthony Wayne High School! #BandOfBison #rayBucknell #NSD19 pic.twitter.com/JGzTY1ZxsT
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 19, 2018
Alex Barnard
RB, 5-10, 180, Cincinnati, Ohio, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy
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Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy: Four-year letterwinner in football and track & field … helped football team reach the state playoffs all four years … First Team All-Southwest Ohio honoree … MVC Conference Offensive Player of the Year … First Team All-MVC selection … served as football captain as a senior … in track & field, won a regional title in the long jump and qualified for the state meet in the 4x100 relay … captured All-MVC accolades in the 300 hurdles and long jump … also competed in the pole vault.
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Personal: James Alexander Barnard Jr. … born June 7, 2001 in Cincinnati, Ohio … son of James and Robyn Barnard … has an older sister, Kiley, who is a member of the Berea College basketball team.
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Coach Susan's Scouting Report: "Alex is dynamic and combines excellent speed with an outstanding ability to change directions. He possesses the size necessary to run between the tackles and will be a factor on perimeter runs. He also has excellent receiving skills and will be a threat as a punt and kickoff returner."
Alex Barnard (@prodigy_jab) has joined our herd out of Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy! #BandOfBison #rayBucknell #NSD19 pic.twitter.com/DoDfqFc5BI
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 19, 2018
Cade Brennan
DE, 6-4, 250, Chadds Ford, Pa., Garnet Valley High School
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Garnet Valley High School: Three-year letterwinner in football and basketball … two-time First Team All-Delaware County selection … two-time First Team All-Central League honoree … captained 2018 football team to a Central League title and 12-1 record.
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Personal: Cade Brennan … born August 10, 2001 in Media, Pa. … son of Christopher and Jennifer Brennan … has one younger brother: Nolan.
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Coach Susan's Scouting Report: "Cade is disruptive. He uses his hands well and plays with good pad level and leverage for someone who is as tall as he is. He has excellent technique as a pass rusher and will begin as a defensive end for us. He does have the size potential to move inside."
Defensive end Cade Brennan (@C_Brennan34) has joined our herd out of Garnet Valley High School! #BandOfBison #rayBucknell #NSD19 pic.twitter.com/97BiTdSwcg
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 19, 2018
Keyshawn Copeland
QB, 6-2, 175, Woodbridge, Va., C.D. Hylton High School
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C.D. Hylton High School: Earned two football letters at C.D. Hylton High School and one at Forest Park High School … three-year team captain and all-conference quarterback … all-district honoree … led team to state playoffs every year … compiled a 22-12 record as a starter … threw for over 4,600 yards and 60 touchdowns … longest passing touchdown was 87 yards … longest rushing touchdown was 67 yards … Virginia VTO Elite 100 Quarterback MVP … 757 Clash of the Titans Quarterback MVP … also competed in sprint events for high schools' track & field programs … had several Division I scholarship offers, including one from a Power Five team.
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Personal: Keyshawn Eric Copeland … born November 22, 2000 in Reston, Va. … son of Donald and Tatiana Copeland … has two older siblings: Shakeem and Aliyah … father was a sprinter on Virginia State's track & field team … brother Shakeem was a running back at Norfolk State from 2013 to 2017 … cousin Melo Trimble played basketball at Maryland from 2014 to 2017, twice being selected as an AP Honorable Mention All-American … mother was born and raised in Moscow, Russia … enjoys math, astronomy and criminal justice … honor-roll student at C.D. Hylton High School … received an Academic Letter Award for excellence in classroom … member of the National Society of High School Scholars … shares a high school with Brandon Benson, a member of the Bucknell football team's class of 2021.
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Coach Susan's Scouting Report: "Keyshawn is very athletic and will be a dual threat in our offense. He has the size to be effective as a pocket passer and can also make time for himself with his speed and quickness. He is very accurate and is effective in making all the throws."
Quarterback Keyshawn Copeland (@Keyy_Copeland7) has joined our herd out of C.D. Hylton High School! #BandOfBison #rayBucknell #NSD19 pic.twitter.com/EESuQ2RRzT
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 19, 2018
Eric Holsinger
CB, 5-10, 160, Columbus, Ohio, Dublin Scioto High School
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Dublin Scioto High School: Three-year letterwinner in football and track & field … captained football team as a senior and track & field squad as a junior and senior … played on both sides of the ball for football team, totaling 303 rushing yards, 181 receiving yards, 100 tackles (52 solo), five interceptions and four blocked field goals … matched Dublin Scioto record with two interceptions in a single game … two-time Honorable Mention All-OCC selection … helped team reach the second round of the playoffs as a sophomore and post a 7-3 record as a senior … earned Dublin Scioto's Kyle Colello Award as its most improved player … twice qualified for regional meet in track & field … member of Dublin Scioto's 500% Club for performance in weight room.
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Personal: Eric Ryan Holsinger … born February 11, 2001 in Columbus, Ohio … son of Eric and Reshell Holsinger … has a twin sister: Erin.
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Coach Susan's Scouting Report: "Eric is very good in man-to-man coverage. He has excellent speed and range. He is tall and has excellent length and ball skills. He is a very good tackler, which is especially essential as a potential boundary cornerback. He is also someone who can return punts and kicks."
Cornerback Eric Holsinger (@HolsingerEric) has joined our herd out of Dublin Scioto High School! #BandOfBison #rayBucknell #NSD19 pic.twitter.com/vZY0ppV5cA
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 19, 2018
Brent Jackson
S, 6-2, 195, Denton, Texas, John H. Guyer High School
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John H. Guyer High School: Member of football team … captained the Wildcats to a regional championship as a senior … Honorable Mention All-District selection … in 2018, posted 120 tackles, nine pass breakups, four fumble recoveries, one interception and one forced fumble.
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Personal: Brent Arlington Jackson … born August 23, 2001 in Denton, Texas … son of Edward and Jennifer Jackson … has an older brother, Bryce, who is a member of the Northwestern football team.
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Coach Susan's Scouting Report: "Brent played a variety of positions in his high school's secondary. He will likely be one of the deep safeties in our system. He has length, speed and range. He is a good tackler and has very good ball skills."
Safety Brent Jackson has joined our herd out of John H. Guyer High School! #BandOfBison #rayBucknell #NSD19 pic.twitter.com/QWwW9U2Mq3
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 19, 2018
R.J. Mehan
OL, 6-4, 265, Worthington Ohio, Worthington Kilbourne High School
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Worthington Kilbourne High School: Four-year football letterwinner … served as captain … Second Team All-Central District selection … Second Team All-OCC honoree … earned a spot in district's All-Star Game … first team all-region … named Worthington Kilbourne's Offensive Player of the Year … four-year Scholar-Athlete award recipient … helped team reach 2015 Division II Regional Finals and finish with an 11-2 record.
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Personal: Robert John Mehan … born October 18, 2000 in Sewickley, Pa. … son of T.J. and Tracy Mehan … mother played basketball at Princeton … aunt Heather Starck played basketball at the University of North Carolina Wilmington … grandfather Rob Starck played basketball at Ohio Wesleyan … nominated as the football representative for the Student Athletic Leadership Board as a sophomore and continued to serve on the board during junior and senior years.Â
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Coach Susan's Scouting Report: "R.J. is very athletic for his size and length and will likely be a tackle in our system. He gets off the ball and works to finish blocks downfield. He plays with good pad level and uses his hands well. He is a good pass protector and uses his hands and arm length to his advantage."
Offensive lineman R.J. Mehan (@rjmehan) has joined our herd out of Worthington Kilbourne High School! #BandOfBison #rayBucknell #NSD19 pic.twitter.com/hMMb8TQ45H
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 19, 2018
Justin Murray
S, 6-1, 195, Coppell, Texas, Coppell High School
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Coppell High School: Member of football team … 2018 First Team All-District 6-6A cornerback … All-Academic selection … served as captain as a senior, registering over 60 tackles, four tackles for a loss, eight pass breakups, two interceptions, one pick 6, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery … helped Cowboys win a district championship and reach the third round of the state playoffs.
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Personal: Justin Jett Murray … born September 6, 2000 in Coppell, Texas … son of Jeffrey Murray … has an older brother, Jacob, who was on the Northwestern football team … shares a hometown and high school with Joe Fex, a member of the Bucknell football team's class of 2021 … enjoys fishing, hunting and being outdoors.
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Coach Susan's Scouting Report: "Justin has excellent size and length. We will start him at one of our deep safety positions. As he gains size and strength, he could develop into an alley player or strong safety in our system. He has good range and is a very good tackler."
Justin Murray (@justinm7771) has joined our herd out of Coppell High School! #BandOfBison #rayBucknell #NSD19 pic.twitter.com/x0F2IN1uye
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 19, 2018
Gavin Pringle
CB, 5-11, 170, Baltimore, Md., Mount Saint Joseph High School
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Mount Saint Joseph High School: Three-year football letterwinner and starter … All-MIAA honoree … selected to compete in the BTC All-Star Game and Maryland Crab Bowl … as a senior, captained Mount Saint Joseph to a 10-2 record, the school's best since 1998 … registered three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
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Personal: Gavin Myles Pringle … born June 2, 2001 in Baltimore, Md. … son of Melvin and Melissa Pringle … has one younger sister: Maya.
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Coach Susan's Scouting Report: "Gavin can play either cornerback or safety in our system. He actually played both for his high school. He has excellent speed, which makes him effective in man-to-man coverage. He is also a good tackler and has returned both punts and kickoffs."
Cornerback Gavin Pringle (@Gpringle11) has joined our herd out of Mount Saint Joseph High School! #BandOfBison #rayBucknell #NSD19 pic.twitter.com/brOZIQTqRy
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 19, 2018
Jonathan Searcy
S, 6-1, 180, Medford, N.J., Shawnee High School
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Shawnee High School: Three-year football letterwinner … First Team All-Conference selection … First Team Burlington County All-Academic Team member … Second Team All-Burlington County pick … Third Team All-South Jersey honoree … served as captain … helped Shawnee High School capture back-to-back South Jersey Group 4 sectional titles … played on both sides of the ball, totaling 115 tackles, 10 interceptions, two sacks and 552 yards and four touchdowns on 44 catches … at end of high-school career, number of interceptions fifth and total of receiving yards ninth in Shawnee's history … also a two-year basketball letterwinner … helped team capture one state and back-to-back sectional championships.
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Personal: Jonathan Robert Searcy … born December 2, 2000 in Voorhees, N.J. … son of Robert and Angela Searcy … has an older brother: Peter … father played baseball at Saint Joseph's University, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and spent time in the minor leagues.
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Coach Susan's Scouting Report: "Jonathan has the potential to be a very good safety in our system. He has the flexibility to play all three positions we use because he can play deep and man to man. He is a very good tackler and downhill player, which gives him the potential to be a strong safety as well."
Safety Jonathan Searcy (@JSearcy21) has joined our herd out of Shawnee High School! #BandOfBison #rayBucknell #NSD19 pic.twitter.com/xmyqXcRhes
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 19, 2018
Zack Tarburton
OL, 6-3, 275, Perkasie, Pa., Pennridge High School
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Pennridge High School: Three-year football letterwinner and starter … served as captain … First Team All-Suburban One Continental Conference honoree … nominee for the 2018 Mr. PA Football Class 4A-6A Award.
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Personal: Zachary William Tarburton … born August 3, 2001 in Sellersville, Pa. … son of Rick and Ami Tarburton … has two brothers: Nick and Jake … Nick, who enjoyed a decorated career at Pennridge High School and was a finalist for the 2017 Mr. PA Football Class 4A-6A Award, is a defensive end at Penn State … parents both played basketball at Pitt-Bradford.
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Coach Susan's Scouting Report: "Zack can play both inside and outside. He has the length and pass protection ability to be a tackle. He plays with good pad level and strength, which will enable him to play one of the inside positions. He is a very good combination blocker, gets off the ball with intensity and works hard to finish."
Offensive lineman Zack Tarburton (@ZTarburton) has joined our herd out of Pennridge High School! #BandOfBison #rayBucknell #NSD19 pic.twitter.com/yxgSOxXflJ
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 19, 2018






