Bucknell University Athletics
Photo by: Jon Lambert
Bucknell's Van Itallie Captures Pair of Weekly Accolades
11/18/2019 2:30:00 PM | Football
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. – Bucknell's Gerrit Van Itallie was recognized as the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week for the first time in his career.
Van Itallie also captured Bison Athlete of the Week accolades after filling the stat sheet with 11 tackles (five solo), two fumble recoveries and two pass breakups in the Bison's 20-17 comeback win over Georgetown. The junior set new career highs in each of the aforementioned statistical categories.
As he did against Lehigh, Van Itallie sealed Bucknell's victory with a fumble recovery, this one forced by Gavin Pringle during the Hoyas' final drive of the game. Van Itallie now has three fumble recoveries in his past two games, a total that vaulted him into a tie for second in the FCS.
This is Van Itallie's second weekly Patriot League award and second Bison Athlete of the Week nod. Last year, he was tabbed as the Special Teams Player and Bison Athlete of the Week after blocking two punts at Monmouth; he blocked the first punt in the end zone and recovered the ball for a touchdown. Over the course of that game, he also notched eight tackles (seven solo), three tackles for a loss of 14 yards, one sack for a loss of nine yards and one forced fumble.
Van Itallie becomes the third Bison linebacker to garner Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week laurels this season, joining Simeon Page (Oct. 14) and Rick Mottram (Oct. 28). Page was honored after totaling six tackles, three sacks, two pass breakups and a 12-yard fumble return for a touchdown in Bucknell's 32-14 victory at Colgate; Mottram was recognized for posting 16 tackles (12 solo), two sacks and an interception at Lafayette.
Van Itallie and the Bison will look for their fourth Patriot League victory at Fordham on Saturday, Nov. 23. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
Van Itallie also captured Bison Athlete of the Week accolades after filling the stat sheet with 11 tackles (five solo), two fumble recoveries and two pass breakups in the Bison's 20-17 comeback win over Georgetown. The junior set new career highs in each of the aforementioned statistical categories.
As he did against Lehigh, Van Itallie sealed Bucknell's victory with a fumble recovery, this one forced by Gavin Pringle during the Hoyas' final drive of the game. Van Itallie now has three fumble recoveries in his past two games, a total that vaulted him into a tie for second in the FCS.
This is Van Itallie's second weekly Patriot League award and second Bison Athlete of the Week nod. Last year, he was tabbed as the Special Teams Player and Bison Athlete of the Week after blocking two punts at Monmouth; he blocked the first punt in the end zone and recovered the ball for a touchdown. Over the course of that game, he also notched eight tackles (seven solo), three tackles for a loss of 14 yards, one sack for a loss of nine yards and one forced fumble.
Van Itallie becomes the third Bison linebacker to garner Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week laurels this season, joining Simeon Page (Oct. 14) and Rick Mottram (Oct. 28). Page was honored after totaling six tackles, three sacks, two pass breakups and a 12-yard fumble return for a touchdown in Bucknell's 32-14 victory at Colgate; Mottram was recognized for posting 16 tackles (12 solo), two sacks and an interception at Lafayette.
Van Itallie and the Bison will look for their fourth Patriot League victory at Fordham on Saturday, Nov. 23. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
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