Photo by: Marc Hagemeier
Bucknell Football Inks 10 on Early Signing Day
12/18/2019 10:45:00 AM | Football
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell head football coach Dave Cecchini announced the signing of 10 players to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday as part of NCAA football's Early Signing Period.
"This is an exciting day for myself and the entire coaching staff," Cecchini said. "As this was our first full recruiting class, we were looking to add quality and depth to several positions. Today was a great first step towards accomplishing that goal."
The players hail from eight states: Illinois (2), Ohio (2), Arizona, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia. Seven position groups are represented, including two each at quarterback, offensive line and defensive line.
Two of the signees, Mike Bright Jr. and Nick Semptimphelter, are the sons of Patriot League legends. Four others have family members who competed in collegiate athletics.
Cecchini and the Bison football staff will continue to add to the class of 2024 during the traditional signing period of February 5 through April 1.
Sam Barus
DB, 6-1, 170, Batavia, Ill., Batavia
Batavia High School: Lettered three times in football … member of Batavia's 2017 state championship, 2018 state semifinalist and 2019 state quarterfinalist teams … the Bulldogs went 14-1 in 2017 and 2018 and 11-3 in 2019 … helped Batavia win conference titles in 2019 and 2018 … honorable mention all-state … two-time academic all-state … two-time all-area … two-time all-conference … two-time academic all-conference … 2019 Chicago Bears Community Champion Award winner for demonstrated excellence in the community and volunteer endeavors … led the Bulldogs in tackles as a senior (107) and junior (105) … served as team captain as a senior … also lettered three times in baseball.
Personal: Samuel Edward Barus … born January 3, 2002 in Lisle, Illinois … son of Bryan and Lynn Barus … has a younger sister: Grace.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Sam is a rangy athlete from a storied high school program. He is a leader who knows how to win."
Tyler Beverett
QB, 6-3, 205, Scottsdale, Ariz., Saguaro
Saguaro High School: Lettered in football … considered one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the state of Arizona … helped Saguaro capture three-straight 4A state titles from 2016 to 2018 … the Sabercats finished as the first-ever Open Division state runner-up in 2019 … Saguaro went 50-5 during time in program, including a 13-1 mark in 2018 … first team all-region honoree … dual-threat quarterback finished career with 4,450 passing and 1,312 rushing yards … threw for 51 touchdowns and ran for 13 more … averaged 19.6 yards per completion and 12.5 yards per carry … served as team captain as a senior and as assistant captain as a junior … also lettered in track & field.
Personal: Tyler Jason Beverett … born December 18, 2001 in Scottsdale, Arizona … son of Craig Bartholomew and Lourdes Rosas and Jason and Shavone Beverett … has two older siblings: Gage and Camille.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Tyler is a proven winner who fits into our offensive philosophy very well. He has an excellent arm, and he is a deceptively fast athlete as well."
Mike Bright Jr.
DL, 6-4, 218, Woodland Park, N.J., The Hotchkiss School (Conn.)
The Hotchkiss School: Lettered in football, playing on both sides of the ball as a defensive end and tight end … all-state selection … two-time all-section pick … three-time all-conference honoree … NEPSAC Defensive MVP … Phil Simms All-Star Team member … matched a Hotchkiss record with five sacks in a single game … led the Bearcats to a conference runner-up finish and a 12-2 record as a senior … also lettered in track & field.
Personal: Michael Connlee Bright Jr. … born October 27, 2000 in Livingston, New Jersey … son of Michael and Christina Bright … has two siblings: Debon and Marlen … parents are both Bucknellians, graduating in 1993 and 1994 respectively … father played basketball at Bucknell and in the NBA summer league for the Charlotte Hornets … Mike Bright Sr. excelled in all three phases of the game, totaling 1,670 points, 834 rebounds, 286 steals and 120 blocks over four-year career as a starter … father remains on many of the Bison's top-10 lists and was inducted into the Bucknell Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005 … aspires to be a high-school history teacher and football coach.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Mike is a game changer at the defensive end position. He possesses great speed, length and athleticism."
Connor Carretta
DL, 6-2, 275, Columbus, Ohio, St. Charles Preparatory School
St. Charles Preparatory School: Three-year football letterwinner … recognized as an honorable mention all-state and first team all-district honoree in 2019 … two-time All-Chicago Catholic League selection (2019 first team, 2018 second team) … served as team captain as a senior … logged 16 tackles for a loss, five sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery … also lettered twice in baseball.
Personal: Connor John Carretta … born March 31, 2002 in Rancho Mirage, California … son of Brian and Kim Carretta … has a younger brother: Ryan … father played basketball at Butler University … two-year member of the National Honor Society … lived all over the country from a young age.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Connor is an incredibly productive defensive tackle. He combines a physical style of play with deceptive quickness."
Blake Leake
Star (Hybrid DB/LB), 6-1, 190, Culpeper, Va., Eastern View
Eastern View High School: Lettered in football, playing on both sides of the ball … helped the Cyclones win four-straight district titles and a 2018 regional crown … 2018 all-state first team wide receiver and defensive back … two-time all-region wide receiver and defensive back (2018 first team, 2019 second team) … two-time all-district first team wide receiver and defensive back (2019 & 2018) … also lettered in basketball, helping Eastern View win a district title as a freshman … two-time all-district honoree and honorable mention all-region selection.
Personal: Blake Jager Leake … born November 5, 2001 in Charlottesville, Virginia … son of Daren and Sharon Leake … has an older brother: Brett.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Blake is a long athlete who has great leadership skills. He has the talent to make those momentum-changing plays that can turn a game around."
Danny Meuser
RB, 6-0, 200, Dallas, Pa., Dallas
Dallas High School: Three-year football letterwinner … as a senior, helped Dallas win a district title and finish as the PIAA Class 4A state runner-up … the Mountaineers set a school record with 15 wins in 2019 … all-district selection … all-conference honoree … totaled 910 yards on 91 carries … added 250 yards on 22 receptions … also lettered three times in lacrosse.
Personal: Daniel Wayne Meuser … born March 8, 2002 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania … son of Dan and Shelley Meuser … has two older sisters: Caroline and Jacqueline … father played football at Maritime College … uncle rowed at the University of Pennsylvania.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Danny plays running back with the mentality of a linebacker. He is explosive, physical and fast."
Ethan Pitzel
OL, 6-4, 255, Solon, Ohio, Solon
Solon High School: Lettered in football … captured all-conference and second team all-district accolades in 2019 … helped Solon finish as the conference runner-up in both 2019 and 2018 … the Comets went 8-2 in both 2019 and 2018 … member of an offensive line that did not give up a sack in 2019 … served as varsity team captain as a senior and JV team captain as a sophomore … earned football team's Scholar-Athlete Medallion for earning its highest grade point average … also lettered in basketball and served as the JV team's captain.
Before Bucknell: Ethan Josef Pitzel … born May 29, 2002 in Chicago, Illinois … son of Matt and Andrea Pitzel … has a younger brother: Aidan … was a National Merit Semifinalist in high school.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Ethan is a smart player who is tall and long. He will definitely add to the athleticism of our offensive line."
Nick Semptimphelter
QB, 6-1, 195, Franklin, Tenn., Battle Ground Academy
Battle Ground Academy: Four-year letterwinner in football and basketball … graduated as school's record holder in career passing yards (5,866) and touchdown passes (63) … 2019 Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Finalist … all-state and all-region honoree … region's offensive MVP … in 2018, led the Wildcats to a Division II-AA state runner-up finish and an 11-3 record … boasted a 68.0 completion percentage and 180.7 quarterback rating … served as team captain … also lettered four times in basketball.
Personal: Nicholas Angelo Semptimphelter … born February 20, 2001 in Franklin, Tennessee … son of Scott and Traci Semptimphelter … has two younger siblings: Graci and Cross … father played football at Lehigh University and professionally … father was voted as the 1993 Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year after leading Lehigh to its first Patriot League title … Bison head coach Dave Cecchini, a consensus First Team All-American wide receiver, was one of his favorite targets that championship season … father wrapped up his storied career with 6,669 passing yards and 51 touchdowns and remains on multiple Patriot League and Lehigh top-20 lists.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Nick has an incredibly high football IQ and throws the ball with great accuracy. He makes everyone around him better, and he knows how to win."
Christian Tait
WR, 6-3, 185, Staten Island, N.Y., Monsignor Farrell
Monsignor Farrell High School: Three-year football letterwinner … set a Monsignor Farrell record with 126 career receptions … helped the Lions reach the 2018 NYCHSFL State Tournament … twice finished third in the AAA Catholic High School Football League in receiving yards (2019 & 2018) … all-state … two-time all-league … two-time Staten Island High School Coaches All-Star … two-time Farrell John Tobacco Memorial Award winner as Monsignor Farrell's most outstanding offensive back … served as team captain … also played basketball and baseball as a freshman.
Personal: Christian Robert Tait … born July 24, 2002 in Staten Island, New York … son of Ryan and Dina Tait … has two brothers: Devin and Ryan … older brother Devin plays baseball at Mount Saint Mary College … cousin Eric Olsen was an NFL offensive lineman who played collegiately at Notre Dame University.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Christian is a record-breaking player with excellent hands who will add size and physicality to our wide receiver corps."
Jack Wall
OL, 6-4, 270, Elmhurst, Ill., York Community
York Community High School: Two-year football letterwinner … member of an offensive line that did not give up a sack in 2019 … one of the first members of York's Championship Club, which honored student-athletes for dedication to the football program and excellence in the classroom … served on the football team's board of leaders … also lettered twice in track & field.
Personal: John Joseph Wall … born January 12, 2002 in Chicago, Illinois … son of Joe and Amy Wall … has one younger sister: Caroline … family has deep roots in college football … grandfather Joe Plaskas played football and baseball at Northern Illinois University and was inducted into its Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005 … father played football at the University of Illinois … uncle Brett Plaskas was a member of Dartmouth College's football and baseball teams … cousin Tim Riley played football at Northwestern University … uncle Robert Plaskas wrestled at Northwestern University, winning a Big Ten championship.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Jack is a hard-working offensive lineman with a ton of upside. He was a pillar of both his high-school team and his community."
"This is an exciting day for myself and the entire coaching staff," Cecchini said. "As this was our first full recruiting class, we were looking to add quality and depth to several positions. Today was a great first step towards accomplishing that goal."
The players hail from eight states: Illinois (2), Ohio (2), Arizona, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia. Seven position groups are represented, including two each at quarterback, offensive line and defensive line.
Two of the signees, Mike Bright Jr. and Nick Semptimphelter, are the sons of Patriot League legends. Four others have family members who competed in collegiate athletics.
Cecchini and the Bison football staff will continue to add to the class of 2024 during the traditional signing period of February 5 through April 1.
Sam Barus
DB, 6-1, 170, Batavia, Ill., Batavia
Batavia High School: Lettered three times in football … member of Batavia's 2017 state championship, 2018 state semifinalist and 2019 state quarterfinalist teams … the Bulldogs went 14-1 in 2017 and 2018 and 11-3 in 2019 … helped Batavia win conference titles in 2019 and 2018 … honorable mention all-state … two-time academic all-state … two-time all-area … two-time all-conference … two-time academic all-conference … 2019 Chicago Bears Community Champion Award winner for demonstrated excellence in the community and volunteer endeavors … led the Bulldogs in tackles as a senior (107) and junior (105) … served as team captain as a senior … also lettered three times in baseball.
Personal: Samuel Edward Barus … born January 3, 2002 in Lisle, Illinois … son of Bryan and Lynn Barus … has a younger sister: Grace.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Sam is a rangy athlete from a storied high school program. He is a leader who knows how to win."
Strictly Business. 🔒
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 18, 2019
DB Sam Barus (@BarusSam) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N!#ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/X1ahnl0Syg
Tyler Beverett
QB, 6-3, 205, Scottsdale, Ariz., Saguaro
Saguaro High School: Lettered in football … considered one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the state of Arizona … helped Saguaro capture three-straight 4A state titles from 2016 to 2018 … the Sabercats finished as the first-ever Open Division state runner-up in 2019 … Saguaro went 50-5 during time in program, including a 13-1 mark in 2018 … first team all-region honoree … dual-threat quarterback finished career with 4,450 passing and 1,312 rushing yards … threw for 51 touchdowns and ran for 13 more … averaged 19.6 yards per completion and 12.5 yards per carry … served as team captain as a senior and as assistant captain as a junior … also lettered in track & field.
Personal: Tyler Jason Beverett … born December 18, 2001 in Scottsdale, Arizona … son of Craig Bartholomew and Lourdes Rosas and Jason and Shavone Beverett … has two older siblings: Gage and Camille.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Tyler is a proven winner who fits into our offensive philosophy very well. He has an excellent arm, and he is a deceptively fast athlete as well."
Championship Pedigree. 🏆
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 18, 2019
QB Tyler Beverett (@TylerBeverett) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N!#ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/6xvy6HOmrg
Mike Bright Jr.
DL, 6-4, 218, Woodland Park, N.J., The Hotchkiss School (Conn.)
The Hotchkiss School: Lettered in football, playing on both sides of the ball as a defensive end and tight end … all-state selection … two-time all-section pick … three-time all-conference honoree … NEPSAC Defensive MVP … Phil Simms All-Star Team member … matched a Hotchkiss record with five sacks in a single game … led the Bearcats to a conference runner-up finish and a 12-2 record as a senior … also lettered in track & field.
Personal: Michael Connlee Bright Jr. … born October 27, 2000 in Livingston, New Jersey … son of Michael and Christina Bright … has two siblings: Debon and Marlen … parents are both Bucknellians, graduating in 1993 and 1994 respectively … father played basketball at Bucknell and in the NBA summer league for the Charlotte Hornets … Mike Bright Sr. excelled in all three phases of the game, totaling 1,670 points, 834 rebounds, 286 steals and 120 blocks over four-year career as a starter … father remains on many of the Bison's top-10 lists and was inducted into the Bucknell Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005 … aspires to be a high-school history teacher and football coach.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Mike is a game changer at the defensive end position. He possesses great speed, length and athleticism."
Comin' to a Backfield Near You. 😱
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 18, 2019
Mike Bright Jr. (@MichaelBrightJr) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N!#ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/SMD0VsphmU
Connor Carretta
DL, 6-2, 275, Columbus, Ohio, St. Charles Preparatory School
St. Charles Preparatory School: Three-year football letterwinner … recognized as an honorable mention all-state and first team all-district honoree in 2019 … two-time All-Chicago Catholic League selection (2019 first team, 2018 second team) … served as team captain as a senior … logged 16 tackles for a loss, five sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery … also lettered twice in baseball.
Personal: Connor John Carretta … born March 31, 2002 in Rancho Mirage, California … son of Brian and Kim Carretta … has a younger brother: Ryan … father played basketball at Butler University … two-year member of the National Honor Society … lived all over the country from a young age.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Connor is an incredibly productive defensive tackle. He combines a physical style of play with deceptive quickness."
Big Boi Swag. 💪
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 18, 2019
DL Connor Carretta (@ConnorCarretta) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N!#ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/vrcJZcyoca
Blake Leake
Star (Hybrid DB/LB), 6-1, 190, Culpeper, Va., Eastern View
Eastern View High School: Lettered in football, playing on both sides of the ball … helped the Cyclones win four-straight district titles and a 2018 regional crown … 2018 all-state first team wide receiver and defensive back … two-time all-region wide receiver and defensive back (2018 first team, 2019 second team) … two-time all-district first team wide receiver and defensive back (2019 & 2018) … also lettered in basketball, helping Eastern View win a district title as a freshman … two-time all-district honoree and honorable mention all-region selection.
Personal: Blake Jager Leake … born November 5, 2001 in Charlottesville, Virginia … son of Daren and Sharon Leake … has an older brother: Brett.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Blake is a long athlete who has great leadership skills. He has the talent to make those momentum-changing plays that can turn a game around."
A Human Highlight Reel. 📽️
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 18, 2019
Blake Leake (@blake_leake1) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N! #ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/IdjhtVefql
Danny Meuser
RB, 6-0, 200, Dallas, Pa., Dallas
Dallas High School: Three-year football letterwinner … as a senior, helped Dallas win a district title and finish as the PIAA Class 4A state runner-up … the Mountaineers set a school record with 15 wins in 2019 … all-district selection … all-conference honoree … totaled 910 yards on 91 carries … added 250 yards on 22 receptions … also lettered three times in lacrosse.
Personal: Daniel Wayne Meuser … born March 8, 2002 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania … son of Dan and Shelley Meuser … has two older sisters: Caroline and Jacqueline … father played football at Maritime College … uncle rowed at the University of Pennsylvania.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Danny plays running back with the mentality of a linebacker. He is explosive, physical and fast."
A Bruiser Named Meuser. 💪
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 18, 2019
RB Danny Meuser (@dmeuser4109) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N!#ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/gyZSn3W3CH
Ethan Pitzel
OL, 6-4, 255, Solon, Ohio, Solon
Solon High School: Lettered in football … captured all-conference and second team all-district accolades in 2019 … helped Solon finish as the conference runner-up in both 2019 and 2018 … the Comets went 8-2 in both 2019 and 2018 … member of an offensive line that did not give up a sack in 2019 … served as varsity team captain as a senior and JV team captain as a sophomore … earned football team's Scholar-Athlete Medallion for earning its highest grade point average … also lettered in basketball and served as the JV team's captain.
Before Bucknell: Ethan Josef Pitzel … born May 29, 2002 in Chicago, Illinois … son of Matt and Andrea Pitzel … has a younger brother: Aidan … was a National Merit Semifinalist in high school.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Ethan is a smart player who is tall and long. He will definitely add to the athleticism of our offensive line."
Mo-bile! A-gile! Hos-tile! 😤
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 18, 2019
OL Ethan Pitzel (@EthanPitzel) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N!#ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/Z8jOBBI2gY
Nick Semptimphelter
QB, 6-1, 195, Franklin, Tenn., Battle Ground Academy
Battle Ground Academy: Four-year letterwinner in football and basketball … graduated as school's record holder in career passing yards (5,866) and touchdown passes (63) … 2019 Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Finalist … all-state and all-region honoree … region's offensive MVP … in 2018, led the Wildcats to a Division II-AA state runner-up finish and an 11-3 record … boasted a 68.0 completion percentage and 180.7 quarterback rating … served as team captain … also lettered four times in basketball.
Personal: Nicholas Angelo Semptimphelter … born February 20, 2001 in Franklin, Tennessee … son of Scott and Traci Semptimphelter … has two younger siblings: Graci and Cross … father played football at Lehigh University and professionally … father was voted as the 1993 Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year after leading Lehigh to its first Patriot League title … Bison head coach Dave Cecchini, a consensus First Team All-American wide receiver, was one of his favorite targets that championship season … father wrapped up his storied career with 6,669 passing yards and 51 touchdowns and remains on multiple Patriot League and Lehigh top-20 lists.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Nick has an incredibly high football IQ and throws the ball with great accuracy. He makes everyone around him better, and he knows how to win."
Touchdowns. Records. Victories. 🙌
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 18, 2019
QB Nick Semptimphelter (@nick_semp) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N!#ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/WE1dcizhtG
Christian Tait
WR, 6-3, 185, Staten Island, N.Y., Monsignor Farrell
Monsignor Farrell High School: Three-year football letterwinner … set a Monsignor Farrell record with 126 career receptions … helped the Lions reach the 2018 NYCHSFL State Tournament … twice finished third in the AAA Catholic High School Football League in receiving yards (2019 & 2018) … all-state … two-time all-league … two-time Staten Island High School Coaches All-Star … two-time Farrell John Tobacco Memorial Award winner as Monsignor Farrell's most outstanding offensive back … served as team captain … also played basketball and baseball as a freshman.
Personal: Christian Robert Tait … born July 24, 2002 in Staten Island, New York … son of Ryan and Dina Tait … has two brothers: Devin and Ryan … older brother Devin plays baseball at Mount Saint Mary College … cousin Eric Olsen was an NFL offensive lineman who played collegiately at Notre Dame University.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Christian is a record-breaking player with excellent hands who will add size and physicality to our wide receiver corps."
Last Seen… In Your End Zone. 👀
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 18, 2019
WR Christian Tait (@Christian_Tait1) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N!#ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/LdU1cE9cPk
Jack Wall
OL, 6-4, 270, Elmhurst, Ill., York Community
York Community High School: Two-year football letterwinner … member of an offensive line that did not give up a sack in 2019 … one of the first members of York's Championship Club, which honored student-athletes for dedication to the football program and excellence in the classroom … served on the football team's board of leaders … also lettered twice in track & field.
Personal: John Joseph Wall … born January 12, 2002 in Chicago, Illinois … son of Joe and Amy Wall … has one younger sister: Caroline … family has deep roots in college football … grandfather Joe Plaskas played football and baseball at Northern Illinois University and was inducted into its Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005 … father played football at the University of Illinois … uncle Brett Plaskas was a member of Dartmouth College's football and baseball teams … cousin Tim Riley played football at Northwestern University … uncle Robert Plaskas wrestled at Northwestern University, winning a Big Ten championship.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Jack is a hard-working offensive lineman with a ton of upside. He was a pillar of both his high-school team and his community."
Good Luck Getting to the QB. 😤
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 18, 2019
OL Jack Wall (@_jack_wall) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N!#ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/5OXjMluxeF
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