Photo by: Jon Lambert
Bucknell Football Adds 10 to Incoming Freshman Class
2/5/2020 10:50:00 AM | Football
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Head coach Dave Cecchini announced the addition of 10 players to the Bucknell football team's incoming freshman class on Wednesday on the first day of NCAA football's traditional signing period.
"I'm thrilled with the way our first recruiting class is shaping up," Cecchini said. "It's a diverse group representing 12 states, which reflects the effort our staff put into expanding our reach nationally from coast to coast. We've addressed several of our most important needs and significantly upgraded the overall speed and athleticism of our program."
The Bison's incoming freshman class is now 20 players strong; as part of NCAA football's Early Signing Period, they inked 10 players to National Letters of Intent in December. Overall, the class boasts five offensive linemen, three wide receivers, three defensive linemen, two quarterbacks, two running backs, two defensive backs and one each at tight end, hybrid linebacker/defensive back and punter/kicker.
Illinois (3), Ohio (3), Pennsylvania (3), Florida (2), North Carolina (2), Arizona, California, Kansas, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee and Virginia are the 12 states represented to date. Cecchini and the Bucknell football staff will continue to add to the class of 2024 during the traditional signing period, which ends April 1.
Ruben Anderson
P/K, 6-2, 185, Lenexa, Kan., Shawnee Mission West
Shawnee Mission West High School: Lettered twice in football … 2019 All-Sunflower League second team punter … 2018 All-Sunflower League honorable mention punter … received a 4.5-star rating from Kohl's Kicking … as a senior, landed 10 punts inside the 20 … long punt was 56 yards … long field goal came from 46 yards out … helped the Vikings go 2-1 in district games and end a 20-game losing streak to rival Shawnee Mission South High School in 2019 … also lettered three times in baseball.
Personal: Ruben Neil Anderson … born November 27, 2001 in Overland Park, Kansas … son of Stan and Dawn Anderson … has two siblings: Jack and Maya … father played baseball at Hutchinson Community College … uncle Wade played baseball at Kansas State University … in 2019, organized a golf tournament for the DECA Community Giving Project that raised $5,000 for a local charity.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Reuben is both a great kicker and a great punter. We're excited about the immediate impact he can have on our special teams."
Adam Barakat
TE, 6-3, 205, Los Angeles, Calif., St. Francis
St. Francis High School: Lettered in football, basketball and lacrosse … all-area and all-league wide receiver … helped the Golden Knights finish 8-3, capture an Angelus League title and reach the California Interscholastic Federation semifinals … caught four touchdown passes.
Personal: Adam Mohammed Barakat … born May 17, 2002 in Los Angeles, California … son of Mohammed Barakat and Jennifer Stoller … has a sister, Hanna Barakat, who is a member of the Brown track & field team's class of 2021 … father represented the United States at the Olympics as a field hockey player.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Adam is a late bloomer from California. The sky is the limit when it comes to the impact he can have in our offense."
Coleman Bennett
RB, 5-11, 170, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Cardinal Gibbons
Cardinal Gibbons High School: Lettered in football and track & field … captained both teams … helped the football team capture a Class 5A state championship in 2018 …. It was the Chiefs' first state title in program history.
Personal: Coleman Taylor Bennett … born October 3, 2002 in Boca Raton, Florida … son of Donnell Jr. and Adrienne Bennett … has three siblings: Matthew, Donnell III and Caden … father was a fullback in the NFL for the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Redskins … father played collegiately at the University of Miami … Matthew played football at Trinity College … Donnell III is on the football team at St. Thomas University.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Coleman is a gifted athlete who possesses game-changing speed and explosiveness."
Nathaniel Carson
DL, 6-6, 255, Winston-Salem, N.C., Reagan
Reagan High School: Three-year football letterwinner … helped the Raiders reach the second round of the 2019 NCHSAA 4AA state playoffs … totaled 63 tackles as a senior … logged 12 sacks as a junior and a senior … posted 10 quarterback hurries and five pass deflections … twice led the Raiders in sacks … also lettered once in lacrosse.
Personal: Nathaniel Barksdale Carson … born May 14, 2002 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina … son of Ben and Joyce Carson … has one older brother, Benjamin, who played football and lacrosse at Hampden-Sydney College, twice serving as a football captain … cousin J.T. played football at Rice … served as the director of marketing and communications for a 5K color fun run that benefits a local school for children with special needs.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Nathaniel is a big guy with big potential and an even bigger heart. He will rapidly develop into a force to be reckoned with on our defensive line."
Luke DelGaudio
WR, 6-2, 185, Shavertown, Pa., Dallas
Dallas High School: Lettered in football and basketball … as a senior captain, helped the football team win district and conference titles and finish as the PIAA Class 4A state runner-up … the Mountaineers set a school record with 15 wins in 2019 … all-state first team wide receiver … all-state second team long snapper … all-scholastic and all-conference wide receiver … member of the Wyoming Valley Conference Dream Team … also played defensive back and returned kicks … as a senior, totaled eight touchdowns and more than 700 yards on 44 receptions.
Personal: Luke Walter DelGaudio … born May 20, 2002 in Toledo, Ohio … son of Walt and Kavita DelGaudio … has three younger siblings: Jake, Alex and Mia … relative Anita Westerbeck played basketball for Stetson University … former Dallas High School teammate, Danny Meuser, is also a member of Bucknell's class of 2024.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "A great kid from a great high school program, Luke has excellent hands and unlimited potential."
Damian Harris
WR, 6-0, 190, Durham, N.C., Hillside
Hillside High School: Four-year football letterwinner … wide receiver spent most of senior season as a dual-threat quarterback due to injury to Hillside's starter … wrapped up 2019 with 2,400 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, 1,322 rushing yards, 28 rushing touchdowns, 536 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns … 2018 conference player of the year … two-time all-conference honoree … two-time team offensive MVP … Iron Hornet … served as team captain as a junior and senior … also lettered twice in basketball.
Personal: Damian Lamont Harris … born January 16, 2002 in Greensboro, North Carolina … son of Darian and Tiffany Harris … father played football at Howard University … volunteers throughout local community and serves as mentor to youth athletes … active in church and participates in youth choir … played football and basketball for Hillside High School but attended J.D. Clement Early College.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "This guy can do it all. Intelligent, athletic and a great leader, Damian has the talent to play multiple positions in our offense."
Jeff Odongo
DB, 6-2, 180, Tampa, Fla., Berkeley Prep
Berkeley Preparatory School: Lettered in football, basketball and track & field … in football, was a member of the 2016 4A state semifinalist team and two 4A regional runner-up squads (2019 & 2018) … the Buccaneers went a combined 24-9 during career … won a district title and advanced to the regional finals in the high jump … member of the 4x400 team that was a regional finalist and qualified for the state meet … cleared 6-1 in the high jump and ran a 50.08 split in the 4x400.
Personal: Jeff Kano Odongo … born January 23, 2002 in Mombasa, Kenya … son of Lillian Odongo … moved to the United States at seven years old … could dunk a basketball in the seventh grade … only began playing football as a high-school freshman.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Another great get from Florida, Jeff has the size and athletic ability that we were looking for."
Sean Quarterman
OL, 6-3, 245, Chicago, Ill., Marist H.S.
Marist High School: Four-year football letterwinner … started every game on the offensive line during time at Marist High School … led the RedHawks to two IHSA Class 8A state semifinal games and two East Suburban Catholic Conference titles … Marist went a combined 38-10, including an 11-1 record in 2017 and an 11-2 mark in 2018 … named to the academic all-state first team … served as team captain.
Personal: Sean Jolee Quarterman … born April 19, 2002 in Chicago, Illinois … son of Sean and Stacey Quarterman … has one older sibling: Camryn.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Sean is an offensive lineman from an outstanding high school program in the Chicagoland area. He's a tough kid who has the footwork and attitude he needs to play positions on our offensive line."
Harrison Shepherd
OL, 6-5, 280, Wyoming, Ohio, Wyoming
Wyoming High School: Three-year football letterwinner … led the Cowboys to the 2018 OHSAA Division IV state championship … Wyoming also reached the 2019 OHSAA Division IV final four … all-state, all-Southwest Ohio and all-league offensive lineman … served as team captain … also lettered three times in basketball.
Personal: Harrison Levi Shepherd … born May 4, 2002 in Cincinnati, Ohio … son of Kris and Stephanie Shepherd … has an older sister: Sydnie.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Harrison is a great young man who wants to be the best student and football player he can be. He truly values what Bucknell's education can offer and turned down several FBS offers to come here."
Casey Stephenson
OL, 6-2, 280, Philadelphia, Pa., St. Joseph's Prep
St. Joseph's Preparatory School: Lettered four times in football … led the Hawks to a 49-3 overall record, including unbeaten 14-0 marks in 2018 and 2016 …. member of the 2019, 2018 and 2016 PIAA 6A state championship teams … member of the 2017 PIAA 6A state runner-up squad … St. Joseph's also won four city titles and four league crowns … 2019 all-state first team … two-time all-Southeastern Pennsylvania first team … two-time all-city first team … two-time all-catholic first team … served as team captain.
Personal: Casey Napoleon Stephenson … born October 8, 2001 in Charlotte, North Carolina … son of Napoleon and Natalie Stephenson … has three older brothers: Cameron, Carson and Conner … Cameron played club lacrosse at the University of Arizona … cousin Justin Gatlin is an Olympic and World champion sprinter … cousin Ed Reed, the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a nine-time Pro Bowler, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019 … shares a high school with Brandon Sanders, a member of the Bucknell football team's class of 2022, and Cooper Kim, a member of the Bucknell football team's class of 2023.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Casey has won multiple state championships at the highest level of high-school football. We're looking forward to him bringing that championship mentality to our offensive line."
"I'm thrilled with the way our first recruiting class is shaping up," Cecchini said. "It's a diverse group representing 12 states, which reflects the effort our staff put into expanding our reach nationally from coast to coast. We've addressed several of our most important needs and significantly upgraded the overall speed and athleticism of our program."
The Bison's incoming freshman class is now 20 players strong; as part of NCAA football's Early Signing Period, they inked 10 players to National Letters of Intent in December. Overall, the class boasts five offensive linemen, three wide receivers, three defensive linemen, two quarterbacks, two running backs, two defensive backs and one each at tight end, hybrid linebacker/defensive back and punter/kicker.
Illinois (3), Ohio (3), Pennsylvania (3), Florida (2), North Carolina (2), Arizona, California, Kansas, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee and Virginia are the 12 states represented to date. Cecchini and the Bucknell football staff will continue to add to the class of 2024 during the traditional signing period, which ends April 1.
Ruben Anderson
P/K, 6-2, 185, Lenexa, Kan., Shawnee Mission West
Shawnee Mission West High School: Lettered twice in football … 2019 All-Sunflower League second team punter … 2018 All-Sunflower League honorable mention punter … received a 4.5-star rating from Kohl's Kicking … as a senior, landed 10 punts inside the 20 … long punt was 56 yards … long field goal came from 46 yards out … helped the Vikings go 2-1 in district games and end a 20-game losing streak to rival Shawnee Mission South High School in 2019 … also lettered three times in baseball.
Personal: Ruben Neil Anderson … born November 27, 2001 in Overland Park, Kansas … son of Stan and Dawn Anderson … has two siblings: Jack and Maya … father played baseball at Hutchinson Community College … uncle Wade played baseball at Kansas State University … in 2019, organized a golf tournament for the DECA Community Giving Project that raised $5,000 for a local charity.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Reuben is both a great kicker and a great punter. We're excited about the immediate impact he can have on our special teams."
Long Distance Leg. 🦵🚀
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) February 5, 2020
P/K Ruben Anderson (@rubenasaurus) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N!#ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/9Ls5bbr74v
Adam Barakat
TE, 6-3, 205, Los Angeles, Calif., St. Francis
St. Francis High School: Lettered in football, basketball and lacrosse … all-area and all-league wide receiver … helped the Golden Knights finish 8-3, capture an Angelus League title and reach the California Interscholastic Federation semifinals … caught four touchdown passes.
Personal: Adam Mohammed Barakat … born May 17, 2002 in Los Angeles, California … son of Mohammed Barakat and Jennifer Stoller … has a sister, Hanna Barakat, who is a member of the Brown track & field team's class of 2021 … father represented the United States at the Olympics as a field hockey player.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Adam is a late bloomer from California. The sky is the limit when it comes to the impact he can have in our offense."
Hollywood Highlight Reel. 📽️
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) February 5, 2020
TE Adam Barakat (@Adambarakat23) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N!#ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/7pP19tAndw
Coleman Bennett
RB, 5-11, 170, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Cardinal Gibbons
Cardinal Gibbons High School: Lettered in football and track & field … captained both teams … helped the football team capture a Class 5A state championship in 2018 …. It was the Chiefs' first state title in program history.
Personal: Coleman Taylor Bennett … born October 3, 2002 in Boca Raton, Florida … son of Donnell Jr. and Adrienne Bennett … has three siblings: Matthew, Donnell III and Caden … father was a fullback in the NFL for the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Redskins … father played collegiately at the University of Miami … Matthew played football at Trinity College … Donnell III is on the football team at St. Thomas University.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Coleman is a gifted athlete who possesses game-changing speed and explosiveness."
Florida Made, Florida Fast. ⚡️
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) February 5, 2020
RB Coleman Bennett (@ColemanBennett_) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N!#ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/zv7hEdu5QK
Nathaniel Carson
DL, 6-6, 255, Winston-Salem, N.C., Reagan
Reagan High School: Three-year football letterwinner … helped the Raiders reach the second round of the 2019 NCHSAA 4AA state playoffs … totaled 63 tackles as a senior … logged 12 sacks as a junior and a senior … posted 10 quarterback hurries and five pass deflections … twice led the Raiders in sacks … also lettered once in lacrosse.
Personal: Nathaniel Barksdale Carson … born May 14, 2002 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina … son of Ben and Joyce Carson … has one older brother, Benjamin, who played football and lacrosse at Hampden-Sydney College, twice serving as a football captain … cousin J.T. played football at Rice … served as the director of marketing and communications for a 5K color fun run that benefits a local school for children with special needs.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Nathaniel is a big guy with big potential and an even bigger heart. He will rapidly develop into a force to be reckoned with on our defensive line."
The Big Ticket. 🎟️
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) February 5, 2020
DL Nathaniel Carson (@bigticket_nc) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N! #ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/iGf6rd2Lio
Luke DelGaudio
WR, 6-2, 185, Shavertown, Pa., Dallas
Dallas High School: Lettered in football and basketball … as a senior captain, helped the football team win district and conference titles and finish as the PIAA Class 4A state runner-up … the Mountaineers set a school record with 15 wins in 2019 … all-state first team wide receiver … all-state second team long snapper … all-scholastic and all-conference wide receiver … member of the Wyoming Valley Conference Dream Team … also played defensive back and returned kicks … as a senior, totaled eight touchdowns and more than 700 yards on 44 receptions.
Personal: Luke Walter DelGaudio … born May 20, 2002 in Toledo, Ohio … son of Walt and Kavita DelGaudio … has three younger siblings: Jake, Alex and Mia … relative Anita Westerbeck played basketball for Stetson University … former Dallas High School teammate, Danny Meuser, is also a member of Bucknell's class of 2024.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "A great kid from a great high school program, Luke has excellent hands and unlimited potential."
Cool Hands Luke. 🏈🙌
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) February 5, 2020
WR Luke DelGaudio (@delgaudio_luke) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N! #ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/s9bgRGlsLV
Damian Harris
WR, 6-0, 190, Durham, N.C., Hillside
Hillside High School: Four-year football letterwinner … wide receiver spent most of senior season as a dual-threat quarterback due to injury to Hillside's starter … wrapped up 2019 with 2,400 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, 1,322 rushing yards, 28 rushing touchdowns, 536 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns … 2018 conference player of the year … two-time all-conference honoree … two-time team offensive MVP … Iron Hornet … served as team captain as a junior and senior … also lettered twice in basketball.
Personal: Damian Lamont Harris … born January 16, 2002 in Greensboro, North Carolina … son of Darian and Tiffany Harris … father played football at Howard University … volunteers throughout local community and serves as mentor to youth athletes … active in church and participates in youth choir … played football and basketball for Hillside High School but attended J.D. Clement Early College.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "This guy can do it all. Intelligent, athletic and a great leader, Damian has the talent to play multiple positions in our offense."
Dynamic Swiss Army Knife. 💥
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) February 5, 2020
WR Damian Harris (@dameh_10) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N! #ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/9RQEdv1aQa
Jeff Odongo
DB, 6-2, 180, Tampa, Fla., Berkeley Prep
Berkeley Preparatory School: Lettered in football, basketball and track & field … in football, was a member of the 2016 4A state semifinalist team and two 4A regional runner-up squads (2019 & 2018) … the Buccaneers went a combined 24-9 during career … won a district title and advanced to the regional finals in the high jump … member of the 4x400 team that was a regional finalist and qualified for the state meet … cleared 6-1 in the high jump and ran a 50.08 split in the 4x400.
Personal: Jeff Kano Odongo … born January 23, 2002 in Mombasa, Kenya … son of Lillian Odongo … moved to the United States at seven years old … could dunk a basketball in the seventh grade … only began playing football as a high-school freshman.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Another great get from Florida, Jeff has the size and athletic ability that we were looking for."
Sunshine Showtime. ☀️
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) February 5, 2020
DB Jeff Odongo (@Kanojeff) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N!#ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/OhI1ksiOIy
Sean Quarterman
OL, 6-3, 245, Chicago, Ill., Marist H.S.
Marist High School: Four-year football letterwinner … started every game on the offensive line during time at Marist High School … led the RedHawks to two IHSA Class 8A state semifinal games and two East Suburban Catholic Conference titles … Marist went a combined 38-10, including an 11-1 record in 2017 and an 11-2 mark in 2018 … named to the academic all-state first team … served as team captain.
Personal: Sean Jolee Quarterman … born April 19, 2002 in Chicago, Illinois … son of Sean and Stacey Quarterman … has one older sibling: Camryn.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Sean is an offensive lineman from an outstanding high school program in the Chicagoland area. He's a tough kid who has the footwork and attitude he needs to play positions on our offensive line."
Policing The LOS. 🚨
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) February 5, 2020
OL Sean Quarterman (@quartermansean1) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N!#ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/x8v8gXkZMr
Harrison Shepherd
OL, 6-5, 280, Wyoming, Ohio, Wyoming
Wyoming High School: Three-year football letterwinner … led the Cowboys to the 2018 OHSAA Division IV state championship … Wyoming also reached the 2019 OHSAA Division IV final four … all-state, all-Southwest Ohio and all-league offensive lineman … served as team captain … also lettered three times in basketball.
Personal: Harrison Levi Shepherd … born May 4, 2002 in Cincinnati, Ohio … son of Kris and Stephanie Shepherd … has an older sister: Sydnie.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Harrison is a great young man who wants to be the best student and football player he can be. He truly values what Bucknell's education can offer and turned down several FBS offers to come here."
Protector Of The Herd. 💪
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) February 5, 2020
OL Harrison Shepherd (@HarrisonShep13) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N!#ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/Leiuha2H52
Casey Stephenson
OL, 6-2, 280, Philadelphia, Pa., St. Joseph's Prep
St. Joseph's Preparatory School: Lettered four times in football … led the Hawks to a 49-3 overall record, including unbeaten 14-0 marks in 2018 and 2016 …. member of the 2019, 2018 and 2016 PIAA 6A state championship teams … member of the 2017 PIAA 6A state runner-up squad … St. Joseph's also won four city titles and four league crowns … 2019 all-state first team … two-time all-Southeastern Pennsylvania first team … two-time all-city first team … two-time all-catholic first team … served as team captain.
Personal: Casey Napoleon Stephenson … born October 8, 2001 in Charlotte, North Carolina … son of Napoleon and Natalie Stephenson … has three older brothers: Cameron, Carson and Conner … Cameron played club lacrosse at the University of Arizona … cousin Justin Gatlin is an Olympic and World champion sprinter … cousin Ed Reed, the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a nine-time Pro Bowler, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019 … shares a high school with Brandon Sanders, a member of the Bucknell football team's class of 2022, and Cooper Kim, a member of the Bucknell football team's class of 2023.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Casey has won multiple state championships at the highest level of high-school football. We're looking forward to him bringing that championship mentality to our offensive line."
Trench Monster. 😤
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) February 5, 2020
OL Casey Stephenson (@C_stephenson74) has decided to #RunWithTheBI20N! #ACT | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/ZQTPRBBwWu
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