Bucknell Football Inks 13 on Early Signing Day
12/15/2021 12:00:00 PM | Football
"Our coaching staff worked tirelessly to bring in a great class for the early signing date, and that hard work has paid off," Cecchini said. "This group of incoming players is loaded with talent and championship potential. I can't wait to see them wearing the orange and blue this coming fall."
The players hail from six states: Maryland (4), New Jersey (4), Pennsylvania (2), Indiana, Massachusetts and Oklahoma. Eight position groups are represented, including three at both wide receiver and offensive line and two at defensive line.
Cecchini and the Bison football staff will continue to add to the class of 2026 during the traditional signing period of February 2 through April 1.
Derrick Anderson Jr.
WR, 6-3, 175, Fort Washington, Md., Episcopal (Va.)
Episcopal High School: Lettered in football, basketball and track & field … served as football and basketball team captain … made the all-league football team.
Personal: Derrick Ty-ree Anderson Jr. … born December 10, 2003 in Arlington, Virginia … son of Derrick and Michelle Anderson … has two sisters: Evelyn and Emma … father played defensive back for Catholic University's football team.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Derrick is a do-it-all athlete with a high motor. He can high point the ball and win over the top."
This 𝗗𝗨𝗗𝗘 climbs the 🪜
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 15, 2021
WR Derrick Anderson Jr. (@danderson2022) is the #NextToBeHerd!#NSD22 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/srPaLFxZma
Okeyo Ayungo
WR, 6-1, 185, Rockville, Md., Rockville
Rockville High School: Lettered in football, basketball and track & field … in football, was a four-year varsity starter and two-year team captain … selected as the 2021 2A/3A All-County Offensive Player of the Year … captured 2021 All-Met Honorable Mention accolades from the Washington Post … recognized as a first team all-county defensive back … recorded over 1,000 all-purpose yards and 13 total touchdowns … made 38 catches for 570 yards and eight touchdowns … ran for 436 yards and four touchdowns … as a sophomore, helped the Rams win a divisional championship and their first home playoff game with a 7-2 record … in track & field, was a high school All-American.
Personal: Okeyo Omari Ayungo … born September 27, 2003 in Washington, D.C. … son of Okinyi and Liah Ayungo … has two younger siblings: Zahra and Amira … father was a long jumper for the University of Pennsylvania's track & field team, competing at the prestigious Penn Relays.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Okeyo is an explosive and twitched-up track star built to run away from people with the ball in his hands."
Watch the show: 𝗢.𝗞. he can 𝗚𝗢 ⚡️
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 15, 2021
WR Okeyo Ayungo (@ayungo4) is the #NextToBeHerd!#NSD22 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/NkemkK5LX0
Alex Brown
QB, 6-3, 195, Rumson, N.J., Red Bank Catholic
Red Bank Catholic High School/Mater Dei Preparatory School: Lettered four times in football and three times in basketball … in football, was an all-state, all-shore and all-division quarterback … led Red Bank Catholic to the 2021 New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Non-Public Group B Championship and an 11-1 record … named the MVP of the state championship game … selected as the 2021 Shore Sports Network Offensive Player of the Year … accounted for 12 touchdowns during the Caseys' three state playoff victories … Red Bank Catholic also won a 2021 division title … as a senior, scored 32 touchdowns and boasted the highest quarterback rating in New Jersey … also logged 1,823 passing yards and 565 rushing yards … the night after mother, Michelle, passed away following a battle with breast cancer, scored a school-record eight touchdowns in the Caseys' state playoff opener against Morris Catholic … served as team captain … spent junior and sophomore years at Mater Dei Prep, which did not field a varsity football team in 2021 … left Mater Dei Prep with a school-record 5,012 career passing yards … played for St. Peter's Prep as a freshman.
Personal: Alex Brown … born November 13, 2002 in Rumson, New Jersey … son of Ray and Michelle Brown … has a younger brother: Markus … father was a wide receiver for the University of Arizona … uncle, Steve Brown, played linebacker for Bucknell from 1984 to 1987.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Alex is an elite-level leader and person. His dual-threat talents helped him lead his team to a state championship and will be a welcome addition to our program."
𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 💪,🦵,🧠 and ❤️
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 15, 2021
QB Alex Brown (@AlexRayBrown2) is the #NextToBeHerd!#NSD22 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/lGYLFzjvlO
Kieran Coscia
OL, 6-3, 260, Pittsfield, Mass., Pittsfield
Pittsfield High School: Lettered three times in football and track & field … in football, made the All-Western Massachusetts First Team and the Western Massachusetts Super 7 … was an all-league first team honoree … in the spring of 2021, helped the Generals go undefeated and win a county title … in the fall of 2021, led Pittsfield to a 6-1 record and a state playoffs berth … served as football and track & field team captain … in track & field, was the Western Massachusetts discus champion and the Western/Central Massachusetts discus runner-up … won Berkshire County shotput and discus titles … helped the Generals maintain their unbeaten streak in regular-season track & field meets, which began in 2016 … owns strong personal-best marks in the discus (140-10) and shotput (48-2).
Personal: Kieran Tighe Coscia … born April 23, 2004 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts … son of Greg and Jennifer Coscia … has three older siblings: Sarah, Katie and Jaden … Sarah played volleyball at UMass-Lowell … Katie played soccer at UMass-Boston.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Kieran has the explosiveness and passion he needs to propel him into becoming a mainstay All-Patriot League player."
𝕿𝖍𝖔𝖚 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖑𝖙 𝖓𝖔𝖙...
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 15, 2021
... pass the big man from West Mass 🛑
OL Kieran Coscia (@KieranCoscia60) is the #NextToBeHerd!#NSD22 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/IIgK60FtCJ
Luke Freeman
S, 6-2, 190, Tulsa, Okla., Victory Christian School
Victory Christian School: Four-year football letterwinner … played on both sides of the ball as a safety and wide receiver … earned 2020-21 all-city honorable mention laurels at both positions … served as team captain as a senior … posted 106 tackles (78 solo), six tackles for a loss, five forced fumbles, three interceptions and two punt blocks … scored five offensive and two defensive touchdowns … helped the Conquerors win a 2021 district title … that season, Victory Christian defeated the top three ranked teams in its class.
Personal: Luke Ryan Freeman … born November 13, 2003 in Tulsa, Oklahoma … son of Ben and Alissa Freeman … has an older brother, Benjamin, and two younger sisters, Ella and Ava.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Luke is a physical and hard-hitting safety. He has the ability to defend the pass and be a big-time run stopper."
Born on the Range, 🏠 on #TheRange
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 15, 2021
S Luke Freeman (@Lukefreeman2003) is the #NextToBeHerd!#NSD22 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/zHtyLitv0G
Josh Gary
WR, 5-11, 190, Upper Marlboro, Md., St. John's College HS
St. John's College High School: Selected to the All-WCAC Second Team … helped the Cadets win a WCAC title and post a perfect 11-0 record … caught 32 passes for 400 yards and five touchdowns.
Personal: Joshua Shawn Gary … born April 7, 2004 in Washington, D.C. … son of Olandis and Lapreea Gary.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Josh is a big-time football player in every sense. He comes from a big-time program and has a big-time football pedigree. He is ready to make Bucknell his big time."
Josh Gary is 𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗬 👻
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 15, 2021
... 𝘙𝘌𝘚𝘗𝘌𝘊𝘛𝘍𝘜𝘓𝘓𝘠 🤲
WR Josh Gary (@_JoshGary) is the #NextToBeHerd!#NSD22 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/dYtIPkPgIQ
Jack Goheen
LB, 6-2, 210, Fishers Ind., Cathedral
Cathedral High School: Lettered three times in football and twice in lacrosse … in football, made the all-city team … helped the Irish win back-to-back state championships … Cathedral lost just two games during those two seasons.
Personal: Jack Harrison Goheen … born September 28, 2003 in Norfolk, Massachusetts … son of Justin and Melanie Goheen … has two brothers: Will and Merritt … father was a football captain at the University of Notre Dame … aunt was a Hall of Fame basketball player at the United States Air Force Academy.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Jack is a tenacious linebacker who plays the game with extreme passion. His effort is unmatched, and you will regularly find him running sideline to sideline."
Jack Goheen: Tackling 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 🤖
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 15, 2021
LB Jack Goheen (@jack_goheen) is the #NextToBeHerd!#NSD22 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/sw6s0gexKs
Gavin Kennedy
OL, 6-5, 295, Turnersville, N.J., St. Augustine Prep
St. Augustine Preparatory School: Four-year football letterwinner … made the 2021 All-South Jersey First Team … also selected to three career all-conference teams, making the first team twice and the second team once … helped the Hermits post a 9-2 record and win their conference.
Personal: Gavin Kennedy … born October 29, 2003 in Pensacola, Florida … son of John and Ashley Kennedy … has three younger siblings: Jordan, Logan and Ashlynn … former St. Augustine Prep teammate, Bradley Pao, is also a member of Bucknell's class of 2026.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Gavin is a house of a human being who will be a dominating force at the line of scrimmage."
Pork Roll 🐷 and Pancakes 🥞
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 15, 2021
OL Gavin Kennedy (@gkennedy_72) is the #NextToBeHerd!#NSD22 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/34nbIEk5nA
Charlie Kreinbucher
TE, 6-5, 230, Butler, Pa., Butler Area
Butler Area Senior High School: Lettered in football, basketball and track & field … helped the football team put together its first winning season and state playoff run since 1995 … served as team captain … in basketball, led the Tornadoes to a WIPIAL title and an undefeated section championship … made the all-section second team … twice captained team … helped the track & field team win a WIPIAL crown.
Personal: Charles Joseph Kreinbucher … born September 28, 2003 in Butler, Pennsylvania … son of Chuck and Kathy Kreinbucher … spent a postgraduate year at Butler Community College.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Charlie is a dynamic playmaker who will be physical at the line of scrimmage. He will be a match-up problem for defenses."
Charlie and the 𝗧𝗗 Factory 🍫🎫
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 15, 2021
TE Charlie Kreinbucher (@CKreinbucher) is the #NextToBeHerd!#NSD22 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/umEU08prtq
Nathan Natoli
OL, 6-6, 260, Olney, Md., Sherwood
Sherwood High School: Lettered in football, basketball and volleyball … helped the football team go 12-2, win a regional title and reach the state semifinals … captured 2021 All-Met Honorable Mention accolades from the Washington Post … never allowed a sack over course of high-school career … twice served as team captain … also served as basketball captain.
Personal: Nathan Michael Natoli … born September 28, 2003 in Olney, Maryland … son of Bryan and Paula Natoli … has two siblings: Kyle and Sarah.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Nathan has a galore of untapped potential. This Maryland product will develop into a premier offensive tackle."
Want this guy on your O-Line❓
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 15, 2021
... 𝘚𝘏𝘌𝘙𝘞𝘖𝘖𝘋 ‼️🌲
OL Nathan Natoli (@NatoliNathan) is the #NextToBeHerd!#NSD22 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/YHcGbAZ7gr
Bradley Pao
CB, 6-0, 175, Mays Landing, N.J., St. Augustine Prep
St. Augustine Preparatory School: Lettered four times in football … served as team captain as a senior, helping the Prep finish 9-2 … logged 40 tackles, 10 pass breakups and one interception that season.
Personal: Bradley Mason Pao … born September 1, 2004 in Somers Point, New Jersey … son of Bryan and Natalee Arrington … former St. Augustine Prep teammate, Gavin Kennedy, is also a member of Bucknell's class of 2026.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Bradley is a complete cornerback who can cover like a blanket and hit like a Mack Truck. He is a playmaker who has a high football IQ and great instincts."
Ballhawk who packs a 𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 🥊
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 15, 2021
CB Bradley Pao (@Brad2timee) is the #NextToBeHerd!#NSD22 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/flDg96vCEo
Ashton Sempervive
DL, 6-2, 260, New Egypt, N.J., New Egypt
New Egypt High School: Earned four letters in football and one in both basketball and lacrosse … in football, made the All-Group 1 Second Team, the all-area team and the all-conference first team … as a senior, posted 75 tackles, 33 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, one blocked punt, one blocked kick and one two-point conversion … helped the Warriors post an 8-3 record.
Personal: Ashton James Sempervive … born September 2, 2004 in Freehold, New Jersey … son of Rob and Monica Sempervive … has two older brothers: Alex and Chase … father played football at Norwich University … Alex played football at Muhlenberg College … Chase is a member of the Gettysburg College men's soccer team's class of 2024.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Ashton is a powerful defensive lineman who uses strength and speed to reset the line of scrimmage and play in any offense's backfield."
𝘝𝘐𝘝𝘌 𝘓𝘈 𝘚𝘈𝘊𝘒𝘚 💰
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 15, 2021
DL Ashton Sempervive (@AshtonSemp) is the #NextToBeHerd!#NSD22 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/JSiVvHcOEe
Daniel Sierk
DL, 6-5, 250, Greensburg, Pa., Hempfield Area
Hempfield Area Senior High School: Three-year football letterwinner … made the all-conference second team as a junior and senior … made 10 tackles for a loss, five of which were sacks, as a senior … made six tackles for a loss, 5.5 of which were sacks, as a junior … served as team captain.
Personal: Daniel Luke Sierk … born May 21, 2004 in Charlottesville, Virginia … son of Mike and Michelle Sierk … has an older brother: Andrew … father played soccer at Rice University.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Daniel is a versatile defensive lineman with the size and speed to demand double teams. He can also make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable."
Sierk and Destroy ❌🚫🆘
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 15, 2021
DL Daniel Sierk (@DanielSierk) is the #NextToBeHerd!#NSD22 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/Rd0LvvKCvO



