Bucknell Football Signs 17 to NLIs on Early Signing Day
12/21/2022 1:12:00 PM | Football
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell head football coach Dave Cecchini announced the signing of 17 players to National Letters of Intent Wednesday as part of NCAA football's Early Signing Period.
"These 17 players, who comprise the Class of 2027, hail from 11 different states. It's a very diverse class, but they all share one thing in common: a passion to make Bucknell football achieve new heights," said Cecchini.
The players hail from California (1), Connecticut (1), Georgia (1), Kentucky (1), Louisiana (1), Maryland (1), Massachusetts (2), New Jersey (2), Ohio (3), Pennsylvania (3) and Virginia (1).
Cecchini and the Bison football staff will continue to add to the class of 2027 during the traditional signing period of February 1 through April 1.
England Allen
Defensive Back, 5-10, 180, Monclova, Ohio, Anthony Wayne
Anthony Wayne High School: Lettered in both football and track … earned First Team All-League and First Team All-District honors … received an All-State honorable mention nod … helped guide his team to a 10-2 record in 2022 … registered 13 interceptions, 76 tackles and 32 pass breakups.
Personal: England Lee Allen … born Jan. 22, 2005 in Cleveland, Ohio … son of Julian and Toiya Wilkins … has one sibling: Daija Mckenny.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "He's an explosive athlete that has very good ball skills. He'll make an early impact at multiple positions in the defensive backfield."
Bison fans, please welcome defensive back England Allen (@englandlallen) to Bucknell!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 21, 2022
📏 5'10" | 180 lbs.
🎓 Anthony Wayne High School#NSD23 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/d6kgP50LHB
Xavier Allen
Offensive Lineman, 6-5, 270, Silver Spring, Md., Gonzaga
Gonzaga College High School: Lettered in both football and wrestling … earned Second Team All-Washington Catholic Athletic Conference recognition … District of Columbia State Athletic Association heavyweight champion in 2022 … 2022 WCAC 2nd-place champion … led team to 2021 WCAC championship title.
Personal: Xavier Edward Allen … born July 31, 2005 in Silver Spring, Md. …son of Donne and Ed Allen … has two siblings: Bishop and Asante … Ed Allen Sr. played in the NFL for the Rams.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "A long, athletic, premier offensive tackle that has more room to develop. He dominated blue-chip level opposition as a one-year starter, and he's a welcomed addition as one of Bucknell's top offensive prospects."
Join us in welcoming offensive lineman Xavier Allen (@XavierAllen2023)!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 21, 2022
📏 6'5" | 270 lbs.
🎓 Gonzaga College Prep#NSD23 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/VELshijSzo
Tim Andersen
Offensive Lineman, 6-2, 280, Madison, N.J., Delbarton
Delbarton School: Lettered in both football and rugby … received First Team All-Conference and All-County recognition … helped lead the Delbarton Green Wave to the semifinals of Non-Public Group A New Jersey tournament … allowed just one sack during his senior season.
Personal: Timothy James Andersen … born June 25, 2004 in Madison, N.J. … son of Pamela and Eric Andersen … has four siblings: Margaret, Will, Helen, Ben … father and brothers, Will and Ben, played football at Colgate … sister, Margaret, played lacrosse at Colgate … sister, Helen, competed in track & field at Wellesley College.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "The most important spot on the offensive line is the anchor in the middle, and Tim anchored a fantastic high school offense. His skill set will transition easily to Bucknell's offensive line which should speed his development."
Bolstering our offensive line with a stud. Welcome to Bucknell, Tim Andersen (@tandersen53)!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 21, 2022
📏 6'2" | 280 lbs.
🎓 Delbarton High School#NSD23 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/dwr4Nx44mi
Kalun Blair
Defensive Lineman, 6-1, 215, Decatur, Ga., Burleson
Burleson High School: Lettered in both football and track for the Burleson Elks in Burleson, Texas … earned First Team All-District honors at defensive end … was named Second Team All-District as a utility player and received All-Johnson County recognition … helped guide the Elks to the second round of the playoffs last season.
Personal: Kalun Daniel Anthony Blair … born Sept. 16, 2003 in Atlanta, Ga. … son of Tanya Howard and Baahir Blair … has two siblings: Nakayla Blair and Zina Mikey Howard.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "He's an explosive edge rusher looking to make an immediate impact on special teams and third down."
Introducing defensive lineman Kalun Blair (@KalunBlair)!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 21, 2022
📏 6'1" | 215 lbs.
🎓 Burleson High School#NSD23 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/jiRDkbaLdM
TJ Cadden
Wide Receiver., 6-0, 185, Phoenixville, Pa., Episcopal Academy
Episcopal Academy: Lettered three years in football and four years in baseball … two-time Inter-Academic All-League selection and 2022 Inter-AC League MVP … named 2022 team captain and team MVP … 2022 Mini Maxwell Award Winner … First Team Inter-AC All-League and First Team All-County in baseball … helped lead the Episcopal Academy Churchmen to a 2019 Inter-AC championship title and a runner-up finish in 2022, going 9-1 both seasons … posted the second-most receiving yards (658) and second-most receptions (39) for a single season in school history … added 653 return yards with five return touchdowns in one season … scored receiving, rushing, kick return, punt return and interception return touchdowns in a single season.
Personal: Thomas Joseph Cadden … born Jan. 12, 2005 in Paoli, Pa. … son of Jen and Keith Cadden … has one brother: Michael … father was an All-American quarterback at Lycoming College … mother was an All-American lacrosse player at James Madison … grandfather, Harry Gicking, was a graduate assistant coach for Bucknell football in 1971-72.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Tremendous athlete who is also an electric punt and kick returner with game-changing speed and acceleration. He makes the Bison faster."
The Bison just got a little faster! Introducing wide receiver TJ Cadden (@CaddenTj)!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 21, 2022
📏 6'0" | 185 lbs.
🎓 Episcopal Academy#NSD23 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/hVDb4uzzbk
Princeton Cahee
Running Back., 5-10, 190, Lafayette, La., Ascension Episcopal/The Taft School
Ascension Episcopal High School: Lettered in football for the Ascension Gators … named a First Team All-District running back … led his team to a district title as a senior … recorded 23 touchdowns as a senior … racked up 205 yards on 22 carries in a single game as a post-graduate at the Taft School.
Personal: Princeton Cahee … born Dec. 18, 2003 in Lafayette, La. … son of Gina and Gerald Cahee … has one sibling: Rivers … father played football at Southern University and A&M College … brother played football at Dartmouth.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Has all the tools you'd look for in a running back. He has the speed to hit the home run, power to run between the tackles, quickness and balance to make a defender miss in open space, and shows he can dynamic in the pass game catching the ball out of the backfield and as a returner on special teams."
He's got all the tools! Introducing running back Princeton Cahee (@CaheePrinceton)!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 21, 2022
📏 5'10" | 190 lbs.
🎓 The Taft School#NSD23 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/5nvxSzJIb0
Drew Cormier
Defensive Back, 6-1, 200, Burlington, Conn., Choate Rosemary Hall
Choate Rosemary Hall: Lettered in both football and basketball … named 2022 First Team All-Founders League selection … earned 2020 Parents Weekend Game MVP … led the Wild Boars to 2022 Founders League championship title … 2022 Dave Coratti NEPSAC Class A champions … 2018 Mike Silipo NEPSAC Class A champions … recorded three interceptions, one fumble recovery and a touchdown as a senior.
Personal: Drew Joseph Cormier … born Oct. 29, 2003 in Hartford, Conn. … son of Jennifer and Mike Cormier … has two siblings: Cade and Cole … father played baseball at Eastern Connecticut State … brother, Cade, plays football at Denison University.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "A good sized defensive back that can play multiple positions. He's shown the ability to make a lot of plays around the ball. He plays with good speed and acceleration."
Can't wait to see this guy on the field in the Orange & Blue! Please join us in welcoming defensive back Drew Cormier (@drewcormier44)!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 21, 2022
📏 6'1" | 200 lbs.
🎓 Choate Rosemary Hall#NSD23 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/7pYKqnqzLn
Brad Gerken
Defensive Back, 5-11, 195, San Clemente, Calif., San Clemente
San Clemente High School: Lettered and started three years for the Tritons … two-time First Team All-League selection … 2020 Second Team All-League … served as team captain … helped lead the Tritons to an undefeated league title in 2020 … posted three interceptions and 80 tackles as a senior.
Personal: Bradley Thomas Gerken … born Sept. 17, 2004 in Laguna Niguel, Calif. … son of Stacy and Mike Gerken … has two siblings: Macy and Nate.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "He's a really physical safety. He has good play recognition and has great acceleration when making plays on defense."
Bringing physicality to the defensive backfield. Bison fans, meet Brad Gerken (@GerkenBrad)!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 21, 2022
📏 5'11" | 195 lbs.
🎓 San Clemente High School#NSD23 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/1blWanBUzo
Deuce Geter II
Defensive Back, 6-1, 205, Ashburn, Va., Stone Bridge
Stone Bridge High School: Lettered three years in football … two-time First Team All-District, All-Region, and All-Loudoun County selection … 2021 First Team Burg Sports honoree … led the Bulldogs to three consecutive district and regional titles … helped the Bulldogs capture 5A state championship titles in 2021 and 2022 … served as team captain as a senior … registered 167 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four interceptions, 32 pass deflections, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries during his career at Stone Bridge.
Personal: Michael "Deuce" S. Geter II … born May 9, 2005 in Leesburg, Va. … son of Dana and Michael Geter … has one brother: Chase … father played football at North Carolina and in the NFL for the New England Patriots … great-uncle, Allen Pinkett, played football at Notre Dame and for the Houston Oilers.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "A good sized safety with great speed and toughness. A very productive player on a perennial winning team. He has the ability to make an immediate impact on defense."
Bison fans, meet defensive back Michael "Deuce" Geter (@DeuceGeter)!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 21, 2022
📏 6'1" | 205 lbs.
🎓 Stone Bridge High School#NSD23 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/29akoa6AsJ
Nick Hoying
Linebacker, 6-0, 195, Kings Mills, Ohio, Kings
Kings High School: Lettered three years in football and four years in lacrosse … two-time First Team All-Conference and All-District selection in football … two-time Second Team All-State honoree in football … two-time All-Conference selection in lacrosse … served as a team captain in both sports … led his team to a regional title in 2022 … registered 118 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, five sacks, three interceptions, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries as a senior … added 70 tackles, seven sacks, four forced fumbles and an interception as a junior.
Personal: Nicholas James Hoying … born Sept. 23, 2004 in Cincinnati, Ohio … son of Jody and Matt Hoying … has three siblings: Zach, Bree and Alena.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "The definition of intellectual brutality. As physical of a presence he is on the field, he's equally as bright."
Excited to introduce linebacker Nick Hoying (@nhoyi23) to our Bison Family!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 21, 2022
📏 6'0" | 195 lbs.
🎓 Kings High School#NSD23 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/1ZEHTyfNhE
Rourke Kennedy
Wide Receiver, 6-3, 190, Franklin Park, Pa., North Allegheny
North Allegheny High School: Lettered three years in football … earned First Team All-Conference honors … led team to a section title in 2020 and a Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League Championship in 2022 … helped his team achieve an 11-2 record as a senior … excelled at both punter and wide receiver … was ranked 33rd in the nation for punting by Kohl's Kicking.
Personal: Rourke Christopher Kennedy … born July 28, 2004 in Pittsburgh, Pa. … son of Shannon McMahon-Kennedy … has two siblings: Delaney (twin) and Ryker … uncle, Mike McMahon, played quarterback at Rutgers, for the Detroit Lions, the Philadelphia Eagles, in the UFL and the CFL … grandfather, Bob McMahon, played quarterback at NC State.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Has all the tools to be a play-making receiver in our offense. He's a multi-talented athlete who can punt as well."
Excited to welcome wide receiver Rourke Kennedy (@rourke_kennedy), another weapon for our offense!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 21, 2022
📏 6'3" | 190 lbs.
🎓 North Allegheny High School#NSD23 pic.twitter.com/KVrqwNUaUi
Sam Milligan
Wide Receiver., 6-3, 200, Swathmore, Pa., Strath Haven
Strath Haven High School: Lettered three years in football, four years in wrestling and three years baseball … two-time First Team All-League and one-time Second Team All-County selection … also earned All-League and All-County honors in wrestling in baseball … went 30-4 during career at Strath Haven and helped guide the Panthers to a league and district title … reached the state semifinals … 632 yards on 63 carries with 10 touchdowns.
Personal: Samuel George Milligan … born May 17, 2005 in Swathmore, Pa. … son of Donna and Nick Milligan … has two siblings: Ben and Zach.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Talented high school player who excelled at multiple positions. He's going to develop into a productive wide receiver as well as a tremendous special teams player."
How 'bout a little offensive firepower? Meet wide receiver Sam Milligan (@smilligan0517)!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 21, 2022
📏 6'3" | 200 lbs.
🎓 Strath Haven High School#NSD23 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/STqyszwgZv
Ryan O'Connor
Offensive lineman, 6-2, 285, Milford, Mass., Milford
Milford High School: Lettered four times in football … was named a 2022 Metrowest All-Star and a 2022 Hackomock All-Star … was selected as a 2019 Independent School League All-Star while playing for Lawrence Academy … led the Milford Scarlet Hawks to a Hackomock League title with a 10-2 record and won a sectional title in the playoffs as a senior … did not allow a sack throughout his high school career.
Personal: Ryan O'Connor … born Sept. 16, 2004 in Milford, Massachusetts … son of Cindy and Kevin O'Connor … has two siblings: Kaitlyn and Kevin … Kaitlyn is a competitive cheerleading national champion at Bridgewater State university … Kevin is a sprinter at Bates College.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "His top-tier strength, flexibility and tenacity will allow this incoming offensive lineman to have an illustrious career in the trenches. Ryan plays with great leverage and finishes."
Welcome to the Bison Family, Ryan O'Connor (@ryanoconnor2023)!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 21, 2022
📏 6'2" | 285 lbs.
🎓 Milford High School#NSD23 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/5E95YiksVw
Nick Severin
Defensive Back, 6-3, 185, Mahwah, N.J., Don Bosco Prep
Don Bosco Preparatory School: Lettered in both football and track … named a football team captain … earned First Team All-League recognition … grabbed five interceptions as a senior in 2022 … led his team to a league title and the state finals with a 9-3 record in 2022.
Personal: Nicholas Brian Severin … born March 19, 2005 in Phoenix, Ariz. … son of Maria and Brian Severin … has a twin brother: Matthew … also competed in soccer, basketball and baseball growing up.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "A long safety that performed well for a top high school program. He shows tremendous range in tracking the ball. He has the ability to make great open-field tackles as well."
Keeping our secondary stacked! Welcome to Bucknell, Nick Severin (@nick_severin11)!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 21, 2022
📏 6'3" | 185 lbs.
🎓 Don Bosco Prep#NSD23 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/xZYHpHDCtX
Takai Whitmore
Defensive Back., 5-11, 171, Boston, Mass., Dexter Southfield
Dexter Southfield High School: Lettered in football … earned All-State recognition at defensive back … two-time All-Evergreen League selection … named to All-New England Class B First Team … served as team captain during senior season … Boston Herald All-Scholastic honoree … led team to Evergreen League title as a senior with a 7-2 record … Moose Curtis Bowl champions during junior season following an 8-1 campaign … totaled 45 tackles and eight pass breakups while allowing no touchdowns as a senior … recorded 58 tackles, 11 pass breakups and an interception as a junior.
Personal: Takai Myson Whitmore … born Dec. 26, 2003 in Boston, Mass. … son of Teisha Worrell and Michael Whitmore … has three siblings: Raquille Dailey, Amoni Whitmore and Malachi Whitmore.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "An athletic player who excelled on both sides of the ball for his high school team. He plays both fast and physical, which should translate well for our defense."
Please give a warm Bison welcome to defensive back Takai Whitmore (@RealTakai1)!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 21, 2022
📏 5'11" | 170 lbs.
🎓 Dexter Southfield#NSD23 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/GUEQxlLJW5
Gavin Willis
Linebacker, 6-0, 212, Louisville, Ky., Ballard
Ballard High School: Lettered two years in football for the Ballard Bruins … earned First Team All-District and All-State recognition … named 6A District 5 Player of the Year … led team to district and region titles, as well as state semifinal runners-up spot with an 11-3 record … finished with 189 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six sacks and two interceptions.
Personal: Gavin Noble Willis … born Aug. 7, 2004 in Louisville, K.Y. … son of Jennifer Taylor and Adrian Morton.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Gavin's production speaks to all the qualities he possesses as a linebacker. He's athletic, plays with relentless effort and has natural instincts."
Introducing linebacker Gavin Willis (@gavin_w13)!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 21, 2022
📏 6'0" | 212 lbs.
🎓 Ballard High School#NSD23 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/4yNndzwlGs
Peyton Wilp
Defensive Lineman, 6-2, 270, Cincinnati, Ohio, Archbishop Moeller
Archbishop Moeller High School: Lettered in football for the Crusaders … earned All-League recognition, recording 40 tackles and 4.5 sacks … led his team to both league and regional championships … helped guide the Crusaders to an 11-4 season as a junior and a 13-2 season as a senior.
Personal: Peyton Andrew Wilp … born Dec. 20, 2004 in Cincinnati, Ohio … son of Jessica and Marty Wilp … has one brother: Jackson Wilp.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Big, strong interior defensive lineman looking to command double teams and push the pocket against opposing offenses."
Welcome home, Peyton Wilp (@WilpPeyton)! Another beast on the defensive line!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 21, 2022
📏 6'2" | 270 lbs.
🎓 Archbishop Moeller#NSD23 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/IPNEygBEtJ
