Bucknell University Athletics
Photo by: John Rooney
Bucknell Football Adds Eight to Incoming Freshman Class
6/1/2022 5:00:00 PM | Football
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell head football coach Dave Cecchini announced the addition of eight players to his incoming freshman class on Thursday.
"We are excited to welcome these eight young men to an already stellar recruiting class," Cecchini said. "Each is a man of character and leadership. Each also possesses talent that can help us be successful for years to come."
The Bison's incoming freshman class is now 25 players strong. As part of NCAA football's Early Signing Period, they inked 13 players to National Letters of Intent in December; they then added four players on the traditional signing period's first day.
Overall, 11 position groups are represented, including seven at offensive line. The players hail from 11 states: New Jersey (6), Pennsylvania (5), Maryland (4), Massachusetts (2), California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio and Oklahoma. Bucknell will also have a player who hails from South Korea in its class of 2026.
Sam DeLuca
LB, 6-2, 210, Mechanicsburg, Pa., Mechanicsburg Area
Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School: Lettered three times in football and twice in basketball … in football, made two All-Colonial Conference and All-Sentinel First Teams … in 2020, helped the Wildcats go an unbeaten 9-0, win a Colonial Conference title and reach the District 3 5A semifinals … as a senior, logged 98 tackles (50 solo), 14 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and one pick 6 … served as team captain.
Personal: Sam Michael DeLuca … born December 3, 2003 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania … son of Steven and Amy DeLuca … has three younger siblings: Kate, Jack and Lex … father was an All-American linebacker at Franklin & Marshall College.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Sam is a hard-hitting linebacker who will pursue the ball from sideline to sideline. He is a passionate football player, and we are excited to have him."
Matt Karic
P/K, 5-8, 170, Los Altos, Calif., Saint Francis
Saint Francis High School: Lettered in football and soccer … in football, was honored as the WCAL Kicker of the Year … was also a Central Coast Section All-League and WCAL honorable mention selection … helped the Lancers finish as the 2021 WCAL champions and Central Coast Section D1 runners-up with an 11-1 (7-0 WCAL) record … went 57 for 60 on PATs and six for seven on field goals with a long of 42 yards … as a senior, posted 73 points and set the school record for single-season kickoff yards (4,761) … in soccer, was a three-time All-WCAL honoree and team captain.
Personal: Matthew Karic … born March 30, 2004 in Mountain View, California … son of Chris and Stephanie Karic … has an older sister, Grace, and a younger brother, Ben… is a first-degree black belt in taekwondo.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Matt keeps the California connection alive with leg strength that spans coast to coast and an incredible work ethic. He also has a valuable multi-sport background."
D.K. Kim
OL, 6-5, 290, Gimpo, South Korea, Allentown Central Catholic (Pa.)
Allentown Central Catholic High School: Lettered three times in football, four times in track & field, twice in basketball and once in wrestling … in football, started all 13 games as a senior … helped the Vikings win the 2021 PIAA 4A District 11 title … in track & field, placed fifth in the discus and eighth in the shot put at the SCISA 3A meet … also went first in the shot put and second in the discus at the SCISA Region II-AAA meet … served as wrestling team captain.
Personal: Dohyen Kim … born August 27, 2003 in Seoul, South Korea … son of Taehun and Hyuna Kim … is from South Korea and has also lived in China and the United States … is fluent in Korean, Chinese and English.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "D.K. is a powerful international offensive lineman with an unlimited potential."
Aidan Mack
TE, 6-3, 200, Whippany, N.J., Seton Hall Prep
Seton Hall Prep: Lettered three times in football and twice in lacrosse … in football, made the All-Super Football Conference and All-Essex County Honorable Mention teams … in 2019, the Pirates went 8-2, finishing first in the SFC United White Division and upsetting the No. 1 team in the state, nationally ranked St. Joe's Montvale … in 2020, Seton Hall Prep again knocked off the No. 1 team in the state, this time St. Peter's Prep, at the time sixth in the country … in 2021, the Pirates went 7-4 while playing their toughest schedule in program history … Seton Hall Prep reached that season's Non-Public A state playoffs … nominated for team's Man of the Year award.
Personal: Aidan Christopher Mack … born March 14, 2004 in Livingston, New Jersey … son of Jason and Marybeth Mack … has two younger siblings: Molly and Logan … father played football at Lehigh University … uncle Jeremy Mack played baseball at Lehigh University … aunt Kim Mack played field hockey at Bloomsburg University … cousin Nicky Gullace played lacrosse at Hobart College.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Aidan is a field-stretching athlete from a highly competitive high school. He is a future match-up nightmare for defenses."
John Ohnegian
OL, 6-2, 285, Ramsey, N.J., Saint Joseph Regional
Saint Joseph Regional School: Lettered three times in football and once in baseball … in football, made the all-county second team and all-division first team … helped the Green Knights win a state championship in 2018 … the team went 10-2 that season … member of offensive line that helped Saint Joseph Regional average 179.5 rushing yards per game … served as a team representative.
Personal: John Walter Ohnegian … born January 2, 2004 in Ramsey, New Jersey … son of Pete and Katie Ohnegian … has three siblings: Allison, Andrew and Michael … father played football at Lafayette College and in the Arena Football League … mother played field hockey at Miami University.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "John is a powerful interior offensive lineman who will use his versatility to dominate the line of scrimmage for years to come."
Donquarius Parker
DL, 6-1, 220, Durham, N.C., Hillside
Hillside High School: Lettered in football, swimming & diving and track & field … in football, made the 2021 all-state, all-conference and academic all-states … was a two-year team captain … in swimming & diving, was a regional champion and four-year team captain … graduated with a school record in the 50 freestyle (20.20) … in track & field, competed at regionals and earned team's MVP and leadership awards … captured All-America laurels.
Personal: Donquarius Corvon Parker … born February 19, 2003 in Wilson, North Carolina … son of Evelyn Parker … has three siblings: Mariah, Tearura and Tyrone.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Donquarius is an elite athlete who has the ability to use speed and strength to win matchups on the edge."
James Poulos
OL, 6-2, 280, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Calvary Christian Academy
Calvary Christian Academy: Lettered three times in football and twice in track & field … in football, named the Broward County Chapter Offensive Player of the Year and Piccolo Scholar-Athlete Award winner … made the All-Broward County second and academic teams … helped the Eagles make the playoffs all three seasons on varsity team … did not allow a sack over final two campaigns … served as team captain as a senior … graduated with school's bench press record.
Personal: James Evangelos Poulos … born February 11, 2003 in Miami, Florida … son of George and Virginia Poulos … has three siblings: Nina, Thomas and Daniel … mother was a member of the swimming & Diving team at the University of Miami … is a member of the Bison Battalion Army ROTC at Bucknell … earned an Army ROTC scholarship.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "James is dedicated to the military, football, faith and family. He will be a model offensive lineman and student at Bucknell."
Matt Schearer
P/K, 5-11, 170, Canonsburg, Pa., Central Catholic HS
Central Catholic High School: Lettered in football, soccer and track & field … was a two-time All-WPIAL First Team kicker … in career, went 85 for 86 on PATs and 12 for 14 on field goals … totaled 2,528 kickoff yards as a senior … longest field goal was a 46 yarder that tied the game against Imhotep Charter.
Personal: Matthew Christopher Schearer … born July 7, 2004 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania … son of Walt and Samantha Schearer … has two older brothers: Alex and Dan … Dan played soccer at Slippery Rock University and served as team captain.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Matt comes from a historic program and is a proven winner who never shies away from the big moment. He is a master of his craft who possesses the rare ability to both punt and kick."
"We are excited to welcome these eight young men to an already stellar recruiting class," Cecchini said. "Each is a man of character and leadership. Each also possesses talent that can help us be successful for years to come."
The Bison's incoming freshman class is now 25 players strong. As part of NCAA football's Early Signing Period, they inked 13 players to National Letters of Intent in December; they then added four players on the traditional signing period's first day.
Overall, 11 position groups are represented, including seven at offensive line. The players hail from 11 states: New Jersey (6), Pennsylvania (5), Maryland (4), Massachusetts (2), California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio and Oklahoma. Bucknell will also have a player who hails from South Korea in its class of 2026.
Sam DeLuca
LB, 6-2, 210, Mechanicsburg, Pa., Mechanicsburg Area
Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School: Lettered three times in football and twice in basketball … in football, made two All-Colonial Conference and All-Sentinel First Teams … in 2020, helped the Wildcats go an unbeaten 9-0, win a Colonial Conference title and reach the District 3 5A semifinals … as a senior, logged 98 tackles (50 solo), 14 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and one pick 6 … served as team captain.
Personal: Sam Michael DeLuca … born December 3, 2003 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania … son of Steven and Amy DeLuca … has three younger siblings: Kate, Jack and Lex … father was an All-American linebacker at Franklin & Marshall College.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Sam is a hard-hitting linebacker who will pursue the ball from sideline to sideline. He is a passionate football player, and we are excited to have him."
Mechanicsburg🔧 ➡️ Lewisburg🦬
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) June 2, 2022
LB Sam DeLuca (@samdeluca25) is the #NextToBeHerd!#BisonFamily | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/x0hTkYEMQo
Matt Karic
P/K, 5-8, 170, Los Altos, Calif., Saint Francis
Saint Francis High School: Lettered in football and soccer … in football, was honored as the WCAL Kicker of the Year … was also a Central Coast Section All-League and WCAL honorable mention selection … helped the Lancers finish as the 2021 WCAL champions and Central Coast Section D1 runners-up with an 11-1 (7-0 WCAL) record … went 57 for 60 on PATs and six for seven on field goals with a long of 42 yards … as a senior, posted 73 points and set the school record for single-season kickoff yards (4,761) … in soccer, was a three-time All-WCAL honoree and team captain.
Personal: Matthew Karic … born March 30, 2004 in Mountain View, California … son of Chris and Stephanie Karic … has an older sister, Grace, and a younger brother, Ben… is a first-degree black belt in taekwondo.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Matt keeps the California connection alive with leg strength that spans coast to coast and an incredible work ethic. He also has a valuable multi-sport background."
Can't Ice Matty 🏈🦵
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) June 2, 2022
P/K Matt Karic (@MatthewKaric) is the #NextToBeHerd!#BisonFamily | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/wEf8YFOKyx
D.K. Kim
OL, 6-5, 290, Gimpo, South Korea, Allentown Central Catholic (Pa.)
Allentown Central Catholic High School: Lettered three times in football, four times in track & field, twice in basketball and once in wrestling … in football, started all 13 games as a senior … helped the Vikings win the 2021 PIAA 4A District 11 title … in track & field, placed fifth in the discus and eighth in the shot put at the SCISA 3A meet … also went first in the shot put and second in the discus at the SCISA Region II-AAA meet … served as wrestling team captain.
Personal: Dohyen Kim … born August 27, 2003 in Seoul, South Korea … son of Taehun and Hyuna Kim … is from South Korea and has also lived in China and the United States … is fluent in Korean, Chinese and English.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "D.K. is a powerful international offensive lineman with an unlimited potential."
A 🇰🇷⭐️ is a Bison‼️
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) June 2, 2022
OL D.K. Kim (@dohyenkim) is the #NextToBeHerd!#BisonFamily | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/Iu5qv0jyVH
Aidan Mack
TE, 6-3, 200, Whippany, N.J., Seton Hall Prep
Seton Hall Prep: Lettered three times in football and twice in lacrosse … in football, made the All-Super Football Conference and All-Essex County Honorable Mention teams … in 2019, the Pirates went 8-2, finishing first in the SFC United White Division and upsetting the No. 1 team in the state, nationally ranked St. Joe's Montvale … in 2020, Seton Hall Prep again knocked off the No. 1 team in the state, this time St. Peter's Prep, at the time sixth in the country … in 2021, the Pirates went 7-4 while playing their toughest schedule in program history … Seton Hall Prep reached that season's Non-Public A state playoffs … nominated for team's Man of the Year award.
Personal: Aidan Christopher Mack … born March 14, 2004 in Livingston, New Jersey … son of Jason and Marybeth Mack … has two younger siblings: Molly and Logan … father played football at Lehigh University … uncle Jeremy Mack played baseball at Lehigh University … aunt Kim Mack played field hockey at Bloomsburg University … cousin Nicky Gullace played lacrosse at Hobart College.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Aidan is a field-stretching athlete from a highly competitive high school. He is a future match-up nightmare for defenses."
Big Mac(k)... We're Lovin' it 💪
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) June 2, 2022
TE Aidan Mack (@_aidanmack_) is the #NextToBeHerd!#BisonFamily | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/prF9f4C1GP
John Ohnegian
OL, 6-2, 285, Ramsey, N.J., Saint Joseph Regional
Saint Joseph Regional School: Lettered three times in football and once in baseball … in football, made the all-county second team and all-division first team … helped the Green Knights win a state championship in 2018 … the team went 10-2 that season … member of offensive line that helped Saint Joseph Regional average 179.5 rushing yards per game … served as a team representative.
Personal: John Walter Ohnegian … born January 2, 2004 in Ramsey, New Jersey … son of Pete and Katie Ohnegian … has three siblings: Allison, Andrew and Michael … father played football at Lafayette College and in the Arena Football League … mother played field hockey at Miami University.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "John is a powerful interior offensive lineman who will use his versatility to dominate the line of scrimmage for years to come."
Big John a New Bison 💪
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) June 2, 2022
OL John Ohnegian (@johnohnegian) is the #NextToBeHerd!#BisonFamily | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/OTyS2KaEXo
Donquarius Parker
DL, 6-1, 220, Durham, N.C., Hillside
Hillside High School: Lettered in football, swimming & diving and track & field … in football, made the 2021 all-state, all-conference and academic all-states … was a two-year team captain … in swimming & diving, was a regional champion and four-year team captain … graduated with a school record in the 50 freestyle (20.20) … in track & field, competed at regionals and earned team's MVP and leadership awards … captured All-America laurels.
Personal: Donquarius Corvon Parker … born February 19, 2003 in Wilson, North Carolina … son of Evelyn Parker … has three siblings: Mariah, Tearura and Tyrone.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Donquarius is an elite athlete who has the ability to use speed and strength to win matchups on the edge."
New Don 👑 of Lewisburg
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) June 2, 2022
DL Donquarius Parker (@Donquarius5) is the #NextToBeHerd!#BisonFamily | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/DqlS3kCTWy
James Poulos
OL, 6-2, 280, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Calvary Christian Academy
Calvary Christian Academy: Lettered three times in football and twice in track & field … in football, named the Broward County Chapter Offensive Player of the Year and Piccolo Scholar-Athlete Award winner … made the All-Broward County second and academic teams … helped the Eagles make the playoffs all three seasons on varsity team … did not allow a sack over final two campaigns … served as team captain as a senior … graduated with school's bench press record.
Personal: James Evangelos Poulos … born February 11, 2003 in Miami, Florida … son of George and Virginia Poulos … has three siblings: Nina, Thomas and Daniel … mother was a member of the swimming & Diving team at the University of Miami … is a member of the Bison Battalion Army ROTC at Bucknell … earned an Army ROTC scholarship.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "James is dedicated to the military, football, faith and family. He will be a model offensive lineman and student at Bucknell."
Sunshine State☀️ ➡️ #TheRange🦬
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) June 2, 2022
OL James Poulos (@JamesPoulos22) is the #NextToBeHerd!#BisonFamily | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/3enowuIpo9
Matt Schearer
P/K, 5-11, 170, Canonsburg, Pa., Central Catholic HS
Central Catholic High School: Lettered in football, soccer and track & field … was a two-time All-WPIAL First Team kicker … in career, went 85 for 86 on PATs and 12 for 14 on field goals … totaled 2,528 kickoff yards as a senior … longest field goal was a 46 yarder that tied the game against Imhotep Charter.
Personal: Matthew Christopher Schearer … born July 7, 2004 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania … son of Walt and Samantha Schearer … has two older brothers: Alex and Dan … Dan played soccer at Slippery Rock University and served as team captain.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Matt comes from a historic program and is a proven winner who never shies away from the big moment. He is a master of his craft who possesses the rare ability to both punt and kick."
Nothing surer than Schearer 🙌
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) June 2, 2022
P/K Matt Schearer (@SchearerMatt) is the #NextToBeHerd!#BisonFamily | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/7Zddy2lrUC
Players Mentioned
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