Bucknell Football Inks 15 to NLIs on Early Signing Day
12/20/2023 2:52:00 PM | Football
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell head football coach Dave Cecchini announced the singing of 15 players to National Letters of Intent Wednesday as part of NCAA football's Early Signing Period. The class is comprised of three wide receivers, two running backs, one linebacker, one defensive lineman, one quarterback, three defensive backs, two offensive linemen and two tight ends.
The 15 signees represent nine states and Canada: Georgia (2), Kentucky (1), Maryland (1), Massachusetts (2), New Jersey (3), New York (1) Ohio (1), Pennsylvania (2), Virginia (1) and British Columbia (1).
"We're excited about these young men and what they will bring to the culture of our program," said Cecchini. "With the addition of the Pascucci Team Center and these 15 signees, Bucknell Football's future is bright as we enter a new era," said Cecchini.
The Pascucci Team Center, adjacent to the turf practice field and set for completion this spring, will be equipped with a new strength and conditioning center and team meeting space.
Cecchini and his staff will continue to add to the class of 2028 during the traditional signing period, which begins February 7.
Brandon Biagiarelli
Linebacker, 6'2", 225 lbs., Pittsburgh, Pa., Avonworth
Avonworth High School: Lettered four times in football and once in basketball … served as a two-time team captain for the Antelopes … named Conference Defensive Player of the Year … three-time First Team All-Conference linebacker … two-time First Team All-Conference fullback … led team to two Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League Conference Championship titles … two-time WPIAL Championship runners-up … helped team achieve a 12-1 record as a senior … posted 287 tackles, 28 tackles for loss and five interceptions on defense, as well as 1,500 career all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns on offense.
Personal: Brandon Daniel Biagiarelli … born May 5, 2006 in Pittsburgh, Pa. … son of Janel and Alex Biagiarelli … has one sibling: Vanessa.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "He's a big, explosive linebacker who has the ability to play sideline to sideline."
Signing Day is here! Please welcome LB @Biagiarelli_6!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 20, 2023
📏 6'2" | 225 lbs.
🎓 Avonworth#ACT | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/R59c8Fh5el
Jack Bohm-Squicciarini
Tight End, 6'4", 210 lbs., Colts Neck, N.J., Red Bank Catholic
Red Bank Catholic High School: Lettered three times in football for the Caseys … earned Second Team All-Division honors … helped lead team to a 10-1 record in 2023, three Shore Conference Championship titles and three Non-Public B State Championship appearances … began high school career at Long Beach Poly High School in California before moving to New Jersey.
Personal: Jack Edwin Bohm-Squicciarini … born March 13, 2006 in Newport Beach, Calif. … son of Debra Squicciarini, Linda Bohm and Vassie Georgas.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "He's a West Coast transplant with a high level of potential. His catch radius rivals anyone in the Patriot League right now."
Introducing TE @Jackbsquicci13!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 20, 2023
📏 6'4" | 210 lbs.
🎓 Red Bank Catholic#ACT | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/sm3BycgBYn
Alexander "AJ" Bosch
Wide Receiver, 5'8", 165 lbs., Iselin, N.J., Woodbridge
Woodbridge High School: Lettered three years in football and four years in baseball … served as a two-year team captain for the Barrons football team … three-time First Team All-Division and First Team All-County honoree … three-time All-Big Central Conference … 2022 MyCentralJersey.com Borddens Baller of the Year … 2021 Battle at the Beach Game MVP … helped lead team to Division and Township titles in 2023 … set school records in receptions (135) and receiving touchdowns (13) … also holds school's single-game receptions (13) and receiving yards (240) records … posted 133 career carries and 878 career rushing yards … scored 11 career rushing touchdowns … totaled 3,602 career all-purpose yards and scored two kickoff/punt return touchdowns … 42 total career touchdowns … earned Quad County All-Star honors in baseball.
Personal: Alexander Bosch V … born Dec. 2, 2005 in Edison, N.J. … son of Marisa and Alexander Bosch IV … has one sibling: Jake … father played baseball at Montclair State.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "He's a human highlight reel. He has speed, but also the quickness to make people miss. Pound-for-pound, he may be the fastest Bucknell recruit in recent memory."
Welcome to the Bison Family, WR @boschboy8!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 20, 2023
📏 5'8" | 165 lbs.
🎓 Woodbridge#ACT | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/RHbjfVoLxx
Braylen Burgess
Wide Receiver, 6'0", 180 lbs., Peachtree Corners, Ga., Greater Atlanta Christian School
Greater Atlanta Christian School: Lettered four years in football and also lettered in lacrosse … All Gwinnett County honoree and two-time All-Region selection … helped lead the Spartans to 2020 region championship title and 2020 state semifinals … made the playoffs all four years … registered 85 catches for over 1,000 yards in the last two seasons.
Personal: Braylen Amir Burgess … born May 16, 2006 in Atlanta, Ga. … son of Chrishonda and Damon Burgess … has three siblings: Bryson, Braiden and Braxton.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "He's a touchdown machine. He can go up and high point the ball and is a threat to score anytime he has the ball in his hands."
Introducing the newest Bison, WR @BraylenBurgess!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 20, 2023
📏 6'0" | 180 lbs.
🎓 Greater Atlanta Christian School#ACT | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/jy9LNBRAjj
Logan Bush
Running Back, 5'11", 205 lbs., Washington, N.J., Don Bosco Prep
Don Bosco Prep: Lettered three times in football and three times in track … served as team captain for the Ironmen … earned First Team Super North Conference and First Team All-Bergen County … 2022 Jersey Sports All-Zone honoree … helped lead team to a 2022 league title … registered 2,000 career yards and 18 touchdowns.
Personal: Logan Bush … born April 19, 2006 in Ridgewood, N.J. … son of Nahndi and Loring Bush … has two siblings: Azure and Loring … second cousin, Nazeeh Johnson, plays for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "He's a physical running back from a storied program who requires multiple tacklers to bring him to the ground."
Signed! 🦬 Welcome home, RB @loganbush_9!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 20, 2023
📏 5'11" | 205 lbs.
🎓 Don Bosco Prep#ACT | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/SV8ZSuTbhw
Myles Cunningham
Cornerback, 6'0", 165 lbs., Decatur, Ga., Greater Atlanta Christian School
Greater Atlanta Christian School: Lettered in football and served as team captain for the Spartans … earned 2023 All-Region Honorable Mention … helped lead team to three playoff appearances and a 9-2 record in 2023 … posted 20 tackles, 11 pass breakups and an interception as a senior.
Personal: Myles Adrian Cunningham … born Nov. 28, 2005 in Atlanta, Ga. … son of Dee Dee and Malcolm Cunningham … has three siblings: Javari Thomas, Malcolm Cunningham II and Milan Cunningham … brother, Malcolm, played football at Georgia State.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "He's smooth and athletic. He has the size to go head-to-head with any wide receiver in the Patriot League."
Signed! 🖊️ Welcome to Bucknell, CB @MylesCunn3!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 20, 2023
📏 6'0" | 165 lbs.
🎓 Greater Atlanta Christian School#ACT | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/4j56oaPX0H
Darius Day
Safety, 5'11", 185 lbs., Wayland, Mass., Dexter Southfield
Dexter Southfield School: Lettered five times in football and served as a team captain for the Shields … three-time All-League honoree … earned All-NEPSAC recognition … helped lead team to Evergreen Championship title and two bowl championships … achieved a 29-5 high school record with the Shields … registered 132 receptions for 2,135 yards and 26 touchdowns … set the Dexter Southfield record for games played.
Personal: Darius Rowan Day … born March 11, 2005 in Worcester, Mass … son of Christine and Casey … has two siblings: Meadow and Braxton.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "He's so athletic he could play either side of the ball, but he is such a hard hitter that safety is the perfect position for him."
Signed! Please welcome S @DariusDay_3!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 20, 2023
📏 5'11" | 185 lbs.
🎓 Dexter Southfield#ACT | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/UyAUM5b8ib
Charlie Meehleib
Defensive Line, 6'4", 245 lbs., Elizabeth, Pa., Elizabeth Forward
Elizabeth Forward High School: Lettered in football, basketball, track and baseball … four-year starter and three-year team captain for the Warriors football team … earned All-State recognition twice and was named Defensive Player of the Year … three-year First Team All-Conference honoree … helped lead team to 2020 WPIAL runner-up finish … team went 29-5 over last three seasons … two-time section champions.
Personal: Charles James Meehleib Jr. … born Dec. 30, 2005 in Pittsburgh, Pa. … son of Danielle and Chuck Meehleib … has one sibling: Daniel.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "He's a long-armed, edge-setting, disruptive force. He's athletic enough to get around the edge and physical enough to take on blocks."
Welcome home, DL @CMeehleib!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 20, 2023
📏 6'4" | 245 lbs.
🎓 Elizabeth Forward#ACT | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/8feVI20BZl
Jackson Nowinski
Wide Receiver, 6'0", 170 lbs., Arlington, Va., Washington-Liberty
Washington-Liberty High School: Lettered three times in football, once in track and once in baseball … served as team captain for the Generals … earned team MVP honors as a senior … unanimous First Team All-Region and All-District selection senior year … named to First Team All-District and Second Team All-Region as a junior … helped lead team to 9-1 regular season record and a district championship title in 2023 … totaled 120 receptions, 1,897 yards and 24 total touchdowns in three seasons … 53 receptions for 840 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior … also part of 2022 Liberty District Track & Field Championship in 2022 and CSHL State Championship in hockey in 2020-21.
Personal: Jackson Leonard Nowinski … born April 26, 2006 in Fairfield, Calif. … son of Elizabeth and Brian Nowinski … has one sibling Kaitlyn … mother played soccer at UConn.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "He's another explosive play-maker. He can make guys miss in a phone booth."
Welcome home, WR @JacksonNowinski!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 20, 2023
📏 6'0" | 170 lbs.
🎓 Washington-Liberty#ACT | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/z1mg2vrJmr
Christian Petruzzello
Quarterback, 6'3", 205 lbs., Monrovia, Md., Linganore
Linganore High School: Three-time letterwinner for the Lancers … helped lead team to a state runner-up finish and regional championship title … posted 1,648 yards on 83 of 139 passing with 18 touchdowns through the air … also carried the ball 77 times for 564 yards and nine more touchdowns.
Personal: Christian Domenic Petruzzello … born Jan. 27, 2006 in Shenandoah Junction, W.Va. … son of Michelle and James Petruzzello … has two siblings: Gianna and Nicholas … twin brother plays baseball at Roanoke College.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "He had an amazing senior year, leading his high school to the state championship game. He has the size and athleticism to make all the throws and be a threat in the run game."
Signed! 🖊️ Introducing QB @C_petruzzello!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 20, 2023
📏 6'3" | 205 lbs.
🎓 Linganore#ACT | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/aD6gSjqPGp
Will Rich
Tight End, 6'3", 225 lbs., Lexington Ky., Lexington Christian Academy
Lexington Christian Academy: Lettered in football and served as team captain … earned All-State honors … National Combine FBU MVP … led team to two state championship runner-up finishes … went 48-9 over four years playing with Lexington Christian Academy.
Personal: William Joseph Rich … born Aug. 8, 2005 in Lexington, Ky. … son of Suzannah and Barry Rich … has one sibling: Alexis … father played football at the University of Kentucky … sister played volleyball at Fairfield.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "He's a powerful blocker in space that demands defenses' attention in the pass game. He'll be a weapon for the Bison for years to come."
Signed! Ready for TE @Will15Rich to become a Bison! 🦬
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 20, 2023
📏 6'3" | 225 lbs.
🎓 Lexington Christian Academy#ACT | #NSD pic.twitter.com/6RX9yuog3W
JJ Sebert
Safety, 6'0", 185 lbs., Powell, Ohio, Pickerington North
Pickerington North High School: Lettered three times in football and three times in track … helped lead Lancers to an 11-2 record and an 8-0 mark at home last season … started at three different positions during career … three-time state finalist in track … recorded school's fastest 60 meter and 100 meter times in track.
Personal: Jared James Sebert … born Feb. 4, 2006 in Columbus, Ohio … son of Tina Sebert … has one sibling: Justin.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "He is untapped athletic potential who Bucknell will develop into a defensive stalwart."
Welcome home to the newest Bison safety, @JJsebert!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 20, 2023
📏 6'0" | 185 lbs.
🎓 Pickerington North#ACT | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/3GFPH4s2dp
Gustav "Goose" Steffelin
Offensive Line, 6'5", 290 lbs., New York, N.Y., Salisbury
Salisbury High School: Lettered three times in football and three times in basketball for the Sarum Knights … played on the offensive line for coach Christopher Phelps … also competed on nationally-ranked basketball teams throughout grade school.
Personal: Gustav Steffelin … born May 9, 2005 in New York City, N.Y. … son of Brita and Ed Steffelin … has one sibling: Teddie.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "He's a big and strong offensive lineman who loves contact. Power through the ground will allow him to be successful very early."
Signed! 🖊️ Welcome to Bucknell, OL @GustavSteffelin!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 20, 2023
📏 6'5" | 290 lbs.
🎓 Salisbury#ACT | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/yKOR8zWCHG
Tariq Thomas
Running Back, 5'11", 185 lbs., Springfield, Mass., Springfield Central
Springfield Central High School: Served as team captain for the Golden Eagles … two-time All-Western Massachusetts honoree … helped lead team to 2019 state championship with a 10-2 record … registered 1,283 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns, 19 receptions and 301 receiving yards as a junior … recorded 850 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior … during postgrad season, racked up 674 rush yards and 12 more touchdowns.
Personal: Tariq K Thomas … born Dec. 8, 2004 … son of Syreeta Frazer and Rashid Thomas … siblings: Xavier Thomas and the late Travis Frazer.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "He's an explosive running back who is a threat to score every time the ball is in his hands."
Signed! 🖊️ Introducing RB @riqThomas7!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 20, 2023
📏 5'11" | 185 lbs.
🎓 Springfield Central#ACT | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/K7VCx6FNkF
Herschel Johal
Offensive Line, 6'5", 305 lbs., Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Clearwater Academy International
Clearwater Academy International: Served as team captain … earned All-Province and All-Conference honors … named Best Lineman … helped lead team to Provincial Championships and a 28-5 record during high school career.
Personal: Herschel Johal … born Jan. 4, 2005 in Vancouver, B.C. … son of Gord and Nav Johal … has one sibling: Brady Johal.
Coach Cecchini's Scouting Report: "Powerful and strong are understatements for an offensive lineman who enjoys training and perfecting his craft."
Welcome to Bucknell, @HerschelJohal! 🦬
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 20, 2023
📏 6'5" | 305 lbs.
🎓 Clearwater Academy International#ACT | #NSD24 pic.twitter.com/3PUgrzHcBh