Photo by: James T. Giffen
Bucknell Football Announces Early Signees
12/4/2024 2:23:00 PM | Football
** NOTE: This story has been updated to include the Thursday morning signing of Andrew Nicholson.
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell head football coach Dave Cecchini announced the signing of 10 promising recruits on Wednesday as the NCAA's early signing period commenced.
The early group of signees covers seven different positions, and the class so far hails from eight different states. There are two recruits each from Ohio and New Jersey, and one each from Kentucky, Massachusetts, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Utah.
Cecchini and his staff will continue to add to the 2025 recruiting class during the traditional signing period, which begins February 5.
LOGAN BUSSON
LB | 6'2" | 215 | Lexington, Ky. | Frederick Douglass H.S.
Personal/High School: Born Aug. 4, 2006 … son of Brent and Laura Busson … has two older brothers, Blake and Tyler … father played football at Eastern Kentucky, and brother Blake plays at Centre College … two-sport athlete in football and basketball at Frederick Douglass High School in Lexington … team captain in both sports … in football, earned All-City and All-District honors … part of a Kentucky 5A state championship team in 2022 … third-leading tackler in school history … broke school record for tackles for loss.
Dave Cecchini on Logan Busson: "Logan is a versatile defensive player who can run sideline to sideline."
ZACH CORNA
DB | 6'0" | 195 | Columbus, Ohio | Upper Arlington H.S.
Personal/High School: Born July 19, 2006 in Columbus, Ohio … parents are Amy and Josh Corna … has two older siblings: sister Julia and brother Quinn … Quinn plays basketball at Ohio Wesleyan … member of the Class of 2025 at Upper Arlington High School, which is the alma mater of golf legend Jack Nicklaus … two-sport standout in football and basketball … on the gridiron was a Second Team All-State, two-time First Team All-District, and three-time All-Conference selection … helped the Golden Bears to 44 wins in his career … team won two conference titles and earned one berth in the regional finals and two in the regional semifinals … recorded seven career interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns … also earned honorable mention All-Conference in basketball.
Dave Cecchini on Zach Corna: "Zach is a savvy football player with a nose for finding the ball."
MAX DRESENS
LB | 6'1" | 210 | Wayland, Mass. | Wayland H.S.
Personal/High School: Born May 15, 2006 in Newton, Mass. … son of Gretchen and Paul Dresens … has three older brothers: Zack, Nick, and Jack … Zack (soccer) and Nick (football) were both student-athletes at Tufts, and Jack plays soccer at St. Anselm … father played football at Tufts and is in the school's Athletics Hall of Fame … grandfather, W. Scott Cooledge, played hockey at Harvard … mother is a 1990 Bucknell graduate … member of the football and track and field teams at Wayland High School … two-year team captain on the gridiron … League MVP as a junior and senior … D4 Divisional All-State as a junior … named to All-Scholastic Team by Boston Globe, Boston Herald, and MetroWest Daily Sports … part of league championship teams in 2023 (8-3) and 2024 (9-2) … broke the school's single-season rushing yards record with 1,762 … recorded 43 career touchdowns, despite missing his entire sophomore season due to injury … averaged 10.3 yards per carry in his career … also logged 181 career tackles.
Dave Cecchini on Max Dresens: "Max is an instinctual, aggressive linebacker who loves to hit."
PETER LAGEMANN
DL | 6'4" | 260 | Glen Rock, N.J. | Glen Rock H.S.
Personal/High School: Born Sept. 18, 2006 in Glen Rock, N.J. … parents are Suzanne and Nick Lagemann … has two siblings, Evan and Hope … father played football at Bates … member of the football and baseball teams at Glen Rock High School … captained both teams … earned First Team All-League and First Team All-County honors on the gridiron … helped lead the Panthers to a 2024 NJIC Liberty Division title … team went 27-12 during his career … totaled 21 sacks, 38.5 TFLs, 169 tackles, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries … also earned First Team All-League and Second Team All-County honors on the baseball diamond.
Dave Cecchini on Peter Lagemann: "Peter is a big, physical defensive lineman who will make stops up front."
CHARLIE LaMORTE
QB | 6'2" | 210 | Maywood, N.J. | West Orange H.S.
Personal/High School: Born Dec. 29, 2005 in Hackensack, N.J. … parents are Tina and Danny LaMorte … has a younger sister, Lily … father played football at Murray State … captained the football team at West Orange High School … First Team All-Conference selection … part of two conference championship teams … in eight games as a senior completed 96 of 163 passes for 1,509 yards and 20 touchdowns with only four interceptions.
Dave Cecchini on Charlie LaMorte: "Not only does Charlie have a big, accurate arm, but he also has great leadership skills as well."
KALEB LAMPKINS
WR | 5'9" | 175 | Jacksonville, Fla. | Raines H.S.
Personal/High School: Born May 31, 2006 in Jacksonville, Fla. … parents are Renaldo Lampkins and Cherron Johnson … has two older siblings: Jaylin Johnson and Alaina Johnson … father played at Southeast Missouri State … captained the football team at William Raines Senior High School … Second Team All-Conference honoree … helped lead the Vikings to a 13-0 record in 2024 … led the team in all-purpose yards.
Dave Cecchini on Kaleb Lampkins: "Kaleb is a fast, dynamic receiver with great hands."
KATO MEISSNER
DL | 6'2" | 240 | South Lebanon, Ohio | Kings H.S.
Personal/High School: Born Sept. 7, 2006 in Ethiopia … son of Jennifer and Brad Meissner … has a younger sister, Chloe … football and basketball letterwinner at Kings High School … captain and two-time All-Conference pick in football … also earned All-District honors … led the Knights to a conference title and the first regional championship in school history … team advanced as far as the state semifinals … recorded 29 career TFLs.
Dave Cecchini on Kato Meissner: "Kato has the potential to be a dominant edge player for us. He is a great addition to our defensive line."
ANDREW NICHOLSON
OL | 6'6" | 280 | Savannah, Ga. | Savannah Country Day
Personal/High School: Born Feb. 5, 2007 in Savannah, Ga. … parents are Kim and Chris Nicholson … has four sisters: Abby, Audrey, Anna, and Amelia … Abby plays volleyball at Lafayette … father played basketball at Kenyon … lettered in football, basketball, clay target shooting, and track and field at Savannah Country Day School … two-time First Team All-Region selection on the gridiron … 2024 state qualifier in the shot put … basketball team won a regional championship in 2024. … part of state championship clay target shooting teams in 2022 and 2024 … NSSA All-American in skeet shooting … member of the Forest City Juniors, a five-time Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) national champion.
Dave Cecchini on Andrew Nicholson: "Andrew is a long, athletic offensive lineman that plays with an edge."
JAMES SCHLENDORF
DB | 6'0" | 170 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Olympus H.S.
Personal/High School: Born March 18, 2007 in Toms River, N.J. … parents are Jennifer and David Schlendorf … has three older brothers: Peter, Andrew, and John … John is a member of the Bucknell Class of 2025 and was a standout safety for the Bison … brother Peter played lacrosse at Montclair State … father played football at Fordham … grandfather, Tom Schlendorf, was an All-American wrestler at Syracuse University, winning the 1967 NCAA title at 191 pounds … football and lacrosse letterman at Olympus High School in Salt Lake City … team captain … First Team All-State and All-Region in football … helped the team to an 8-4 record as a junior … recorded 12 career interceptions and 23 pass breakups … First Team All-Region in lacrosse … lax teams went 33-5 in his sophomore and junior seasons.
Dave Cecchini on James Schlendorf: "We are super excited to have four more years with a Schlendorf playing for the Bison. Like his older brother, he is fast and athletic, with a high football IQ."
PATRICK SULLIVAN
TE | 6'1" | 215 | Brentwood, Tenn. | Ravenwood H.S.
Personal/High School: Born Oct. 26, 2006 in Kalamazoo, Mich. … son of Carole and Mike Sullivan … has two younger siblings, Teagan and John … father played college football at the University of Miami and in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and is now an assistant coach with the Tennessee Titans … team captain at Ravenwood High School … earned All-Region honors … selected for All-County Game … helped team to two Region 6-6A championships, one Region 6-6A runner-up finish, and a berth in the state semifinals … recorded 95 pancake blocks.
Dave Cecchini on Patrick Sullivan: "Patrick is a gritty, physical blocker with tremendous upside."
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell head football coach Dave Cecchini announced the signing of 10 promising recruits on Wednesday as the NCAA's early signing period commenced.
The early group of signees covers seven different positions, and the class so far hails from eight different states. There are two recruits each from Ohio and New Jersey, and one each from Kentucky, Massachusetts, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Utah.
Cecchini and his staff will continue to add to the 2025 recruiting class during the traditional signing period, which begins February 5.
LOGAN BUSSON
LB | 6'2" | 215 | Lexington, Ky. | Frederick Douglass H.S.
Personal/High School: Born Aug. 4, 2006 … son of Brent and Laura Busson … has two older brothers, Blake and Tyler … father played football at Eastern Kentucky, and brother Blake plays at Centre College … two-sport athlete in football and basketball at Frederick Douglass High School in Lexington … team captain in both sports … in football, earned All-City and All-District honors … part of a Kentucky 5A state championship team in 2022 … third-leading tackler in school history … broke school record for tackles for loss.
Dave Cecchini on Logan Busson: "Logan is a versatile defensive player who can run sideline to sideline."
🔶𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃!🔷
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 4, 2024
Welcome to Bison Nation, LOGAN BUSSON!
X: @BussonLogan
📽️ https://t.co/u1Eyg5LkwM#rayBucknell | #ACT | #NSD25 pic.twitter.com/9aGSyaZQva
ZACH CORNA
DB | 6'0" | 195 | Columbus, Ohio | Upper Arlington H.S.
Personal/High School: Born July 19, 2006 in Columbus, Ohio … parents are Amy and Josh Corna … has two older siblings: sister Julia and brother Quinn … Quinn plays basketball at Ohio Wesleyan … member of the Class of 2025 at Upper Arlington High School, which is the alma mater of golf legend Jack Nicklaus … two-sport standout in football and basketball … on the gridiron was a Second Team All-State, two-time First Team All-District, and three-time All-Conference selection … helped the Golden Bears to 44 wins in his career … team won two conference titles and earned one berth in the regional finals and two in the regional semifinals … recorded seven career interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns … also earned honorable mention All-Conference in basketball.
Dave Cecchini on Zach Corna: "Zach is a savvy football player with a nose for finding the ball."
🔶𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃!🔷
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 4, 2024
Welcome to Bison Nation, ZACH CORNA!
X: @ZachCorna
📽️ https://t.co/kaWahrvZGT#rayBucknell | #ACT | #NSD25 pic.twitter.com/BOeBV54YkT
MAX DRESENS
LB | 6'1" | 210 | Wayland, Mass. | Wayland H.S.
Personal/High School: Born May 15, 2006 in Newton, Mass. … son of Gretchen and Paul Dresens … has three older brothers: Zack, Nick, and Jack … Zack (soccer) and Nick (football) were both student-athletes at Tufts, and Jack plays soccer at St. Anselm … father played football at Tufts and is in the school's Athletics Hall of Fame … grandfather, W. Scott Cooledge, played hockey at Harvard … mother is a 1990 Bucknell graduate … member of the football and track and field teams at Wayland High School … two-year team captain on the gridiron … League MVP as a junior and senior … D4 Divisional All-State as a junior … named to All-Scholastic Team by Boston Globe, Boston Herald, and MetroWest Daily Sports … part of league championship teams in 2023 (8-3) and 2024 (9-2) … broke the school's single-season rushing yards record with 1,762 … recorded 43 career touchdowns, despite missing his entire sophomore season due to injury … averaged 10.3 yards per carry in his career … also logged 181 career tackles.
Dave Cecchini on Max Dresens: "Max is an instinctual, aggressive linebacker who loves to hit."
🔶𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃!🔷
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 4, 2024
Welcome to Bison Nation, MAX DRESENS!
X: @MaxDresens
📽️ https://t.co/BFd501jxbQ#rayBucknell | #ACT | #NSD25 pic.twitter.com/GY4jznSbT2
PETER LAGEMANN
DL | 6'4" | 260 | Glen Rock, N.J. | Glen Rock H.S.
Personal/High School: Born Sept. 18, 2006 in Glen Rock, N.J. … parents are Suzanne and Nick Lagemann … has two siblings, Evan and Hope … father played football at Bates … member of the football and baseball teams at Glen Rock High School … captained both teams … earned First Team All-League and First Team All-County honors on the gridiron … helped lead the Panthers to a 2024 NJIC Liberty Division title … team went 27-12 during his career … totaled 21 sacks, 38.5 TFLs, 169 tackles, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries … also earned First Team All-League and Second Team All-County honors on the baseball diamond.
Dave Cecchini on Peter Lagemann: "Peter is a big, physical defensive lineman who will make stops up front."
🔶𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃!🔷
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 4, 2024
Welcome to Bison Nation, PETER LAGEMANN!
X: @peter_lage
📽️ https://t.co/XIJagN3D0Q#rayBucknell | #ACT | #NSD25 pic.twitter.com/GXKk1wrbtw
CHARLIE LaMORTE
QB | 6'2" | 210 | Maywood, N.J. | West Orange H.S.
Personal/High School: Born Dec. 29, 2005 in Hackensack, N.J. … parents are Tina and Danny LaMorte … has a younger sister, Lily … father played football at Murray State … captained the football team at West Orange High School … First Team All-Conference selection … part of two conference championship teams … in eight games as a senior completed 96 of 163 passes for 1,509 yards and 20 touchdowns with only four interceptions.
Dave Cecchini on Charlie LaMorte: "Not only does Charlie have a big, accurate arm, but he also has great leadership skills as well."
🔶𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃!🔷
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 4, 2024
Welcome to Bison Nation, CHARLIE LaMORTE!
X: @CharlieLamorte
📽️ https://t.co/hJvBOBYfG0#rayBucknell | #ACT | #NSD25 pic.twitter.com/0SBkVEcC4V
KALEB LAMPKINS
WR | 5'9" | 175 | Jacksonville, Fla. | Raines H.S.
Personal/High School: Born May 31, 2006 in Jacksonville, Fla. … parents are Renaldo Lampkins and Cherron Johnson … has two older siblings: Jaylin Johnson and Alaina Johnson … father played at Southeast Missouri State … captained the football team at William Raines Senior High School … Second Team All-Conference honoree … helped lead the Vikings to a 13-0 record in 2024 … led the team in all-purpose yards.
Dave Cecchini on Kaleb Lampkins: "Kaleb is a fast, dynamic receiver with great hands."
🔶𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃!🔷
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 4, 2024
Welcome to Bison Nation, KALEB LAMPKINS!
X: @KLampkins2025
📽️ https://t.co/GbX7ecIpKM#rayBucknell | #ACT | #NSD25 pic.twitter.com/rIyxMSfOqD
KATO MEISSNER
DL | 6'2" | 240 | South Lebanon, Ohio | Kings H.S.
Personal/High School: Born Sept. 7, 2006 in Ethiopia … son of Jennifer and Brad Meissner … has a younger sister, Chloe … football and basketball letterwinner at Kings High School … captain and two-time All-Conference pick in football … also earned All-District honors … led the Knights to a conference title and the first regional championship in school history … team advanced as far as the state semifinals … recorded 29 career TFLs.
Dave Cecchini on Kato Meissner: "Kato has the potential to be a dominant edge player for us. He is a great addition to our defensive line."
🔶𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃!🔷
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 4, 2024
Welcome to Bison Nation, KATO MEISSNER!
X: @KatoMeissner
📽️ https://t.co/BgFosIkGpU#rayBucknell | #ACT | #NSD25 pic.twitter.com/LRLjXq4lkl
ANDREW NICHOLSON
OL | 6'6" | 280 | Savannah, Ga. | Savannah Country Day
Personal/High School: Born Feb. 5, 2007 in Savannah, Ga. … parents are Kim and Chris Nicholson … has four sisters: Abby, Audrey, Anna, and Amelia … Abby plays volleyball at Lafayette … father played basketball at Kenyon … lettered in football, basketball, clay target shooting, and track and field at Savannah Country Day School … two-time First Team All-Region selection on the gridiron … 2024 state qualifier in the shot put … basketball team won a regional championship in 2024. … part of state championship clay target shooting teams in 2022 and 2024 … NSSA All-American in skeet shooting … member of the Forest City Juniors, a five-time Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) national champion.
Dave Cecchini on Andrew Nicholson: "Andrew is a long, athletic offensive lineman that plays with an edge."
🔶𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃!🔷
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 5, 2024
Welcome to Bison Nation, ANDREW NICHOLSON!
X: @Andrew_n75 #rayBucknell | #ACT | #NSD25 pic.twitter.com/Zk472UJHQ3
JAMES SCHLENDORF
DB | 6'0" | 170 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Olympus H.S.
Personal/High School: Born March 18, 2007 in Toms River, N.J. … parents are Jennifer and David Schlendorf … has three older brothers: Peter, Andrew, and John … John is a member of the Bucknell Class of 2025 and was a standout safety for the Bison … brother Peter played lacrosse at Montclair State … father played football at Fordham … grandfather, Tom Schlendorf, was an All-American wrestler at Syracuse University, winning the 1967 NCAA title at 191 pounds … football and lacrosse letterman at Olympus High School in Salt Lake City … team captain … First Team All-State and All-Region in football … helped the team to an 8-4 record as a junior … recorded 12 career interceptions and 23 pass breakups … First Team All-Region in lacrosse … lax teams went 33-5 in his sophomore and junior seasons.
Dave Cecchini on James Schlendorf: "We are super excited to have four more years with a Schlendorf playing for the Bison. Like his older brother, he is fast and athletic, with a high football IQ."
🔶𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃!🔷
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 4, 2024
Welcome to Bison Nation, JAMES SCHLENDORF!
X: @SchlendorfJames
📽️ https://t.co/WAt5NmvuMt #rayBucknell | #ACT | #NSD25 pic.twitter.com/pw9UsIgXal
PATRICK SULLIVAN
TE | 6'1" | 215 | Brentwood, Tenn. | Ravenwood H.S.
Personal/High School: Born Oct. 26, 2006 in Kalamazoo, Mich. … son of Carole and Mike Sullivan … has two younger siblings, Teagan and John … father played college football at the University of Miami and in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and is now an assistant coach with the Tennessee Titans … team captain at Ravenwood High School … earned All-Region honors … selected for All-County Game … helped team to two Region 6-6A championships, one Region 6-6A runner-up finish, and a berth in the state semifinals … recorded 95 pancake blocks.
Dave Cecchini on Patrick Sullivan: "Patrick is a gritty, physical blocker with tremendous upside."
🔶𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃!🔷
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 4, 2024
Welcome to Bison Nation, PATRICK SULLIVAN!
X: @patsullivan87
📽️ https://t.co/TufZhvrHUk#rayBucknell | #ACT | #NSD25 pic.twitter.com/F3wkDVLIsf
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