Aug. 10, 2003
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BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY PRESEASON FOOTBALL CAMP REPORT #2
BISON PRACTICE IN FULL PADS FOR FIRST TIME, LIMITED CONTACT
LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Sunday, August 10, served as the first official full pads practice for the 2003 Bison football squad. With just under a week of practice behind them, the Orange and Blue strapped on the pads this afternoon for the first time this preseason. Head coach Tim Landis noted that the first day of full pads is always an interesting day, with inevitable mistakes to be made. "The guys come out anticipating a lot of hitting, especially the freshmen in their first time stepping up to the collegiate level, but we usually take two to three days in pads before we really get after it," commented Landis.
In general, Landis is pleased with the way preseason camp is progressing. "
MORE BUCKNELL FOOTBALL MEDIA DAY INFORMATION
The 2003 Bucknell Football Media Day has been scheduled for Monday, August 18, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The event will take place on the southernmost end of the football practice field. Head Coach Tim Landis and his staff will be present and available for one-on-one interviews, as well as select players. Please contact the Office of Athletic Communications if you wish to intend to attend the event.
OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OPENING EYES
Through the first five practices, Coach Landis has been pleased with the overall performance of the offense as a whole, especially the upperclassmen's ability to retain and carry over what they learned in spring football. Coach Landis noted the backfield of Raphael Darrington (Mobile, Ala./Williamson), Tim Johnson (Eight Mile, Ala./John L. LeFlore), Antwone Kennedy (Miami, Fla./Booker T. Washington) and Rapheal Hammond (Senatobia, Miss./Senatobia) as players who have been extremely perceptive about the offense and continue to improve with every practice. He also noted the steady play of converted quarterback Daris Wilson (Kenner, La./Archbishop Rummel). "I think we're gaining experience, along with maturity, in our offense," said Landis. "It's really the group as a whole performing well, but those are some of the guys who stand out right now."
DEFENSIVE HIGHLIGHTS
Coach Landis and his staff have been equally pleased with the depth of the defense, especially linebacker. "The defensive side of the ball is very similar to the offense," commented Landis. "We had some guys who were able to pick up the system in the spring and come out this preseason and be the leaders."
One of those players is Kevin Ransome (Bear, Del./Christiana), who, according to Landis, has looked very good at inside linebacker.
COACHING STAFF PLEASED WITH OVERALL CONDITION OF TEAM
When it comes to the overall condition of the team, the 2003 Bison coaching staff was excited to see that the percentages were in favor of the majority of the team entering camp in good shape. With the temperatures soaring into the 90's and high humidity, it has proved beneficial that the majority of the players came back conditioned to play.
"We're getting a lot of humidity, and it can be a real struggle," said Landis. "So, the better shape you're in coming in, the better able you are to handle the heat, both mentally and physically. There are some guys who need to get in better shape, honestly, but for the most part, we're pleased with our conditioning level."
TWO INTRASQUAD SCRIMMAGES HIGHLIGHT CAMP SCHEDULE
Bucknell will play two intrasquad scrimmages during the preseason as it prepares for it season-opener with Duquesne on August 30 at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium. The first will take place on Saturday, August 16, during the 2:30 p.m. practice session, while the second is scheduled for Saturday, August 23 at 3:15 p.m.
