LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell head football coach Tim Landis has announced that 33 student-athletes will join the Bison program this fall. Among the newcomers are 14 who earned all-state citations and 12 who played high school football in the state of Pennsylvania. There are also five players from Ohio, three from New Jersey, two from New York, Florida and North Carolina, and one each from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Michigan, Virginia, Rhode Island, Louisiana and Alabama.

“We are extremely pleased with this year’s incoming class,” said Landis. “It is a credit to the entire coaching staff and their hard work in bringing this class to fruition. Going into the recruiting period we had some distinct target areas, one being at quarterback and another at the offensive and defensive line positions. We have what we really think is going to be an exciting recruiting class.” 

The biographies on the members of the Class of 2010 include a long laundry list of all-conference, all-state and all-academic accolades. Of the 33 incoming student-athletes, Landis and his staff project 21 to play on the offensive side of the ball, including five linemen, seven running backs, four quarterbacks, three wide receivers and two tight ends.

Of the 12 projected defensive players, five are linemen, five are defensive backs and two are linemen. Two of the newcomers – QB Andrew Lair and DL Kurt Schneider – are already enrolled at Bucknell and will be able to participate in spring practice. Lair transferred from the U.S. Naval Academy, while Schneider previously attended the Naval Academy Prep School.

The most local of the recruits is OL Ian Fullmer from powerhouse Southern Columbia High School in nearby Catawissa, Pa. Fullmer will join former Southern Columbia teammates Ryan Slater and Zach Allen on the Bison squad this fall.

“I truly feel that this class will provide not just depth, but also an instant spark,” said Landis. “We are very hopeful that there are some guys in this group who will be starters this fall. For the players in the program right now, this class is going to challenge them, and for the coaching staff that is very exciting.”

Bucknell’s returning players begin spring practice on March 26, with the annual spring intrasquad game scheduled for Saturday, April 22 at 7 p.m. at Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium.

BUCKNELL FOOTBALL 2006 RECRUITING CLASS

Name                        Pos.       Ht.        Wt.       Hometown/High School

Eric Baxter                  DB        5-11      185       Poughkeepsie, N.Y./Poughkeepsie

Andrew Bottone            OL        6-2        270       Point Pleasant, N.J./Point Pleasant Boro

Will Braaf                     DL        6-4        245       Bardonia, N.Y./St. Joseph Regional

Cale Cadman              WR        6-2        190       Clarks Summit, Pa./Abington Heights

Damian Chatman         RB        5-9        180       Ann Arbor, Mich./Huron

Jason Davis                 RB        5-7        175       Cincinnati, Ohio/Winton Woods

Josh Eden                   DL        6-4        260       State College, Pa./State College

Brigham Farrand          DB        6-1        190       Green Pond, N.J./Morris Knolls

Paul Forcellini              RB        5-10      190       Nanty Glo, Pa./Bishop Carroll

Ian Fullmer                   OL        6-4        275       Shamokin, Pa./Southern Columbia

Josh Gornto                 DB        6-1        190       Durham, N.C./Jordan

Greg Jones                  QB        5-11      220       Springfield, Va./Lee

Matt Kikta                    OL        6-4        280       Upper St. Clair, Pa./Upper St. Clair

A.J. Kizekai                 RB        5-9        170       Pawtucket, R.I./Blair Academy

Jason Kolodziej            LB        6-0        245       Pleasant Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson

Brian Kramer                TE        6-3        210       Toledo, Ohio/Southview

Andrew Lair                 QB        6-2        195       Metairie, La./Brother Martin/U.S. Naval Academy

Josh Lee                     DB        5-11      175       Yardley, Pa./Pennsbury

Sam Nana-Sinkam       LB        5-11      220       Lititz, Pa./Manheim Township

James Phelan              OL        6-2        230       Orlando, Fla./Bishop Moore

A.J. Pompliano            WR        5-11      180       Cary, N.C./Cardinal Gibbons

Justin Pulgrano            RB        5-11      165       Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J./Northern Highlands

Jon Salem                   DB        6-2        180       Rydel, Pa./Chestnut Hill Academy

Kurt Schneider             DL        6-5        265       Doylestown, Pa./Central Bucks East

Anthony Schultz           TE        6-3        260       Toledo, Ohio/St. John’s

Brandon Simmons       WR        5-11      175       Bedford Heights, Ohio/Bedford City

Jerome Tomberlin         RB        5-8        175       Florala, Ala./Florala

Marcello Trigg              QB        5-11      180       Tampa, Fla./Robinson

Michael Wagner           DL        6-3        220       Chagrin Falls, Ohio/Gilmour Academy

Casey Williams            RB        5-10      200       Moon Township, Pa./Moon Area

Leonard Wilson            QB        6-1        185       Tyrone, Pa./Tyrone

David Young                 DL        6-2        225       Trumbull, Conn./Trumbull

Alec Yount                   OL        6-5        250       Andover, Mass./Andover

Eric Baxter                 DB        5-11      185       Poughkeepsie, N.Y./Poughkeepsie

Full name is Eric John Baxter … born Jan. 11, 1988 in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. … son of Robert and Jane Baxter … has one sister, Amanda … lettered three times in football and twice in baseball … two-year team captain for coach Ken Barger … Second Team All-Poughkeepsie Journal at quarterback … team captain in North-South Senior Bowl … passed for 2,370 yards and 20 TDs and rushed for 323 yards … also made 53 tackles on defense.

Andrew Bottone         OL        6-2        270       Point Pleasant, N.J./Point Pleasant Boro

Full name is Andrew Michael Bottone … born Jan. 28, 1988 in Point Pleasant, N.J. … son of Ace and Debbie Bottone … has a brother Matt … highly decorated offensive lineman at Point Pleasant Boro High School … named to Associated Press All-State Team … also All-Shore and all-county honoree … named to Rivals “Super 100” Team … All-Shore Academic All-Star … member of Point Pleasant Hall of Fame … Played in North-South All-Star Game … earned Steve Hatch Award as best lineman … played for coach Calvin Thompson Jr. … also earned four letters in track and field and one in basketball.

Will Braaf                   DL        6-4        245       Bardonia, N.Y./St. Joseph Regional

Full name is William Patrick Braaf … born Dec. 19, 1987 in Lawton, Okla. … son of Pat and Ellen Braaf … has a younger brother, Michael … lettered three times in lacrosse and twice in football … as a senior helped lead football team to seventh consecutive state title … team was ranked 22nd in nation in 2004 … played both defensive tackle and offensive tackle … first-team all-league as a senior after posting 47 tackles and six sacks … played for coach Tony Karcich … honorable mention all-conference in lacrosse as a junior.

Cale Cadman            WR        6-2        190       Clarks Summit, Pa./Abington Heights

Full name is Jonathan Cale Cadman … born Aug. 24, 1987 in Scranton, Pa. … parents are Jonathan and Jeanne Marie Cadman ... has two siblings, Ross and Elisia … earned three letters in football and two each in track and swimming … played football for coach Joe Repshis … second team all-state selection by both Associated Press and Pennsylvania Football News … first team all-region wide receiver and first team all-conference at both receiver and free safety … played wideout in PA East-West All-Star Game … team MVP … district champion and school record-holder in 200-meter dash … first team all-region performer in both swimming and track.

Damian Chatman       RB        5-9        180       Ann Arbor, Mich./Huron

Full name is Damian Eugene Chatman … son of Emery Chatman and Essie Gray … has five siblings – Carmen, Dion, Juanita, Anthony and Deanna … born Oct. 7, 1988 in Detroit, Mich. … competed in football and track and field at Huron High … football coach was Joel Przygowski … named team’s defensive MVP … first team all-area … school’s weightlifter of the year.

Jason Davis                RB        5-7        175       Cincinnati, Ohio/Winton Woods

Full name is Jason Alexander Davis … born July 6, 1988 in Cincinnati, Ohio … son of Jeffrey and Darimelle Davis … has two brothers, Jeffrey Davis Jr. and Mark Gentry … brother Jeffrey played football at Ohio Northern … three-sport standout in football, baseball and track at Winton Woods High … earned four varsity football letters under coach Troy Everhart … as a senior named first team all-league, All-Southwest Ohio, all-city and all-state … conference special teams player of the year as a return specialist … also first team All-Southwest Ohio as a sophomore, when he broke three school records … second on squad in tackles as a junior and senior … first team all-league in track as a junior.

Josh Eden                  DL        6-4        260       State College, Pa./State College

Full name is Joshua Timothy Eden … born Oct. 30, 1987 in Brigham City, Utah … son of Timothy and Kris Eden … has three sisters, Erin, Abbie and Emilee … lettered three times in football and twice in baseball … captained State College football team under head coach Albert Wolski … Associated Press All-State defensive end … played in East-West All-Star Game … all-conference selection … member of Central Pennsylvania chapter of National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

Brigham Farrand       DB        6-1        190       Green Pond, N.J./Morris Knolls

Full name is Brigham Conn Farrand … born Sept. 24, 1987 in Denville, N.J. … parents are George and Beverly Farrand … has a sister Amanda and brother Cole … has an uncle who played middle linebacker at Wyoming and an aunt who was a 19-time swimming All-American at East Stoudsburg … lettered four times in track and field, three times in football and once in wrestling at Morris Knolls High … played football for coach Bill Regan … Associated Press Second Team All-State selection … named to all-state team by the Star Ledger … Heisman High School Award recipient … helped lead team to 12-0 record and a state championship … named first team all-area, all-county and “best two-way player” by Daily Record … as a senior rushed for 1,525 yards and 21 TDs … averaged 9.5 yards per carry and had 1,800 total yards … as a linebacker had 66 total tackles, three sacks, two fumble recoveries and an interception.

Paul Forcellini           RB        5-10      190       Nanty Glo, Pa./Bishop Carroll

Full name is Paul Christopher Forcellini … born Dec. 28, 1987 in Johnstown, Pa. … son of Chris and Jayne Forcellini … has two sisters, Nikki and Christie … four-year letterman in both football and track … played football for coach Craig Sponsky … Altoona Mirror Player of the Year in 2005 … Johnstown Tribune Democrat Offensive Player of the Year in 2005 … two-time Associated Press All-State selection … First Team PA Football News All-State and All-Academic teams … in career posted 5,056 rushing yards, 831 receiving yards and 73 touchdowns … averaged 7.8 yards per rush, 18.1 yards per catch and 27.9 yards per kickoff return … defensively had 403 career tackles, eight sacks and nine interceptions. 

Ian Fullmer                OL        6-4        275       Shamokin, Pa./Southern Columbia

Full name is Ian Phillip Fullmer … born Aug. 26, 1987 in Danville, Pa. … son of Frank and Rosemarie Fullmer … has a sister Amber … joins former Southern Columbia teammates Ryan Slater and Zach Allen … played for coach Jim Roth … team captain in 2005 … First Team All-CSC II at offensive tackle in 2004 and 2005 … District 4 All-Star in 2005 … 2005 All-Anthracite selection … Associated Press First Team All-State selection.

Josh Gornto               DB        6-1        190       Durham, N.C./Jordan

Full name is Joshua Carl Gornto … born Aug. 23, 1988 in Durham, N.C. … parents are Bob and Joy Gornto … has an older brother Zachary … lettered three times in football and twice in track … 2005 Herald Sun First Team All-Area defensive back and Defensive Player of the Year … team’s defensive MVP … October 2005 Student-Athlete of the Month … 2005 First Team and 2004 Honorable Mention All-Pac 6 Conference … 2005 Pac 6 Defensive Back of the Year … 2005 Pac 6 champion in 200-meter dash … Eagle Scout.

Greg Jones                QB        5-11      220       Springfield, Va./Lee

Full name is Joel Gregory Jones … born Nov. 24, 1987 … son of Joey and Debbie Jones … has a sister Shannon … three-sport standout in football, baseball and basketball … played football for head coach Chad Lewis … first team all-district and second-team all-region … three-time all-district pick in baseball … two-year captain in football and senior-year captain in baseball.

Matt Kikta                   OL        6-4        280       Upper St. Clair, Pa./Upper St. Clair

Full name is Matt Thomas Kikta … born Dec. 22, 1987 in Pittsburgh … son of Thomas and Patti Kikta … has three younger siblings, Ben, Tim and Emily … selected to play in East-West All-Star Game … all-conference lineman … Terrific 25 Almanac All-Star.

A.J. Kizekai                RB        5-9        170       Pawtucket, R.I./Blair Academy (N.J.)

Full name is Ajaynue Kizekai … born Dec. 1, 1986 in Monrovia … son of Yassah Kizekai … has five siblings – Kevin Topka and Memeh, Lavaley, Abayami and Kimeh Kizekai … 2005 graduate of Saint Raphael Academy and member of Class of 2006 at Blair Academy in Blairstown, N.J. … four-year letterman and team captain in both football and track … named Gatorade Player of the Year and Rhode Island Player of the Year … all-state selection … all-academic selection … 2006 indoor track state champion in 55-meter dash.

Jason Kolodziej         LB        6-0        245       Pleasant Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson

Full name is Jason Michael Kolodziej … born Dec. 26, 1987 in Pitsburgh … son of Len and Lynne Kolodziej … has a younger sister Bethany .. lettered four times in football, twice in baseball and once in basketball … Associated Press All-State selection as a junior and senior … four-year all-conference pick … PA Football News First Team All-State as a junior and senior … two-time All-WPIAL … team was WPIAL and PIAA champion in 2004 … played for head coach Bill Cherpak.

Brian Kramer             TE        6-3        210       Toledo, Ohio/Southview

Full name is Brian Robert Kramer … born Nov. 22, 1987 in Toledo, Ohio … son of John and Linda Kramer … has a sister Emily … played football, baseball and basketball at Sylvania Southview High … team captain in football under head coach Jim Mayzes … first team all-league … honorable mention all-district.

Andrew Lair               QB        6-2        195       Metairie, La./Brother Martin/U.S. Naval Academy

Full name is Andrew Joseph Lair … born Apr. 15, 1987 in New Orleans, La. … parents are Kevin and Pamela Lair … has two brothers, Adam and Alex … father and brother both played football at LSU … related to former Army Heisman Trophy winner Felix “Doc” Blanchard … earned four letters each in football and track at Brother Martin High School … played football for coach Wayde Keiser … transferred to Bucknell from the U.S. Naval Academy.

Josh Lee                    DB        5-11      175       Yardley, Pa./Pennsbury

Full name is Joshua Michael Lee … born Dec. 16, 1987 in Trenton, N.J. … son of Michael and Rhonda Lee … has a sister Lauren … earned three letters each in football and track … played football for head coach Baylen Snyder … team captain on the gridiron.

Sam Nana-Sinkam     LB        5-11      220       Lititz, Pa./Manheim Township

Full name is Samuel Chander Nana-Sinkam … born Dec. 20, 1988 … son of Samuel and Peggy Nana-Sinkam … has a sister Alex and brothers Chris and Brian … related to Bucknell swimmer Abby Weaver … played four years of football and volleyball at Manheim Township High School … two-time all-league pick … team captain … team’s defensive MVP … named Linebacker of the Year … captained War of the Roses All-Star Team.

James Phelan            OL        6-2        230       Orlando, Fla./Bishop Moore

Full name is James Dreppard John Phelan … born Nov. 4, 1987 in Altamonte Springs, Fla. … parents are John and Linda Phelan … has ststers Maureen and Kathleen … picked up two letters each in football and track and field … played football for coach Matt Hedrick … elected team co-captain.

A.J. Pompliano          WR        5-11      180       Cary, N.C./Cardinal Gibbons

Full name is Anthony John Pompliano III … born June 15, 1988 in Hollywood, Fla. … son of Tony and Vivian Pompliano … has four younger brothers – Vincent, Michael, Joseph and John … earned four letters in football and three each in basketball and baseball … first team all-conference and offensive player of the year … team MVP … ranked third in state with seven interceptions … broke a school record with eight catches in game … Durham Herald-Sun “Player to Watch” … honorable mention all-state as a junior … team captain … played for head coach Len Delaine.

Justin Pulgrano          RB        5-11      165       Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J./Northern Highlands

Full name is Justin James Pulgrano … born Nov. 13, 1987 in Ridgewood, N.J. … parents are Philip and Karen Pulgrano … has a brother Matthew and sister Sara … earned four letters in track and three in football … on gridiron was a two-time first team all-league selection … second team all-county pick as a senior … two-time all-league in track … played football for head coach Steve Simonetti.

Jon Salem                 DB        6-2        180       Rydel, Pa./Chestnut Hill Academy

Full name is Jonathan Lloyd Elias Salem … born Oct. 30, 1987 in Meadowbrook, Pa. … son of Tony and Cindy Salem … has two brothers, Christian and Tony … father played football, basketball and baseball at Johns Hopkins … uncle, Jon, played football at Penn … four-sport athlete (football, basketball, tennis, lacrosse) at Chestnut Hill Academy in Philadelphia … played football for coach Rick Knox … team captain in 2005 … two-time Independence Football League first team all-star … IFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005 … also a two-time team MVP.

Kurt Schneider           DL        6-5        265       Doylestown, Pa./Central Bucks East

Full name is Kurt Albert Schneider … born Aug. 5, 1986 in Doylestown, Pa. … parents are Jon and Wendy Schneider … has an older sister Stephanie and a younger brother Scott … father competed in football and track at Juniata College … lettered three times each in football and basketball at Central Bucks East before attending the Naval Academy Prep School … team captain as a senior under coach Larry Greene … 2004 defensive MVP and defensive lineman of the year … received Honorable Eric Knorr Award for dedication, desire and devotion … 2004 Bucks County All-Star … 2003 and 2004 Honorable Mention Suburban 1 defensive player … 2004 Bucks County Herald first team defense … received Kingsbury Award as most valuable defensive player in the annual East-West All-Star Game.

Anthony Schultz         TE        6-3        260       Toledo, Ohio/St. John’s

Full name is Anthony Raymond Schultz … born June 20, 1988 in Toledo, Ohio … son of Christine Martishius … all-city and all-district performer at St. John’s Jesuit High School … CYO Scholar-Athlete Award winner … team advanced to state semifinals during sophomore year … played for coach Doug Pearson. 

Brandon Simmons     WR        5-11      175       Bedford Heights, Ohio/Bedford City

Full name is Brandon E. Simmons … born Dec. 3, 1987 in Cleveland, Ohio … son of Wayne Simmons … has three siblings, Clorena Simmons, Wayne Simmons and Nicole Dickson … earned three letters each in football, basketball and track and field … captained football and track teams … on gridiron was a two time All-Lake Erie League performer both athletically and academically … also earned both honors in track and basketball.

Jerome Tomberlin     RB        5-8        175       Florala, Ala./Florala

Full name is Taylor Jerome Tomberlin … born Nov. 11, 1987 in Schweinfurt, Germany … son of John and Krystal Tomberlin … has four younger sisters, ranging in age from eight months to seven years – Madeline, Valerie, Annie and Ava … earned three letters each in football and baseball … honorable mention all-state performer in football as a senior … first team all-county … member of Birmingham News Top 100 … offensive MVP as a running back … won the Race Horse Award, given to the team’s rushing leader … as a senior compiled 1,044 rushing yards, averaging nearly 12 yards per carry, and 15 TDs … team captain … finished second in state powerlifting championships … eighth overall at Nike Camp in Tallahassee, Fla. … played for coach Doug Vickery.

Marcello Trigg           QB        5-11      180       Tampa, Fla./Robinson

Full name is Marcello A. Trigg … born Jan. 4, 1988 in Tampa, Fla. … son of Sylvia Johnson … has three siblings, Danielle Trigg, Marquies Johnson and Marques Trigg … Class 3A State Player of the Year and first team all-state quarterback at Robinson High … four-year starter … broke the county record for career TD passes (82) … passed for over 7,000 yards … earned the Guy Toph Award as Hillsborough County’s player of the year in 2005, when he threw for 1,845 yards and 26 touchdown passes … played for coach Mike DePue.

Michael Wagner         DL        6-3        220       Chagrin Falls, Ohio/Gilmour Academy

Full name is Michael Christian Wagner … born Aug. 5, 1987 in Cleveland, Ohio … parents are Dave and Liz Wagner … has two siblings, Claire and Nick … father played hockey at St. Vincent’s College … great, great, great nephew of baseball legend Honus Wagner … earned three letters each in football and hockey at Gilmour Academy … First Team All-Ohio defensive end … two-time First Team All-MAC-8 defensive end … 2004 News Herald first team all-star … named All-Northeast Lakes District in 2004 … captained both football and hockey years … played football for coach Bob Spicer.

Casey Williams          RB        5-10      200       Moon Township, Pa./Moon Area

Born Dec. 13, 1987 in Pittsburgh, Pa. … son of Francis and Deborah Williams … has a brother Bob … father played football at Princeton … earned three letters each in football and baseball … two-time all-conference performer … twice named to Fab 22 West team … football team captain for coach Mark Capuano.

Leonard Wilson         QB        6-1        185       Tyrone, Pa./Tyrone

Full name is Leonard Robert Wilson … born Oct. 7, 1987 in Tyrone, Pa. … son of Bob and Kim Wilson … has a brother Ian … three-sport standout in football, basketball and track … first team all-conference pick on both offense and defense … Altoona Mirror first team all-star at quarterback … PA Football News all-state honorable mention … team captain for head coach John Franco … three-year captain and defensive player of the year in basketball.

David Young               DL        6-2        225       Trumbull, Conn./Trumbull

Born Jan. 26, 1988 in Stratford, Conn. … son of David and Christine Young … has two sisters, Andrea and Lauren … earned four letters in lacrosse, two in football and two in track … first team all-state linebacker …  two-time All-FCIAC pick … Connecticut Post first team all-star at linebacker as a senior … team captain as a senior under head coach Robert Maffei.

Alec Yount                 OL        6-5        250       Andover, Mass./Andover

Full name is Bradley Alec Yount … born Sept. 7, 1987 in Newark, Del. … parents are Brad and Noni Yount … has a sister Rebecca … Honorable Mention All-Merrimack County Conference … earned Maj. William Walsh Award as team’s outstanding offensive lineman … played for head coach Ken Maglio.