Lee Skinner’s kismet journey to the Bulls Meet the Bulls: a breakdown of the new lineup THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO, SINCE 1950
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THE BIG MEN ON CAMPUS Buffalo returns all five of its starting offensive linemen from last season OWEN O’BRIEN
MANAGING EDITOR
Close your eyes and imagine you are wearing a black tuxedo. Now, I want you pee in that tuxedo. You are going to feel a warm feeling now. This is what it means to play offensive line. Head coach Jeff Quinn told this to his offensive line. Being an offensive lineman is like “a warm feeling no one else sees,” said senior center Trevor Sales. They’re the guys who set up the play. But they don’t get the yards – and often, they don’t get the glory either. But this “warm” feeling for these somewhat unnoticed players was frequent last season. Buffalo’s offense set numerous school records. Current San Diego Chargers’ running back Branden Oliver didn’t run for 1,535 yards without having holes to run through when he was Bull. Junior quarterback Joe Licata wouldn’t have the time to complete 233 passes for 2,824 yards last season if he was constantly feeling pressure. And wide receiver Alex Neutz certainly wouldn’t have had enough time to beat the defenders and become Buffalo’s only receiver to record back-to-back double-digit touchdown seasons. And isn’t it fitting that even in a story focused on offensive linemen, the glamorous positions – and even urination – are referred to before getting to the five men most responsible for creating playmaking opportunities. “We don’t care about the
ALINE KOBAYASHI, THE SPECTRUM Left to right: John Kling, Robert Blodgett, Trevor Sales, Andre Davis and Jake Silas. Buffalo returns all five offensive linemen from its 2013 bowl season.
newspaper articles because if it wasn’t for us, they wouldn’t have those accolades, so that’s the way we see it,” said senior offensive guard Andre Davis. Seniors Jake Silas, Sales and Davis along with juniors John Kling and Robert Blodgett make up this season’s starting line. It is one of the most experienced offensive lines Buffalo’s had in years – which could prove vital for the Bulls. The team won’t return a single-player who totaled 500 yards last season. Sales, Silas and Davis started all 13 games for the Bulls last season with Kling and Blodgett combining for another 13 starts. “With a bunch of new faces, it makes me feel very comfortable
that I’ll be protected every Saturday because I really think we have the best offensive line in the [Mid-American Conference],” Licata said. Maybe the lack of notoriety is because there are no offensive linemen in fantasy football. They are rarely on billboards, red carpet events or magazine covers. The offensive linemen are the busboys who set up your table before the waiter comes and brings over your food. “It’s a bittersweet kind of thing,” Blodgett said. “You know you are a main piece of the offense, but you don’t get a lot of credit.” It seems the only time linemen are shown on TV is when they
are fighting at training camp. The need for Johnny Manziel apparently squashes the allure of pancake blocks and zone blocking. “It’s the 50 percent of the game that nobody ever watches,” said Quinn, a former offensive lineman himself. The personality Senior offensive lineman Dillon Guy offered Sales $50 if he didn’t shave his beard from the beginning of 2013 spring practice in April to the beginning of preseason camp in August. Sales gladly accepted. “I play line, I don’t really care about how I look that much, so it was whatever,” Sales said. Sales didn’t shave his face again until the season ended in
December. Despite his position’s potential to go unobserved, Sales found ways to stand out. His beard was discussed by broadcasters nearly every game the Bulls had on the ESPN family of networks. But then, something else overtook the beard. Something bigger. Sales, who was listed at 6-foot-2, 327 pounds last season, often practiced with his gut hanging out. His teammates told him if he did this in practice, he had to in the games as well. Fortunately for his teammates, his 2XL-sized jersey agreed. It’s difficult to find a play from last season where his stomach was covered up. “I have this big keg down here,” Sales said. Unfortunately – or maybe fortunately, depending on your view – Sales “trimmed the fat” down to 303 pounds and cleaned up his beard for this season. Sales has an alter ego some on campus many may not be aware of. In 2012, Sales dropped his first 12-song mixtape Can you feel me? under the artist name Big T the MC. His “funknasty underground” genre is a mixture of funk and rap in which Sales is both the vocal artist and mixes the beats. It began as a hobby in eighth grade, but grew even large at college. His favorite song from his mixtape is “Funknasty funk.” “It helps me take a step from football, from school and I can actually say the things that I want to say,” Sales said. CONTINUED TO PAGE 2
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Continued from Page 1, Big men He’ll sometimes perform in the locker room and has even written songs inspired by last year’s and this year’s team. He wants to drop another mixtape in winter 2015. His personality and willingness to supply a laugh hasn’t disappeared with his beard and gut. When Quinn took part in the “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge” this offseason, Sales was the first one to grab a bucket to pour on his head coach. Licata tweeted a picture on Aug. 10 of Sales waiting around a corner with a super soaker, ready to greet anybody who was at the wrong place at the wrong time. “He draws everybody, he draws attention because he’s a funny guy and he’s not afraid to make fun of himself or act like an idiot at times,” Blodgett said. But don’t let these antics give off the wrong impression. Sales is not someone you want to run into on the field. He’s labeled as the strongest offensive lineman by his teammates and has the ability to bench press 405 pounds. Sales won the “National Underclassman Strong Man” the summer between his junior and senior years of high school. His performance was highlighted by 31-reps of 185 pounds. Sales hasn’t missed a game since earning the starting job as a sophomore. A level of consistency is critical at the center position, which Sales referred to as the “quarterback of the O-line.” “You need to know the ins and outs of every play,” Sales said. “You have to have everyone on the same page and knowing what they are doing on every play.” Sales’ actions off the field are just as important as on the field for the Bulls’ success. “Big T the MC, he makes it fun,” Quinn said. “He makes it fun to come out here and coach.” These kids are too big It’s no surprise that Davis, listed at 6-foot-4 and 318 pounds, was always bigger than the other kid’s his age. Davis’ father forced him to play football when he was 9.
But he wasn’t playing with other 9-years-old. He was playing in the 140-pound weight class, which consisted of 13-year-olds. When he arrived at Buffalo, Davis went from his attacking position at defensive line to a protecting one at offensive line. The switch was far from easy. “Offensive line is very foreign to the human body,” Davis said. “Trying to defend yourself as you are backpedaling, it’s kind of hard to grasp that concept.” Davis underwent his first of three knee surgeries after tearing his ACL senior year of high school and redshirted his freshman year at Buffalo. When he recovered, he didn’t have much time to work on his craft before being thrown into the Bulls’ starting lineup. Davis was inserted into a starting spot due to another Buffalo injury and started all 12 games. He even played parts of the past two seasons with a torn meniscus that required offseason surgery, but has never missed a start. Those knees don’t seem to be a major issue right now – Davis squatted 585 pounds this summer. Blodgett, similarly to Davis, was told at 10 years old he was too big to play – the weight limit was 120 pounds. Unlike Davis, Blodgett wasn’t offered the opportunity to play with older kids. He had to wait until the seventh grade. Instead of playing football in leagues with kids his own age, he spent time working on his farm in Lima, New York. Hauling barrels made one thing clear: He wanted to get off that farm. “You have to work for what you want to get and I knew I didn’t want to have that life forever,” Blodgett said. “So I wanted to get out of there and football kind of helped take me there and to college.” Blodgett is a health and human service major with a focus in community mental health. When he first arrived at Buffalo, he earned the nickname “Bobby Biceps,” because “the joke was that all I did here was work on my biceps in the weight room,” Blodgett said. Blodgett started eight of the Bulls’ final nine games last season.
Continued from
Kling, who lines up next to Blodgett on the offensive line, experienced a growth spurt many dream of during the summer between his sophomore and junior year of high school. Kling grew five inches to his current height, 6-foot-7. The Depew, New York native grew up around Western New York football. Kling’s father was a coach and Kling always wanted to draw up plays for his father to use in games. Kling used to attend games at UB Stadium with family and friends when he was growing up. He never thought he’d eventually be wearing the uniform. Now, he’s one of the Bulls’ most vital players. It’s hard to imagine Silas, Buffalo’s other 6-foot-7 tackle, as the little brother. But when he was 11 years old and his brother played Friday nights in Portland, Michigan, Silas felt “overwhelmed” watching high school football. “I wanted to be like my big brother, but I became the big brother,” Silas said. Silas’ always dreamed to play D-I football, but he didn’t want to sacrifice his education. Silas, an engineering student, verbally committed to D-II Michigan Tech until he received a phone call from the Bulls one week before national signing day. A week later, he was on a plane to Buffalo. He wasn’t offered a scholarship, but he was told he could compete for a spot on the team. Buffalo’s prestigious engineering program along with the opportunity to play D-1 football was too much for him to turn down. Silas started all 13 games for Buffalo last season after playing sparingly his first two years. “That’s the key, the big fellas up front,” Quinn said. “It’s not talk. It’s more about their actions, understanding they are going to play a significant role in how this season goes.” The unit Football players usually set goals for themselves in the thousands. Running backs and receivers often strive for at least 1,000 yards. Quar-
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terbacks are in the range of 2,000 to 3,000 yards. The offensive linemen are thinking smaller. The Bulls averaged six plays for a loss per game last season. That’s a number the offensive line takes personally. Their goal is to cut this number in half, and if that’s the case, the rest of the players will be more likely to achieve their goals. At the same time, it could put a major dent in Licata’s wallet. Licata and his starting offensive line made a deal that every game he doesn’t get sacked, Licata will buy the offensive line dinner for the week. “Hopefully I don’t get sacked at all and I’m spending a lot of money on dinners,” Licata said. And they can eat. To the surprise of little, many of their favorite hangouts include places with food. Davis said he’s seen Sales devour 50 wings in 10 minutes. The offensive line has been together nearly the entire summer, both on and off the field, working toward limiting negative plays. They worked with the running backs on footwork Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sales hosts barbeques when he can. If they watch NFL games together, they are watching the linemen while everybody else is looking for the ball carrier and their fantasy football superstars. They believe the more time they spend off the field makes their bond stronger. And with this bond comes trust – the most important quality of a dominant offensive line. Their average size is 6-foot-5, 316 pounds. The average size of a D-I offensive lineman is 6-foot4, 298 pounds, according to Athnet Sports Recruiting’s website. They have the size; all that remains to be seen is the final outcome. “It’s a very selfless position to play because you are not carrying the ball, you are not getting your name in the newspaper, but you are doing everything that you need to help your team win the game,” Quinn said. “It’s the ultimate team position.”
Page 10, Bulls Johnson showed off his explosiveness in the scrimmage, particularly on a 43-yard touchdown run right up the middle of the defense. “I’m just going to go out there every day and try to compete and when they call my name, I’m just going to give it everything I got, 110 percent and try to produce the best way I can,” Johnson said. Johnson said although the running backs are competing when they step on the field, there are “enough balls to go around for anybody in our offense, not just the backfield,” adding the Bulls have “receivers, tight ends and other types of skill groups that can fill in that void.” The Bulls are changing their method by having three running backs, as opposed to having the one workhouse they found in Oliver and current Green Bay Packer James Starks before him. That setup had been the norm in the NFL, but now, multiple running backs are becoming more common. Simon, who instructs the Bulls’ running backs, used to be a coach in the NFL. Quinn said Simon has experience the switch from one running back to three before. “It’s not just one guy, it’s three guys,” Quinn said. “And I think all those guys are going to have a chance to step up and perform.” email: sports@ubspectrum.com
email: sports@ubspectrum.com
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THE SPECTRUM Wednesday, August 27, 2014 Volume 64 Number 1 Circulation 7,000 The views expressed – both written and graphic – in the Feedback, Opinion and Perspectives sections of The Spectrum do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board. Submit contributions for these pages to The Spectrum office at Suite 132 Student Union or news@ubspectrum.com. The Spectrum reserves the right to edit these pieces for style and length. If a letter is not meant for publication, please mark it as such. All submissions must include the author’s name, daytime phone number, and email address. The Spectrum is represented for national advertising by MediaMate. For information on adverstising with The Spectrum, visit www.ubspectrum.com/advertising or call us directly at (716) 645-2452. The Spectrum offices are located in 132 Student Union, UB North Campus, Buffalo, NY 14260-2100
OPINION Violence begets violence
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Unchecked assaults of inmates by corrections officers reveal corruption and amorality in justice system In December 2012, corrections officers at Rikers Island brutalized two inmates until blood stained the walls of an isolated exam room. Two officers had strapped the inmates down and beat them as they screamed. As the inmates and medical staffers present begged the officers to stop, Captain Rod Marcel, who was overseeing the beating alongside fellow captain Budnarine Behari, responded only by yelling “Stop resisting,” to the bleeding, handcuffed prisoners. This month, the Bronx district attorney declined to prosecute the officers involved. The decision is incredibly disturbing – and completely expected. In the last year, of the 129 cases in which inmates were severely injured at the hands of guards, not a single officer was prosecuted. The Correction Department reports use of physical force by guards has increased by 90 percent and often involves the most vulnerable inmates, including teenagers and the mentally ill. Violence in Rikers runs virtually unchecked, as do the efforts of the prison’s staff to falsify reports and disguise its violent, illegal behavior. Taking advantage of the unreliability of inmates’ testimony and relying on intimidation to ensure the silence of other guards and officials, corrections officers are free to terrorize inmates as they please. Attempts to weed out corrupt and violent guards have floundered in the face of resistance and threats. Norman Seabrook, head of the correction officers’
union, appears satisfied with a culture of violence that negates the possibility of rehabilitation and ensures that the prison maintains its deplorable recidivism rate – 69 percent of prisoners are rearrested within a year of their release. Although it’s not realistic to expect a prison to be free of violence – many inmates are guilty of violent crimes and when officers are endangered they certainly have the right to protect themselves with force – it’s equally ridiculous to attempt to deny that inmates, no matter their past, deserve basic human rights. And yet, by allowing brutality and assaults that fall just short of torture, the U.S. prison system is reducing its inmates to subhuman status. It’s beyond naïve to believe that inmates can return to society as law-abiding citizens when they’ve spent their time behind bars as witnesses to sheer brutality and as victims of violence and malice, at the hands of those who are supposed to protect them. But protection isn’t a priority for officers like Marcel, who has been involved in close to 100 serious incidents in the last 15 years, and Behari, who is still on the jo even as he awaits the verdict of another assault case from April 2012, in which an inmate suffered a broken nose and fractured vertebrae. Watching guards break the law and get away with it – and maintain their jobs – teaches nothing but disdain for this country’s legal system. The inmates who are students in this abhorrent lesson
ART BY AMBER SLITER
are the very people who need to learn to respect the law. Despite his transgressions, Behari has retained not just his employment but also his authority as a captain. So, to the prosecutors who don’t seem to think that an inmate’s life is worth anything: Brush up on your ethics. You have power and influence, and now it’s time to find some moral fiber. To the employees of Rikers, who stay silent even after watch-
ing unprovoked assaults play out before their eyes: find the remaining shreds of your humanity and protest. Deny the bystander effect, deny the guards who think they can get away with (everything but) murder and prove to the inmates at Rikers that their welfare actually matters. And to the correction officers’ union that is inexplicably unwilling to alter the status quo: Stop resisting. email: editorial@ubspectrum.com
Liberty and justice for all – and yes, that includes sex offenders SUNY’s decision to disseminate student’s information destroys opportunity for normalcy, rehabilitation As thousands of students poured through the Spine and milled about the Student Union on the first day of classes, phones and computers all over campus buzzed and beeped, announcing an incoming email that would set one of their classmates apart. When SUNY recommended to UB students be contacted directly about the presence of a Level 2 sex offender on campus, it singlehandedly brought an end to the short-lived possibility that Daniel Lampke could experience a normal school year. Students, instructors and even alumni still using their “buffalo. edu” email addresses received the UB Alert, which included a link to Lampke’s profile on the statewide Registry of Sex Offenders. The page included Lampke’s name, description, address and photo, ensuring that heads will turn and stares will follow everywhere Lampke goes.
To be clear, UB simply followed the legal advice offered by SUNY’s Office of General Counsel. Their actions and SUNY’s recommendation were not in violation of any law, but instead reflect an extreme interpretation of an amendment to Megan’s Law, which requires that information about registered sex offenders be made available to the campus community. That the information about Lampke’s status be made available is certainly not problematic, even though University Police do not consider Lampke to be a threat. Members of this campus community who have concerns about sex offenders – parent of children, for example – have every right to find out if there is a potential predator in the area. But Lampke’s crime does not deny him of his own rights and the direct nature of the UB Alert impinges on them. So even though legally, they’re
The Licata way OWEN O’BRIEN
MANAGING EDITOR
If the Bulls are to compete for a bowl game this season, Licata needs to pull out his inner Tom Brady. And he may be closer to Brady than you’d think. Licata, a die-hard Bills fan but also Brady admirer (yes it’s possible to be both), spent hours watching film of the New England signal caller this offseason. Any quarterback, regardless of fanhood, should admire the way Brady handles himself on and off the field. “He plays with a certain moxie and the word’s overused, but swagger,” Licata said. “He plays with extreme passion and cer-
in the clear, ethically, the issue becomes far murkier. It’s all too easy to hear “sex offender” and fly into full-fledged vigilante justice mode, to put on blinders and think only of the victims: The vulnerable children, the victimized men and women, the innocence lost and the pain suffered. Sexual offenses of any sort are not just criminal, but deeply taboo. As a result, the welfare and rights of sexual offenders are all too easy, and even satisfying, to ignore. To be honest, had this student committed a sexual crime that had involved force or violence, the moral high ground on which this argument is posed would quickly crumble. But Lampke was convicted of attempting to possess materials of a sexual performance by a child under the age of 16. He was charged with a misdemeanor and will serve six years of probation. And now, thanks to the campus-
wide email, he will serve time here at UB as well. He’s been named and branded, stigmatized as an outcast and a deviant and denied the opportunity to develop an identity beyond the crime he tried to commit. Without a doubt, Lampke committed a crime and deserves to be penalized and pay his debt to society. It’s a necessary practicality he be monitored in case he strays into illegal behavior again. But an effective system of criminal justice works to create an environment in which offenders don’t repeat their offense, not just out of fear of retribution but due to legitimate rehabilitation. How can Lampke learn to function as a normal member of society when society has labeled him for all to see as not just abnormal, but amoral as well? email: editorial@ubspectrum.com
Bulls have a chance with the junior quarterback leading the team
tainty that he can get the job done and I really respect that.” The two are pure winners. Brady went 20-5 at Michigan. Licata is 11-6 at Buffalo. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say Licata’s 11 wins at Buffalo are even more impressive than Brady’s 20 at Michigan. After all, Michigan has over 900 career victories. Buffalo sits at 364. During Brady’s first full-year as a starter, he set Michigan records for pass attempts and completions in a season. Licata was No. 3 in school history for completions for a season in 2013. And hey, Licata has Brady beat in rushing yards (-64 to -105). Brady’s greatest skill is the ability to bring the best out of his
teammates, regardless of the situation. When he has amazing talent around him, he puts up video game numbers. But thriving around talent doesn’t define greatness. When you throw for more than 4,000 yards with Julian Edelman as your only receiver over 700 yards, you are a machine. Tom Brady is a machine. For the Bulls to return to a bowl, Licata needs to be a machine. Licata will be forced to spread the ball around. Alex Neutz, Licata’s favorite target throughout his first 17-career games, is gone. Fred Lee – who would be far and away the Bulls’ biggest offensive threat if this were his senior sea-
son – is gone. We are left with players we don’t know. As is Brady. When Brady was surrounded with elite talent and defense, he went to Super Bowls. When Licata had Neutz and Khalil Mack, they went to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl – which may as well be the Super Bowl for Buffalo. Since, Brady has made superstars. Julian Edelman just recorded over 1,000 yards. Randy Moss was on the fast track out of the league before signing with the Patriots. He caught an NFL-record 23 touchdown passes his first year with Brady. Deion Branch is a Super Bowl M.V.P. for crying out loud. SEE LICATA, PAGE 5
ubspectrum.com
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Friday, August 29, 2014
BUFFALO BULLS SCHEDULE 2014 AUG. 30 SAT DUQUESNE
SEPT. 27 SAT MIAMI OHIO
NOV. 5 WEDS @ OHIO
SEPT. 6 SAT @ ARMY
SEPT. FRIDAY 12 BAYLOR
SEPT. 20 SAT NORFOLK STATE
OCT. 4 SAT @ BOWLING GREEN
OCT. 11 SAT @ EASTERN MICHIGAN
OCT. 25 SAT CENTRAL MICHIGAN
NOV. 11 TUES AKRON
NOV. 19 WEDS KENT STATE
NOV. 28 FRI @ UMASS
THE SPECTRUM PREDICTIONS: 6-6, 4-4 MAC
TOM DINKI
OWEN O’BRIEN Buffalo 47-14 There’s no reason why Buffalo’s first-team offense shouldn’t score every drive. This game shouldn’t be close for long.
JORDAN GROSSMAN
ANDY KONIUCH
@TOMDINKI
@OWENOBRI
@JORDANMGROSSMAN
@ANDYKONIUCH
Buffalo 34-14
Buffalo 35-17
Buffalo 21-10
If the Bulls can’t easily handle a lower level FCS opponent at home, they’re in for a long season.
This Saturday will be an offensive showcase. Licata and Dukes quarterback Dillon Buechel are putting on a show for the fans at UB Stadium. Licata is throwing for over 300 yards.
The defense will still be firing on all cylinders despite the key losses. If Licata finds his form early, it should be an easy Bulls win.
ubspectrum.com
Friday, August 29, 2014
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Corbin and DJ Anthony lead Parking lot party Easton return of the Tailgate Concert Series TORI ROSEMAN ASST. ARTS EDITOR
You bring the burgers, hotdogs and beer – UB’s got the entertainment. In an effort to attract more people to football games both inside and outside the UB community, the Athletics Department is continuing its Tailgate Concert Series. The series started last season, which was also the year the Bulls led the Mid-American Conference in game attendance. Each concert will be in in the Stadium parking lot’s “Stampede Square” before home games. Artists, like this Saturday’s Easton Corbin, are set to start playing two hours before the 3:30 p.m. kickoff. “It’s a way to really build upon the vibrant tailgating atmosphere prior to football games,” said Todd Garzarelli, the senior associate athletic director for external affairs. “We want a more diverse crowd, and for people to be entertained in the moment.” This Saturday, before the season opener against Duquesne, the Tailgate Concert Series will feature Corbin on the main stage. DJ Anthony from local radio sta-
tion KISS 98.5 will play three hours before kickoff on the other side of stadium. Athletics began the series in 2013 to draw more than just football fans to games and it appears to be working. “Even though I’m not a huge sports fan, I’d consider going to the game after going to the concert,” said Ian Carson, a sophomore civil engineering major. Corbin is an American country artist, who is best known for his songs “A Little More Country Than That” and “Roll With It.” He has released two albums, a self-titled one in 2010 and All Over the Road in 2013. His style is similar to George Strait, Greg Bates and Keith Whitley. DJ Anthony is the weekday evening host of KISS 98.5, whose favorite artists include Michael Jackson, Jay-Z and Biggie Smalls, according to the station’s website. “I think it’s a cool, different way to get everyone pumped up for the game,” said Olivia Miller, a freshman accounting major. Garzarelli said the DJ is there to give those who don’t like country another option. Artists for the concert series were
CHAD COOPER, THE SPECTRUM
The athletics department is bringing back its popular Tailgate Concert Series, which starts two hours before each home football game. Last year, it featured artists like Randy Houser (pictured to the far right). UB lead the Mid-American Conference in overall season attendance for the 2013 season.
not picked randomly, but through a process to ensure a greater level of satisfaction and genre diversity, according Garzarelli. “To pick artists, we looked to external folks on campus, season ticket holders, UB students and alumni,” Garzarelli said. “We also looked into who seemed to be selling, who is going to be around this area and what is hot
in music right now.” Other artists set to play in September include country artist Joe Nichols, the alternative band Spin Doctors and rock band Three Dog Night. October will bring The Zac Brown Tribute Band, and set to perform in November is country artist Frankie Ballard, and Strictly Hip. Strictly Hip is a Buffalo based band that
covers the music of Tragically Hip, a rock band from Ontario, Canada. DJ Anthony’s set will begin at 12:30 and Corbin will take the stage in Stampede Square at 1:30 pm and kickoff begins at 3:30 pm.
dan Johnson and junior Devin Campbell rounding out the trio. “[Oliver] was one of the best backs to ever come out of UB,” Johnson said. “I believe the core we have put together will all bring something to the table that can make up for what he did.” The right side of the offensive line consists of juniors Robert Blodgett and John Kling, who combined to start 13 games last season. The blind side returns three senior starters in Jake Silas, Andre Davis and Trevor Sales. Sophomore Boise Ross and senior Devon Hughes are two of
the receivers to replace the duo of graduated seniors Alex Neutz and Fred Lee. “We have some big shoes to fill and I feel honored to fill that role,” Hughes said. “I want to surpass the level of [Neutz and Lee]. I want my everyday effort to be the first thing people notice.” Quinn has been impressed with his players’ commitment throughout the summer and said “105 checked into fall camp this summer, and we have 105 still on our roster.” “No one ran for the midnight
train,” Quinn said. “It’s a mutual understanding between the coaches and players. It’s an everyday commitment that every player will compete at his highest level.” The players are often on campus together or playing videogames in the dorm rooms when they aren’t on the field. “We were close last year, but you can see the difference in the way the seniors act towards the younger players on the team,” Ross said. “We’re all in together.”
email: arts@ubspectrum.com
Continued from Page 10, Saved Sokoli, who weighs 300 pounds, returns at defensive line and recorded 29 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season. He ran a 40yard dash in 4.7 seconds. Quinn said he will be a vital part of the team’s rush defense. The team’s defensive philosophy is to play as one unit. There is no standout player this year for opposing offenses to target, so the Bulls plan to use that to their advantage. “When people ask me if I’m going to replace Khalil, I say ‘I’m not, our defense is,’” Franklin said. “Everyone is going to pur-
sue the ball, everyone is going to make an interception and everyone is going to celebrate the big play.” Junior quarterback Joe Licata will be under center for the second straight year. Licata underwent surgery on Jan. 7 to repair a torn hip labrum and a bone impingement, but feels confident going into this season. The job of replacing Oliver, Buffalo’s all-time leading rusher, won’t likely fall on one player, but three. Junior running back Anthone Taylor is the expected starter with sophomore Jor-
email: sports@ubspectrum.com
Continued from Page 3, Licata Licata needs to make his superstar. I don’t know who that player will be. I can’t get access to the locker room – believe me, I’ve tried – and see how they interact behind closed doors. Whoever emerges will be the player that does things Licata’s way – the winning way. Even in high school, Licata went 16-3 over his final two seasons at Williamsville South – a school not generally known as a football powerhouse. The Buffalo News Deputy Sports Editor Keith McShea, who often covered Licata in high school, said he knew he was watching a “rare thing” in the quarterback. Was the “Patriots’ Way” a thing before Brady? No. Bill Belichick is a great coach, but without Tom Brady, there’s no “Patriot way.” Without Tom Brady, the Bills would have made the playoffs at least once in the 21st century. Do you think the “Jets way” would be a thing if Belichick had stayed in New York for more than a day? Me neither. To me, Licata just seems to have “it.” That unexplainable trait that allows teams to accomplish more than it should. The NFL is
filled with tremendous quarterbacks who can’t get their team to win – insert Tony Romo joke here – but Licata’s resume proves different. Without Licata, this team could feasible lose one of its two games against FCS schools. With him, I think they play Army close to the end and could even win. This is a 2-6 MAC team without him at the helm. Licata surrounded by a veteran offensive line guarantees you at least four conference games for as long as you have him. Unfortunately for UB, there are no contract extensions. You have four years. He won three of four games MAC games in 2012 and six of eight in 2013. There’s no “Patriot way,” just like there’s no “Next Bull in.” If the Bulls’ quarterback were to suffer an injury, well, at least there’s still the concert series. Unless you hate country music. Then I hope you drafted a good fantasy football team. You would never count out Brady. Don’t count out Joe. email: owen.obrien@ubspectrum.com
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Friday, August 29, 2014
Senior wide receiver Devon Hughes is ready to make his mark on UB Football. After providing depth for the Bulls last season, earning two touchdowns including a 30-yarder against Kent State, the Tyrone, Georgia native believes he has what it takes to be Licata’s go-to offensive weapon. His explosiveness downfield will make him a deep threat this year. ANTHONE TAYLOR
“This season is the most confident I’ve ever been,” Hughes said. “I want to come here and work hard every day. I want to be the first thing people notice. I want to be the best receiver and teammate I can be.”
Joe Licata - 16
JORDAN JOHNSON
In his second full season as the team’s starting quarterback, Licata will try to prove he can lead the team without the players that directed him as an underclassman. He threw for 2,824 yards to go along with 24 touchdowns last season. Licata may need similar numbers this season in order to repeat the team’s success. It is very possible those numbers can even go up. Licata played the entire season with a hip injury - which led to an offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum - but he is completely recovered for the 2014 season. “My job is to get the ball into the playmaker’s hands and that’s what I have to do.”
DEVON HUGHES
JOE LICATA
A Williamsville product, the junior looks to build on a successful 2013 campaign by guiding the team to another winning season and, with any luck, a spot in the MAC championship game.
ANDRE DAVIS
Boise Ross - 87 Not many players are as humble as sophomore whiteout Boise Ross. The Bethlehem, Pennsylvania native is willing to accept his role this season, even if it means he won’t be starting.
DEVIN CAMPBELL
This summer the team has been working on routes, timing matchups. Ross, a likely starter, doesn’t care if he’s one of the first 11 on the field. “But as of right now, I just want to facilitate and give the team as much lift as I can,” Ross said. Ross finished last season with 13 catches for 156 yards, appearing in nine games and one start.
JOHN KLING
ROBERT BLODGETT
Mason Schrek - 85 Sophomore tight end Mason Schrek is ready to step up and be what the team has had in many years: a receiving threat at the position. BOISE ROSS
Schrek appeared in all 13 games last year and led all tight ends with 17 catches and two touchdowns. His impressive play has made him one of the best pass catching tight ends UB has in its arsenal. “I know we have a lot of talent in our room,” Schrek said. “Coach Jones has really helped us out a lot. This season we just hope to continue to keep working hard and have a successful season.”
MASON SCHREK
MATT WEISER
STARTING LINEUP: OFFENSE
Devon Hughes - 13
ubspectrum.com
STARTING LINEUP: DEFENSE
Friday, August 29, 2014
7
Kristjan Sokoli - 90 Sokoli is the only mainstay on the defensive line after the graduations of Colby Way and Beau Bachtelle. The senior from New Jersey started all 13 games last season. While he only accounted for 29 tackles last season, he was a pivotal to the defense’s production. “I need to be as close to 100 percent as possible,” Sokoli said. “By that, I need to be at my gap and do what I have to do to make sure they can’t run the ball on us.” At 6-foot-6, Sokoli looks like the prototypical defensive lineman, however, he runs better than most his size. His 4.7-second 40-yard dash makes him an option to use at different parts of the field and one that the Bulls’ coaching staff will love to use.
OKEZIE ALOZIE
ADAM REDDEN
Jake Stockman - 9 Senior inside linebacker Jake Stockman said no one will replace former fifth round draft pick Khalil Mack. Instead, the Bulls defense this season will rely on being a sound 11-man defensive core – much like the no-name defense of the ’72 Dolphins. Stockman believes by doing so, the team will be able to fill the void Mack left.
CORTNEY LESTER
JARRET FRANKLIN
“We don’t really have a single weak spot,” Stockman said. “We have 11 experienced guys – what you’re going to see is 11 guys working together. The line-backing core in general is all about the fundamentals and doing everything exactly right.”
Adam Redden - 29 JAKE STOCKMAN
KRISTJAN SOKOLI
The Bulls are returning their most versatile player from last year in Adam Redden. If he’s not defending a pass as a free safety, he’s up in the box ready to exploit the offense as an outside linebacker. He knows his role and the types of things he can do on the field.“Aggressive, dominant and [a] team player,” Redden said about the type of player he is. “I try to take control of the defense and the team.” The hard-hitting defender finished third on the team in tackles (65), third in fumble recoveries (three) and second in sacks (4.5). If he didn’t sprain his knee in the beginning of the Kent St. game on Oct. 26, we could have looked at two of the best defensive players in the MAC playing next to each other.
WITNEY SHERRY
A former standout wide receiver from Amherst, New York, Redden possesses a rare balance of excellent ball handling and physical dominance that works
perfectly in defensive coordinator Lou Tepper’s scheme.
DALTON BARKSDALE
Cortney Lester - 4 If the team thought it were going to have a problem finding a shutdown cornerback after the departure of Najja Johnson, it were wrong. Cortney Lester has been groomed by some of the best defensive players in school history since he was a redshirt freshman to become a star of the defensive backfield. This season, it looks like he will get his opportunity.
BRANDON BERRY
TEDROY LYNCH
One of two four-year starters on the defense, Lester has developed into a dual threat by excelling in pass coverage and tackling. He’s a physical presence that doubles as a football intellectual and presents the team with a dangerous cornerback. And he seems to accept that role. “As expected, I feel like I am the top corner on the team, in the MAC and throughout the division,” Lester said. The senior from Miramar, Florida finished last season with 32 tackles and tied for the lead in interceptions with three.
LEE SKINNER PHOTOS BY ALINE KOBAYASHI
ubspectrum.com
8
Taking the field TOM DINKI
SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR
When Lee Skinner’s future teammates joined the Bulls on national signing day in 2010, the now senior linebacker had no idea he’d be donning blue and white come the start of his college career. He wasn’t even sure his cleats would ever hit a D-I field. He was a high school senior without a single football scholarship offer before a chance meeting with Bulls head coach Jeff Quinn at a wrestling tournament. Once Quinn discovered him, Skinner didn’t have a spot on team until a last-minute scholarship opened up just months before what be his first season. Skinner didn’t become a starter until his mentor, an incumbent starter, left the Bulls after repeated concussions. He feels lucky to be on the team – much of his journey has been coincidental. It’s almost kismet. The senior linebacker has started every single game for the Bulls for the past three seasons, and he looks to do the same again this year as the anchor of the Buffalo defense. “There was a time I thought I might not play football in college,” Skinner said. “But that’s just kind of how life goes. Sometimes you’re fortunate and sometimes you’re not.” *** Skinner attended football camps throughout his junior and season seasons of high school believing he had done well, only to not hear back from any coaches, according to his mother, Mary. He considered staying home in Dayton, Ohio and attending nearby Wright State. He would have attended for free – not because of football, but because his father is physics professor for the university. Skinner did have one coach who was interested in him: Quinn. But it was back when Quinn was offensive coordinator at Cincinnati. The two met on several oc-
casions when Skinner was in high school and Quinn told him could walk-on for the Bearcats. After former Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly left for Norte Dame, Quinn was unsure where he would be coaching for the 2010 season. He and Skinner lost touch. When Quinn was hired as head coach of Buffalo in December 2009, Mary told her son he should call Quinn about possibly going to UB. Skinner hesitated. He was nervous to reach out. When Skinner did finally call Quinn, the coach didn’t answer. Quinn’s voicemail was so full the high school senior couldn’t even leave a message. He thought it was a sign. “I figured it’s not meant to be,” Skinner said. In February of 2010 – shortly after national signing day – Skinner was competing in a statewide wrestling tournament in Dayton, Ohio. Quinn’s son, who is the same age as Skinner, was also in the tournament. Skinner, who stands at 6-foot-2, was tough, tenacious and competitive. He was exactly what Quinn was looking for. “Wrestling’s a tough sport; it’s tough minded and that’s what we want,” Quinn said. “It’s a physical, competitive sport, as football is. You can find out a lot about a kid when you watch him in another sport. Does he have the true passion and competitive fire that you’re looking for? Does he have heart?” Quinn saw that fire in Skinner. A few days after the tournament, he asked Skinner to consider becoming a Bull. Skinner still had his mind on a scholarship. Quinn’s offer couldn’t come with one. And even though the future Bull was excited about joining the team, he’d have to wait until the coming fall season ended. Skinner’s contact with Quinn came after the Bulls had already given out all that season’s scholarships so his college football career
Friday, August 29, 2014
For a player who’s been told he wouldn’t be on the field, Lee Skinner has made a habit of staying on it
would have to start later than he wanted. Skinner had to grayshirt, meaning he wouldn’t be able to join the team until that winter. He was told he’d most likely play offensive or defensive line. After at least five months of thinking his entry into UB Stadium would be delayed, Skinner got a call. A linebacker spot was open and Quinn wanted Skinner. Skinner – who already naturally has a wide smile – was ecstatic. And relieved. He’d be returning to his football roots. He’d been a middle linebacker his whole high school career. He’d play his natural position on the field. And he’d get his scholarship. He’d have to redshirt, but he’d be on the team. “That was really a dream come true,” Skinner said. “It would have been a dream to play [any position] at the college level so whatever it was I was going to play it.” *** After redshirting his true freshman season in 2010, Skinner was still not going see the field as a starter. He would be a backup for his friend and mentor, former Bulls linebacker John Syty. Syty was impressed with Skinner’s work ethic and willingness to listen. Syty took it upon himself to mentor Skinner, teaching him the playbook and giving him his own handwritten notes from team meetings. “He was kind of just my wingman through it all,” Syty said. In the summer heading into the 2011 season, Syty would often tell Skinner the then backup linebacker was going get playing time. “I had never really taken him seriously because we liked to joke around,” said Skinner. Skinner would get his chance, however, after Syty left the game due to “numerous concussions” sustained throughout his career. Syty felt confident Skinner could take his place and told his friend not to be nervous. “I remember telling him that
CHAD COOPER, THE SPECTRUM
Lee Skinner is the anchor of the Bulls’ defense. Four years ago he was a high school senior without a single scholarship offer. That was until he had a chance meeting with Bulls head coach jeff Quinn at a wrestling tournament.
there wasn’t another guy on that team that I wanted to fill that void with because he had put in the work,” Skinner said. The reason for Syty’s departure did not scare Skinner away from playing the game, despite the position’s potential for collisions. “I think there’s a lot of things that can happen in football,” Skinner said. “If you see a guy with a knee injury you don’t automatically think you’re going to have a knee injury. It’s really unfortunate what happened to Syty and I know if he could play he would have.” Although he missed playing with Syty, Skinner made the most of his opportunities. He finished second on the team with 89, and he was named to the Phil Steele’s National All-Freshman second team. *** For the last three seasons, Skinner has taken his starting position alongside Khalil Mack. But now, Skinner will have to be a leader on the defense. “It’s going to be different,” laughed Skinner. “It’s definitely going to be different.” You can consistently find Skinner’s name next to Mack in the team’s defensive statistics from the past few seasons. The 22-year-
old describes himself as a “hustle” player, and he seems to be in on every single tackle. Now in his fourth year as a starter, Skinner believes it’s his to chance to be a leader to the younger players on the team. He wants to mentor the underclassmen, just like Syty and Mack once mentored him. “It’s my time to pay it forward,” Skinner said. “I’ve received so much from those people it’s my time to step up and help guys out when they’re feeling down.” Skinner’s mother said her son likes to hangout with everyone and “not just the jocks.” His family and teammates describe him as a humble and friendly. On the field is a different story. “Some guys have the unique ability to be the nicest guy in the world off the field, where you can call them anytime of the night and they’re going to be there for you,” Syty said. “Then they step on that field and they’re able to flip the switch.” It’s not much of a wonder how Skinner keeps that switch on. Whenever he walks onto that field, he’s still motivated by all times it seemed like he would be kept off it. email: sports@ubspectrum.com
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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Don’t make waves when you should be aiming to keep things calm. Avoid unnecessary changes, but don’t ignore a good opportunity. Expand your knowledge, friendships and love of life. Make sure you follow your heart and care about what you do. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Know what’s required of you if you want to get ahead or change your direction. Don’t sit idle when it’s up to you to make a choice and make your move. Don’t be shy -- take what belongs to you. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ll be a driving force, but if you try to mix business with pleasure, personal information will be revealed that won’t be in your best interest. Say little, observe a lot and you will make unexpected gains. Romance is highlighted. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Emotions will lead you astray. Keep your mind focused on what you need to do, refusing to let others influence an important decision regarding your professional and personal direction. Do what’s best for you. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Check out every angle of a situation. Not everyone will agree with what you want to do, but at least you will know where you stand and what to expect if you move forward with your plans. Follow your heart, but remain levelheaded. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Questioning your direction can be a good thing and can also lead to picking up information and skills that will help you reach your goals and raise your standard of living. Change can be good if it’s manufactured carefully. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Try to appreciate your own position and focus on your destination. Explore and experiment, but don’t give up what you have when all you need to do is expand your interests, allies and skills. Love is in the stars. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your vision regarding what’s happening in your professional life may be foggy. Don’t count on anything that isn’t signed, sealed and delivered. Focus on networking, communication and building strong alliances with those who require what you have to offer. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Keep a lid on your plans. Concentrate on making personal improvements that will help you present your skills with more finesse and confidence. Changes to your living arrangements will add to your happiness and bring you greater security. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may face opposition, but when it comes to making financial, legal or medical decisions, do what you feel is best for you. You can make gains if your choices and decisions are based on your individual needs. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t look at the negative or let anyone who has a different opinion drag you down. Put more energy and attention into positive partnerships and professional changes that will bring you the results you are looking for. Love is on the rise. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A change regarding an important relationship will catch you by surprise. Resurrect some of your old ideas and bring someone back from your past who can help you make your dreams come true. A persuasive push will lead to a worthwhile reunion.
Edited by Timothy E. Parker August 29, 2014
NO BUY ZONE By Henry Quarters
ACROSS 1. Pallid 4. Less covered 9. Toward the stern 14. St. Louis-to-Cincinnati dir. 15. Napoleon, on Elba 16. Astronomical flareups 17. Popular ’20s song 20. Symphonic finishes 21. Man of many marches 22. Karenina of fiction 23. Jazz styles 26. It’s often iced in summer 29. New York ballplayer 30. Watergate figure Sam 31. Feels under the weather 32. Oil-well firefighter Red 33. What software may be stored on 35. They move during pedaling 38. Showing signs of age 39. “West Side Story” girl 40. AARP part (Abbr.) 41. Armor plate 42. Drinking spree 45. Bobby, the legendary Bruin 46. Nile waders 48. Sci-fi writer’s
award 4 9. TV trophies 51. Author H. ___ Haggard 52. How encores are given 57. Pageant entrant’s asset 58. Dik-dik relative 59. Groom’s guarantee 60. Work on the runway 61. Lengthy narratives 62. Has the where withal
25. Galleys with two banks of oars 27. Colonnade trees 28. Zebra kin 30. Tranquil scene 31. Solo for Sills 32. Kind of rain or test 33. Funny Rock 34. Roast stand 35. Tap output 36. Fearless 37. Hamster’s home 38. Hit-show letters 41. Paths between pews 42. Like bar mitzvahs 43. Sometimes they’re hidden 44. Flash of comics 46. Urge 47. Provo campus 48. Self starter? 50. Jazzman Allison 1. Online film maker 51. Some wines 2. “Tennis, ___?” 52. Heart-rate abbr. 3. Should not have to 53. “___-hoo!” 4. High-ranking Turks 54. A near-Miss. state 5. Slasher film weapon 55. Cleaning cloth 6. Eve’s genesis 56. Evidence in a pater 7. Certain addition nity case 8. Motive 9. Elephant goad 10. Short hairdos 11. Earhart’s field 12. War film “A Bridge Too ___” 13. Lou Grant’s anchorman 18. Sheep’s plaint 19. Patrolman 23. Knee protector 24. Word with “eye” or “temper”
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SPORTS
The running of the Bulls
Taylor, Johnson and Campbell look to have an impact in Buffalo’s backfield TOM DINKI
SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR
The football team handed the ball off to its running backs 468 times last season. But 310 of those went to the all-time leading rusher Branden Oliver, who is currently in a San Diego Chargers uniform. Don’t expect one ball carrier to have two-thirds of the carries this season. The Bulls have three running backs – juniors Anthone Taylor and Devin Campbell, as well as sophomore Jordan Johnson – who will all see time out of the backfield this season. “All three are unique and they do provide our system with an added advantage,” said head coach Jeff Quinn. “With Anthone, Devin and Jordan, each of them has a place in our offense. We have plays in situations for them, designed to feature those guys. You’re going to see them coming in and out.” Although the Bulls will likely use a committee of running backs, Quinn said Taylor has emerged as the front-runner. “The thing I like about Anthone right now is [that] the best cut for a running back is no cut,”
CHAD COOPER, THE SPECTRUM
Devin Campbell is one of three runnings backs the Bulls will go to this season. Campbell ran for 502 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman in 2012 before seeing most of his work as a receiver last season.
Quinn said at the Bulls’ Aug. 12 media day. “He’s staying on his tracks. He understands his courses. He’s staying disciplined. He’s not jumping around and getting fidgety and anxious. And then when he gets that little crack in that seem, boom, he’s putting his foot in the ground and he’s going north and south.” Quinn said Taylor took a long run in for a touchdown during a scrimmage, whereas a younger, less experienced player might not have had the patience to let the play develop. Taylor said the running backs have been focusing on finish-
ing out plays. Running backs coach Matt Simon stresses players should run through “small cracks” in the defense, according to Taylor. “We want to be able to run through the trash and traffic in the game and be able to get as much [yards after contact] as we can because we know nothing is going to be given to us,” Taylor said. “Sometimes we might have big holes, but at the end of the day, we got to be able to run through cracks.” Taylor, who has been watching Oliver’s film, hopes to model his game after the former Bull.
The Dukes of hazard SPORTS EDITOR
COURTESY OF DAVE DENOMA
Sophomore quarterback Dillon Buechel threw for 2,569 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Dukes last season as a freshman. The Bulls and Duquesne face off Saturday at 3:30 p.m
quarterback Dillon Buechel, who totaled 2,569 yards last season. The Dukes’ core of wide receivers includes junior Dave Thomas, who caught 49 passes for 592 yards and a touchdown last season and junior Chris King, who had 26 receptions for
26-23 five-overtime victory. Campbell also has experience filling in for Oliver. As a freshman in 2012, Campbell ran for 502 yards and two touchdowns – including a 160-yard effort against Ohio – as Oliver missed five games, due to injury. With Oliver healthy last season, Campbell was often used as a receiver. Campbell caught 19 passes for 200 yards – best for third on the team – compared to carrying the ball only 11 times. Campbell expects to be involved in the passing game, but also to see increased carries out of the backfield. “[My role as a receiver is] not going to change,” Campbell said. “That was my role last year. I just have another aspect added to it. The coaches trust me more.” Johnson can have a major impact for the offense despite never playing a down for the team. The former Sweet Home High School quarterback redshirted in 2012 and missed last season due to an elbow injury. Johnson proved he was fully healthy in the Bulls’ annual Blue-White spring game, totaling 114 yards and two touchdowns. SEE BULLS, PAGE 2
Buffalo hopes to learn from last season’s scare in home opener against FCS opponent
ANDY KONIUCH The last time the football team faced off against a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) team, it narrowly escaped an upset with a five-overtime win against Stony Brook, 26-23. The Bulls won’t be overlooking their season opening FCS opponent, Duquesne, “We’re excited about the challenge,” Quinn said. “We’re not taking anybody lightly. Believe me. I’ve seen it happen, teams come into that first game and somebody gets upset. That’s not happening [Saturday], we don’t have that mindset. We respect our opponents and we respect [Duquesne].” The Bulls host the Dukes at UB Stadium Saturday for their first game of the season. Buffalo’s defense will face sophomore
“When he was on the field, he made those defensive guys fear him, fear him being able to cut, being able to just put his pad on and just be aggressive,” Taylor said. “I just want to have that same kind of influence on the defense as a running back.” Quinn said Taylor’s patience, strong running and ball protection are “why right now he’s going to get that first snap.” Despite his experience last season and Quinn’s endorsement, Taylor does not believe he has secured his spot as the featured back. “Every day I come out and work like the next guy could be the starter,” Taylor said. “I just come out there and I work hard and I try to establish that presence … These young guys push me to work as hard as I do on the field.” Taylor served as Oliver’s primary backup last season, rushing for 399 yards and three touchdowns on 82 carries with an impressive 4.9 YPC (yards per carry). Taylor showed a glimpse of his potential as the primary back when he filled in for an injured Oliver against Stony Brook last season. He finished with 118 yards and two touchdowns in a
311 yards in only eight games. “They have a very solid group of receivers and quarterback,” Quinn said. “I think it will challenge our coverage skills and the way we structure our defense.” But Buffalo has offensive weapons of its own. Junior quar-
terback Joe Licata, entering his second full season as the starter, looks to build off his strong 2013 season. Licata threw for 2,824 yards and 24 touchdowns – one touchdown shy of tying UB’s single season record – last year. Licata will be throwing to a crowd of wide receivers, including senior Devon Hughes and sophomore Boise Ross, with junior Ron Willoughby, senior John Dunmore and junior Markus McGill providing depth to the lineup. The Bulls will be going up against a Dukes secondary that allowed only 14 passing touchdowns last season. “Certainly we have a good feel for what they want to do,” Quinn said. “We know they’re going to challenge us in coverage. But it’s still the first game. We know our kids are locked in on what we want to accomplish in this
matchup.” Saturday’s matchup is the Bulls’ first opportunity. And after battling each other for the past three weeks in practice, the Bulls are ready to hit someone not wearing blue and white. “We want to put the best 11 out there every single snap,” Quinn said. “To talk about last year’s games, that hasn’t been any part of my discussion with these guys. It’s about the present, the now, and how we move this program forward. When I pop that film in on Sunday, I want to see a four-quarter effort.” The Bulls kick off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at UB Stadium. Easton Corbin will be performing a free concert in the parking lot two hours before kickoff. email: sports@ubspectrum.com
Saved by the bull: the next generation
Bulls have their sights set on success despite the loss of their star-studded seniors JORDAN GROSSMAN ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
Something changed for the UB football team last year – after five-straight losing seasons, the Bulls made a comeback. A core of young talent and a multitude of seniors contributed to an 8-5 record, including a seven-game winning streak. The season culminated with an appearance on national television, playing against San Diego State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Dec. 21. Many of those key players – including offensive weapons Branden Oliver and Alex Neutz, as well as the No. 5 pick in May’s
NFL draft Khalil Mack – graduated. Now it’s up a new core of players to sustain last season’s success. “It’s a no-name team,” said head coach Jeff Quinn. “We don’t have the Khalil’s or the Bo’s, but we are not looking back. We are only looking forward and I see that progress everyday.” The offseason has been full of questions, but none bigger than who would fill the void of Mack. Enter sophomore Jarrett Franklin. Franklin, listed at six foot, 220 pounds, transitioned from defensive end to linebacker last season. He is physically smaller than
Mack, but plays with the same aggressive mentality and overwhelming football knowledge that made Mack a household name. “A lot of people are doubting us this year,” Franklin said. “Yeah, we lost a lot of talent, but that’s what is going to drive us the most. We want to prove people wrong and we are going to be those young guys that step up.” Senior linebackers Lee Skinner and Jake Stockman as well as senior defensive tackle Kristjan Sokoli will anchor the defense. Skinner was second on the team with 79 tackles and Stockman started all 13 games and finished with 43 tackles last season.
COURTESY OF DAVE DENOMA Sophomore quarterback Dillon Buechel threw for 2,569 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Dukes last season as a freshman. The Bulls and Duquesne face off Saturday at 3:30 p.m
SEE SAVED, PAGE 5
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