Rockett lands at Franklin Field Saturday

Ron Rockett is more than another fast receiver, as his name suggests. The Bucknell football wideout also possesses the size and ability to pose problems for any opponent, including Penn, which meets the Bison on Franklin Field Saturday. "What makes him good is that he's a big target," Bucknell coach Tom Gadd said. "Ronnie is probably the biggest and strongest of our three senior wide receivers and is experienced. He gives us a certain presence on the field." His statistics over the last three full seasons -- 1,122 receiving yards, placing Rockett 10th all-time among Bucknell receivers. "Seems like Rockett has been there [in the lineup] eternally," Penn coach Al Bagnoli said. "He is a big play receiver and does everything well. He's fast, elusive and catches the ball well." Covering him should be enough of a concern for Penn. What is worse, however, is that the Bisons have spread the ball in their first four games. "He's dangerous for other reasons," Bagnoli said. "Bucknell has another receiver on the other side [Ardie Kissinger], and they have a very good running attack. It doesn't let you play six or seven defensive backs at the same time." Bucknell averages 160.5 passing yards per game in an offense that rushes for 200 yards per contest. However, the Fordham defense held the Bison's offensive core to 75 yards. The key for Penn will be to duplicate the performance of the Rams' secondary, who limited Rockett to two catches for 36 yards. "He's a big target that can scare you against shorter corners," Bagnoli said. "He's got enough speed where he threatens you deep." Rockett's ability to run well after catches will test the middle of the secondary, meaning Penn safeties Bruce Rossignol and Joe Piela will be expected to counter the big threat. "Everybody is going to have their time with him," Bagnoli said. "It's not going to be as much the outside cornerbacks as it is going to be the inside people." The Bisons will aim to fulfill the Quakers' expectations and pay some dues in the process. "[Bruce] Rossignol and Piela are versatile football players, and the cornerbacks are physical as well," Gadd said. "We have to be able to throw the football to have success, so obviously Rockett will have to physically match up with those kids." Still, there is no telling where he will be sent, whether it is left or right, shallow or deep. "He can run all the routes well -- intermediate routes and forward routes," Gadd said. "If a lot people start jumping on him, then he can turn it loose upfield. On any given play, he may cut underneath and blow by you." If it sounds like he can do everything, maybe it is because he can. The Savannah, Ga., native quickly made his presence known in the Patriot League as a freshman when he caught a game-winning pass against Cornell. Rockett continued to improve during his sophomore season, leading the squad in touchdowns and finishing second in receiving yards. Last season, however, was Rockett's lift-off year. The wideout caught at least one pass in nine of 11 games and tallied six scoring catches during the season. "[Rockett] plays a complete game," Penn defensive coordinator Mike Toop said. "He doesn't take plays off -- he'll run down the field on the backside of a run play; he can be on the other side of the field, and he'll try to cut off the defensive backs." This season, Rockett has 207 receiving yards and two touchdowns. At the current pace, Rockett will surpass his 1997 total of 559 yards. Whether or not Penn can hold Rockett below his 52 yards receiving per game is unknown. But his omnipresence is certain to gain the focus of the Penn secondary on Saturday.