While some of our MAC brethren are still getting ready for a bowl game Bull Run has entered Basketball and Hockey Season (Yes I will still be doing Hockey this year). But with no hockey for two weeks, two basketball writers to cover the courts, and signing day approaching I thought perhaps UB Nation might want to meet this years class.
Licata is maybe the best QB Prospect to come out of New York State this season. Playing for Williamsville South, which is all of six miles from the UB ticket office, put Licata on the radar of UB fans back in 2009.
Many were skeptical that the Bulls would be able to net all everything athlete. Licata was sporting offers from Syracuse and interest from NC State. Usually the mid majors lose those kind of recruiting match-ups.
When Licata did not immediately lap up the offer from the Syracuse the Orange decided not to wait and started pursuing other QB's. It was when Joe visited Jeff Quinn's first football camp that the news broke. He was quickly offered, and then accepted, a scholarship.
"It felt right, everything felt right. I liked the coaching staff, it’s a really good place. It was the best fit for, especially because I’ll be able to play in front of my family and friends.’’ -- Joe Licata to the Buffalo News
It's not just Licata's numbers that impress. His command of the field and the fact he usually worked out of the shotgun in a semi spread oriented offense means he will come into camp more prepared for coach Quinn's offense than most High School Quarterbacks could manage.
| Name | Joe Licata |
|---|---|
| Position | Quarterback |
| Scout | ( ** ) |
| Rivals | ( *** ) |
| ESPN | 74 ( ** ) |
| HS | Williamsville South |
| Hometown | Williamsville, NY |
| Offers | Akron Syracuse |
| Proposed Nick-Name | Jobi-Wan |
| Awards | All-Western New York First Team 2010 Connolly Cup |
| Noteables | Also holds the WNY record for 3 pointers |
So what kind of numbers did he put up to merit pre-signing day praise on UBFan, the Spectrum, and Bull Run? Just look at Licata's resume! The Senior owns seven Western New York passing records:
- Touchdowns (88)
- Passing yards (6,472)
- Yards in Game
- Yards In Season
- Completions in Season
- TD's in Season
- Career Completions.
There are a few passing record Licata does not own, but he is close to even those. Basically this may be the best QB in a generation to come out of Western New York and he will be wearing the Blue and White.
Here is some of his work in a record-setting, 522-yard performance in a 62-32 victory over Williamsville North