Football Names its Captains for 2005 Season

Cummings, Williams, Berry and Schifano to captain gridiron squad in '05

Bryan Cummings

BUFFALO, NY– University at Buffalo head football coach Jim Hofher has announced his captains for the 2005 season. Bryan Cummings (Cincinnati, OH/Madeira), Gemara Williams (Oak Park, MI/Brother Rice), Kirk Berry (Norristown, PA/Norristown) and Mike Schifano (Webster, NY/Webster Shroeder) will serve as team captains for the upcoming season. Cummings will serve as the captain and Williams, Berry and Schifano will be assistant captains.

"These four young men have gotten the ultimate compliment, they have been chosen by their teammates as captains of our 2005 football team," Hofher said. "Each of them has proven to be exemplary people both on and off the field. Their leadership and commitment to the UB football program will no doubt play a large role in the success we have on the field this fall."

Cummings is a senior linebacker and the Bulls' top returning tackler from 2004. Last season, he had 75 tackles, including nine for a loss. He also had 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups, a forced fumble and a blocked kick. Cummings, who also served as a team captain last season, was named the Mid-American Conference Special Teams Player of the Week on November 15 after he blocked a punt that was recovered for a touchdown that helped lead the Bulls to a 36-6 victory over Central Michigan.

Williams is a senior defensive back who had 73 tackles and ranked second on the team in solo tackles with 50 last season. He recorded a team-best 10 pass breakups on the year. His 25 career passes defended are 12 shy of the school record of 37 set by Mark Graham (2000-03).

Berry is a senior defensive end that played in all 11 games in 2004. He totaled 11 tackles, including one for a loss. He also recovered a fumble in the Bulls' victory over Central Michigan.

Schifano is the lone captain from the offensive side of the ball. The senior offensive lineman has started 25 consecutive games.

The 2005 season will kick-off on Thursday, September 1 when UB travels to Connecticut to take on the Huskies.

05/11/2005