Justin Marshall

Justin Marshall's Biography

The Buffalo Bulls football program, which represents the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (UB) in the Mid-American Conference of NCAA Division I FBS, has a rich history of illustrious statistical leaders across various categories, such as passing, rushing, receiving, total offense, defensive stats, and kicking, amongst others. The thriving backbone of the program boasts leaders in single-game, single-season, and career records.

Ubiquitous and seminal in the Bulls’ passing game, Joe Licata epitomizes a passing leader. From 2012 to 2015, Licata ruled the yardage with 9,485 passing yards, topping Buffalo’s career chart. In 2008, Drew Willy set the career record for single-season passing yards with 3,304. Touchdown pass territory has also been Licata’s to dominate, with a career tally of 76. Dissecting the achievement, Licata set the record for single-season touchdowns, making a total of 29 in 2014 and for the single-game passing yardage record, amassing 497 yards against Toledo in 2013. Marty Barrett graced the history books with his 6 touchdown passes in a 1983 game against Alfred, making him Buffalo’s all-time leader in single-game passing touchdowns.

On the rushing front, Branden Oliver has been instrumental for the Bulls, leading the career record with 4,049 rushing yards from 2010 to 2013. Jaret Patterson, a 2018-2020 Bull, holds all other significant school records for rushing. Patterson concluded his UB career with 52 touchdowns, including single-season records of 1,799 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2019, matching his touchdowns record in 2020. In a 2020 game against Kent State, Patterson hit a new single-game school record with a behemoth 409 yards coupled with an FBS record-tying 8 touchdowns.

The Receiving record board sees Naaman Roosevelt dwarf opposition with the most career receiving yards (3,551) and receptions (268). His tenure, 2006-2009, also saw single-season records smashed for receptions (104), receiving yards (1,402), and receiving touchdowns (13), all realized in the 2008 season. Alex Neutz, a 2010-2013 Bull, is Buffalo’s career leader in receiving touchdowns with 31. Buffalo’s single-game reception record stands at 13, held by Chaz Ahmed and James Starks, set by Ahmed in 1990 and matched by Starks in 2008. Chris D’Amico and Alex Neutz jointly hold the record for single-game receiving touchdowns at 4. Joe D’Amico sets himself apart with Buffalo’s record for single-game receiving yards, achieving 218 yards in a 1981 game against Cortland.

On the other side of the ball, Buffalo’s career leader in tackles is held by Davonte Shannon, with 461 tackles from 2007 to 2010. Buffalo’s leadership in sacks comes by way of Khalil Mack, who led the charge with 28.5 sacks from 2010 to 2013. Steve Nappo takes the cake as the Bulls’ career leader in interceptions with 19, captured from 1984 to 1986, along with Buffalo’s single-season record for interceptions, making 13 in 1986. Buffalo’s single-season leader for tackles goes to Craig Guest, with 161 in 1995. Vince Canosa wears the crown of the Bull’s single-season record for sacks, with 12.5 in 1993.

As most records and stats stem from the “modern era”, beginning in 1949, it’s worth noting that Buffalo began intercollegiate football as early as 1894. However, due to incomplete and inconsistent data, pre-1949 records are seldom included. Additionally, players from recent eras dominate these lists for several reasons, offering a constantly updated and contemporary view of the statisticians.

Finally, Buffalo football defines “Total offense” as the combined sum of passing and rushing statistics, not including receiving or returns, and “Touchdowns responsible for” as combined passing and rushing touchdowns, as per NCAA’s official terms.

Prominent and accomplished, these statistical leaders of Buffalo Bulls Football enhance the prestige and legacy of the UB Athletics program.