Zaire Franklin: Things Are Different Around Here

[OrangeXtreme]

I think it’s kind of funny that they’re called “upsets.”

I think that term almost makes it seem like somebody won by accident or something.

If you happened to turn on our game against Clemson last Friday — or if you watched any of the coverage after it was over —you probably heard the word upset tossed around quite a bit.

I mean, I get it. I’ve been part of a lot of losses during my time at Syracuse. Close losses, embarrassing losses and everything in between. So I forgive the casual college football fan who was surprised by Syracuse winning a big game.

But our team wasn’t surprised. Well, maybe a little, but definitely not shocked...


Things Are Different Around Here | By Zaire Franklin

 

[crales44]

Great article. Great person.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

We need to get to a bowl. Ziggy Smalls deserves it.

 

[UnknownOrange]

Cannot say enough about this kid. So great to see wonderful people get recognized

 

[CUSU]

I think it’s kind of funny that they’re called “upsets.”

I think that term almost makes it seem like somebody won by accident or something.

If you happened to turn on our game against Clemson last Friday — or if you watched any of the coverage after it was over —you probably heard the word upset tossed around quite a bit.

I mean, I get it. I’ve been part of a lot of losses during my time at Syracuse. Close losses, embarrassing losses and everything in between. So I forgive the casual college football fan who was surprised by Syracuse winning a big game.

But our team wasn’t surprised. Well, maybe a little, but definitely not shocked...


Things Are Different Around Here | By Zaire Franklin

Very well done by Zaire

 

[GoSU96]

Just Wow.

 

[Cuseball]

Wow. What a great article and unbelievably mature young man. Cuse!

I think it’s kind of funny that they’re called “upsets.”

I think that term almost makes it seem like somebody won by accident or something.

If you happened to turn on our game against Clemson last Friday — or if you watched any of the coverage after it was over —you probably heard the word upset tossed around quite a bit.

I mean, I get it. I’ve been part of a lot of losses during my time at Syracuse. Close losses, embarrassing losses and everything in between. So I forgive the casual college football fan who was surprised by Syracuse winning a big game.

But our team wasn’t surprised. Well, maybe a little, but definitely not shocked...


Things Are Different Around Here | By Zaire Franklin

 

[RMH44]

Just Wow.

Those were the exact same words that came to mind as I read that article.

AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ!

 

[721Comstock]

Fantastic.

Z is just such an amazing young man. We are truly blessed to have had him these past 3+ years.
Couldn't ask for a better representative for Syracuse than him.

 

[SUskibum]

I’m not sure what he wants to do with his degree. But I could think of worse choices of coming back as a GA and continuing the spreading of the lessons that he has absorbed from his various mentors.

This kid makes you look for a word much more appropriate than special. He is truly a gem and makes me unbelievably proud to share the orange connection with him.

If my 2 month old ends up with half of the maturity and character that Zaire has demonstrated on The Hill, I will be ecstatic.

 

[310Pigpen]

That was a great article, very well written. Came close to shedding a couple tears when I read the part about his mother and grandmother passing away.

 

[RF2044]

What a terrific read.

Is this kid a journalism major? That was really well written.

Very easy to see why this kid became a team captain as a SOPHOMORE -- he exudes leadership on and off the field.

 

[DPCuse]

I'm speechless after reading this. I walked away feeling so lucky to have him and Coach Babers part of our program. And feeling very confident about the development of our team.

 

[RF2044]

Articles like this really make it easy to root for this team and this coaching staff.

Especially powerful, coming on the heels of last week's big win. I'm so excited about the future direction of our program -- what a terrific time to be a 'Cuse football fan!


Let's Go Orange!!!

 

[duke47]

Those were the exact same words that came to mind as I read that article.

AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ!

makes you proud to be an alum and that this is the type of athlete that we have representing SU

 

[rocklloyd]

He might be passing shamarko on my all time favorite list.

I also love varsity philly cheese steaks.

 

[MSOrange]

What a tremendous leader. Zaire is going down as one of my all time favorites for the person he is off the field and player he is on it. I went through a lot of emotions reading that - even a little teary eyed.

 

[SoBeCuse]

Awesome article. Thanks for sharing!

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Recruits, parents and coaches should give that a read.

 

[klemmer56]

Just incredible...

Reading it a second time was just as powerful.

 

[CusefanATL]

This is getting to the point that is exceeding my hopes. The amount of attention that is coming from Friday night is unparalleled in modern times for Syracuse football.

Please find this Players Tribune on Twitter and Facebook. Click the link, like the post, share the post, retweet. Show these outlets that Cuse is a driver of content.

 

[Trueblue25]

Give this kid a position on the staff as soon as possible if he doesn't make a roster.

Send him everywhere in the midwest/PA recruiting.

 

[Trueblue25]

God I wish Cam Lynch played for Dino too.


We've been blessed with some real alpha's at linebacker despite lack of W's in the 2000s.

 

[DoubleDee]

Wow, fantastic. Plus, one more avenue today for the masses to be force fed a little Syracuse football!!

 

[bballbeadle]

This guy can write! WOW!. Love it.