SU players from Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, Binghamton and Syracuse are special, if only for the fanbase, family and the player. Their playing time is and should always be merit based, but there is a connectivity with the fans and the program (long term) that can be of benefit. I hope the talent in NYS continues to rise and that some of the local kids, like Jaelin, give SU a serious look to playing at "home."
I also hope that collectively, local coaches understand this and put aside their own biases, which I sense (from afar) too often come into play. I always wonder why so many local coaches are happy to arrange for their kids to play FBS and D3 at Cornell, Ithaca, Albany, Hobart, Buff State, Colgate, but if a P5 caliber student-athlete comes along, he is directed toward the B10 or down south.
Obviously, I am painting with a broad brush here, which is not fair, but just an observational theme gained over the last 20-25 years. And yes, some of this blame is on the SU football program and its head coaches. But let's remember, SU football is P5. It's all right here.
Very excited to see Jaelin play in the coming years. Welcome!
