Ok, sorry for the delay. but family and some work commitments got in the way (how dare they?
First off, great to see all the SyrFan.com contingent that made it to the game again. Hopefully more lurkers/board mates will try and reach out and meet the crew at future events. Always nice getting to know the person/face behind the board handle and personality.
For the most part, good job to SU Athletics and marketing for the Spring Game. Could more have been done? Absolutely!! But to those who made it out, I think it was an entertaining and well-run event.
So nice to see recent players like Alec Lemon, Justin Pugh, Shamarko Thomas and Brandon Triche out and engaging with the fans. As others have said, great way to build good relations with the fans and community as a whole. Also nice to see Bruce Williams & Derrell Smith. One personal comment again on Alec. As everyone knows Alec and his family were regulars at the Fine Lot tailgates and definitely friends to SyrFan.com. Got a chance to speak briefly with Alec in the hallway and can't say enough what a class act he is and what a great representative he is for Syracuse Athletics (Sean and Ellen, you are commended for raising such a great kid!!). He wanted to say again thanks for the support that we all have given him during his time at SU. He is excited and nervous for his future. Has had a few private workouts, but no trips to visit teams as of yet. Hope he lands in a great opportunity for him!!!!!
2013 Commits:
Austin Wilson was up and brought one of his WRs, highly regarded
Sam Marshall, 6'5, 185 lbs. Seems quiet and reserved, but definitely seemed like he enjoyed what he saw.
Mitch Kimble with Corey Winfield. Like Wilson with Marshall, I seemed to always see Kimble paired with Winfield. Kimble brought a lot of family with him on this visit.
Isaiah Johnson - Based solely on his twitter personality I expected a more outgoing personality. Seemed very quiet, but very polite when some fans engaged him. Big dude.
Wayne Williams with Kendall Moore. They were hanging out together and definitely a pair I would not want to get behind in the buffet line. Both of their listed sizes are not exaggerated.
Chauncey Scissum was once again here (he came to the open practice three weeks ago). I noticed him talking to Shamarko a bit and asking some questions.
Corey Cooper -- Completely missed him, but based on twitter sounds like Corey is pumped to get up here and bonded a little bit with Alec Lemon.
2013 Prospect:
Daniel Marc-Sears -- Tall, big WR from ASA college (listed as 6'6" 200lbs). Think Brandon Coleman from Rutgers. Not sure if he has an offer yet. He was accompanied by a New Rochelle assistant coach named Keith
Fagan. Daniel didn't go to NRHS so not sure of the connection.
2014 Prospects:
AJ Long and
KJ Williams -- Obviously these two were joined at the hip the entire time (a common thread here QBs hanging with preferred WRs), but have to love AJ. This kid is a one man recruiting machine. Not only was he showing KJ things around the dome, but he was also doing his best to meet other prospects and work on specifically
Zaire Franklin, 6'1" 215 lb Linebacker prospect from Lasalle HS in Philly. Talked a little with Jarrod West's family who are very excited for next season and the opportunity that Jarrod has. They did say while it will be tough they like our chances on signing KJ. KJ is from Liberty HS where Jarrod played (in case some of you were unaware). Back to Zaire, saw him near the end on the field with Coach Lea his wife and little baby. At one point, Coach Lea had Zaire hold the baby for him (very cute moment). Looks like they have established a good relationship already.
Colton Moskol: Big LB from Ill. Listed at 6'2", 210 on . I'd peg him closer to 6-6'1", but definitely closer to 230 (big arms). Was having a ball and even had a bag from Manny's to bring home some souvenirs of the trip.
Eric Shute: Another Big kid (6'5", 265lbs) who is an OL from Glen Ellyn, IL. Likes what he sees, but not likely a decision any time soon. Seen talking with Coach Lester about where he is from in IL.
Tariq Cole - 6'6" 375 lb OL/DT from Lido Beach, NY (Long Beach HS). Arguably the biggest kid (SU football players included) on the turf post-game. No small task given that Wayne Williams was also there. Another gentle giant who seemed to be more "just taking it all in." He seemed to be there with his grandmother.
Ryan Malagrino -- LB prospect from Nottingham HS in Hamilton, NJ. Didn't see much of him, but saw this interesting
article about him while doing research.