SB Nation - Tony Fiammetta

Daily Links - Tobias, Tobias, Tobias...

Sean Keeley — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:11:00 -0000

ZAGSBLOG " Harris Plans to Visit Seven Schools
More on Tobias Harris' visit to Syracuse.

Fox Sports Community - Fox Sports > goodmanonfox > Blog > TOBIAS HARRIS NARROWS TO SEVEN
"This is a gut feeling - and only a gut feeling. But my semi-educated guess says he ends up at Syracuse next fall."

Ballin' is a Habit: Jim Boeheim could land 2010's best recruiting class
Coach K hasn't been the only guy doing impressive things on the recruiting trail. In fact, the Devils may not end up with 2010's best recruiting class. If all things go according to plan, that title may go to Syracuse and Jim Boeheim.

THE 50-YEAR-OLD GRADUATE: Head equipment manager Kyle Fetterly failed out of SU 3 times. In May, he walked with the Class of 2009 - Sports
Taking one or two classes a semester, Fetterly was able to complete a degree that started as an undergraduate in 1977.

Jim Brown Loses Lawsuit Against Video Game Publisher - NYTimes.com
A federal judge in Los Angeles has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the retired N.F.L. player Jim Brown against the video-game publisher Electronic Arts, arguing that the company was exercising its First Amendment rights when it depicted a player similar to Brown in its Madden NFL video games.

Pierre-Paul scratching surface of prodigious talent - Big East - ESPN
What's amazing -- and scary for future opponents -- is that Pierre-Paul is like a newborn in a grown man's body. Right now, he's getting by on pure athletic ability, of which he has plenty in reserve.

TheMarroneDome T-shirts
On sale now, get your Marrone Dome T's.

American Chronicle | Fiammetta in Panthers' Starting Lineup for 'Mnf'
FB Tony Fiammetta got the start for the Panthers on Monday night.

Binghamton Athletic Director to Resign - The Quad Blog - NYTimes.com
Things just keep getting worse in Binghamton. Makes you wonder, though...how is Broadus keeping his job in all of this?

Rush The Court " Blog Archive " The Implosion Continues: Binghamton AD to Resign
More on the Binghamton "Zoo"

If you see Tyler Crane in the Dome Saturday doing a promo, do not stand too closely. He'll poke your eye out.

Daily Links - Moore Remembers Marrone, Idiots Remember The '87 WVU Game

Sean Keeley — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:32:38 -0000

This is one Jets offensive lineman who'll not soon forget Doug Marrone - syracuse.com
Jets' lineman Brandon Moore remembers how Doug Marrone influenced his career.

Three Idiots on Sports: #2: Syracuse-32 West Virginia-31, 1987
At the #2 spot on the Biggest Syracuse Football Wins of the HumpIdiot Era Countdown is Syracuse's exclamation point on their undefeated '87 season.

Delhomme: No hard feelings over Peppers - CharlotteObserver.com
Looks like Paul Chiara and Tony Fiammetta are rooming together in Carolina Panthers' training camp (4th photo)

Dick Vitale's NCAA Basketball Preseason Top 40 - ESPN
Dick Vitale's interns give some love to the Orange, rate SU #17 in his preseason poll.

Big East defies prognostication in 2009 - Dave Curtis - College Football - Sporting News
There are no Big East teams in Sporting News' preseason Top 25. But the chase for the league championship might be the most unpredictable part of 2009's college football season.

Tough times: College sports & the economy - OrlandoSentinel.com
The Orlando Sentinel this week is taking a look at the finances of major-college sports.

Daily Links - ESPN's Anish Shroff Speaks, Hakim Is Free & Rubio Overhyped

Sean Keeley — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:09:51 -0000

The Big Orange Bloggers: 12 Reasons Why.....Anish Shroff Has Orange Pride On ESPNews
"I enjoy Deadspin, the Big Lead, and Nunes Magician as much as I do the NY Times or Wall Street Journal."

Heisley says Hakim Warrick set free for cap, not A.I. : Grizzlies : Memphis Commercial Appeal
Hakim Warrick is a free man. Good for him, he can find employment outside the black hole that is Memphis.

Orange:44 - Flynn Doing Fine...Others, Not So Much
It’s official: people like Jonny Flynn.

Camp Countdown: Fullbacks
Tony Fiammetta is learning from Brad Hoover in Carolina camp.

Got a question for McNabb? Just ask. - syracuse.com
If ever you've wanted to ask Donovan McNabb a question, here's your chance.

For The Record: Football Fever - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow
I got a fever...and the only prescription....is more football.

NBA insider says Rubio overhyped
If it were up to NBA Agent Bill Duffy, the T'Wolves wouldn't have drafted Ricky Rubio.

Take a trip down memory lane with this video stroll through Hungry Charley's (and it's restroom):

Whitelinks

Sean Keeley — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:57:10 -0000

Early Week 1 look-ahead: Syracuse - Brian Bennett
The college football season kicks off three months from this weekend. We're taking a look at each Big East team's first opponent. Syracuse clearly has the toughest nonconference opener...

WHEC.com - SU's Boeheim prepping for next season
Jim Boeheim talks up the upcoming basketball season while playing a little golf.

McNabb hosts 'White Party' Saturday | Philadelphia Daily News
Donovan McNabb hosts a "White Party," which isn't what you think it might be. Or might not be. I dunno, it just sounds weird.

Syracuse University Athletics - Melo Center On Schedule
The Melo Center is on schedule to open in the Fall. Just thought you should know.

Pros, cons to Big Ten, Pac-10 expansion - Andy Staples - SI.com
Debating the good and bad that would come with a Big East team joining the Big Ten.

Fiammetta adjusting to life in NFL | CharlotteObserver.com
Life as a rookie in the NFL can be tough, but Panthers' fullback Tony Fiammetta is taking it in stride.

Durand Durand

Sean Keeley — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:26:37 -0000

The NFL draft brough us one Syracuse draftee who we expected to see taken and one draftee who was a bit of a surprise. Tony Fiammetta went to the Carolina Panthers in the 4th round as noted earlier and Ryan Durand went in the 7th round to the Tennessee Titans. Durand just barely missed being Mr. Irrelevant, although I don't think he would have rather the Titans passed on him so he had a shot at it.

Even as a 7th-rounder there's hope that Ryan will be able to eventually make an impact for the Titans. The Titans did also draft Tulane OT Troy Kropog in the fourth round as well. It remains to be seen how Durand's shellfish-eating prowess will be able to help the Titans, but I'm sure they factored it in somehow.

So what of the Orange who didn't hear their named called on draft day? Well now the mad scramble to get yourself invited to camp begins. For Curtis Brinkley the scramble is already over, he's been invited to join the Chargers. Brinkley, for his part, is extremely upbeat about not being drafted:

"I expected the worst anyway," Brinkley said.

The power of positive thought!

We'll keep an eye out over the next couple days to see if safety Paul Chiara, kicker Pat Shadle, linebacker Jake Flaherty, defensive end Vincenzo Giruzzi, defensive tackle Nick Santiago and safety Bruce Williams all get invited to camps as well.

How did the Big East in general fare in the draft?...Brian Bennett
Tony Fiammetta interviews with the Panthers...Panthers.com
Ryan Durand Q&A...TitansOnline.com
Panther's post-draft conference...Inside The Pathers
Pather fans are pretty happy with the Fiammetta pick...Cat Scratch Reader
Professionally Orange...Superman Wear Rob Long Underoos

Carolina Panthers Choo Choo Choose Fiammetta

Sean Keeley — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:12:19 -0000

Tony Fiammetta was looking like he'd be around a 4th round pick in this year's NFL Draft. That turned out to be the case when he was drafted with the 28th pick in the 4th round by the Carolina Panthers. He'll come into camp challengeing imcumbant, 33-year-old Brad Hoover for the starting fullback job. Fiammetta for his part, is excited for the opportunity to be a member of the talented backfield and learn from Hoover:

"To be a fullback and go to such a powerful running offense, it's just an honor," Fiammetta said. "To block for Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams, it's going to be a great time. I'm looking forward to learning from Hoover and it's just going to be a great situation."

Mazel Tov to Tony and his family.

Gonzo's Seven-Round Vikings Mock Draft

Gonzo — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 02:08:31 -0000

More photos » by Seth Perlman - AP

8 months ago: In this Oct. 11, 2008 file photo, Illinois' Vontae Davis carries the ball during an NCAA college football game against Minnesota at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill. Davis is a top prospect in the 2009 NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File)

Browse more photos »

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'm getting a bit of a late start this evening, but I hope you'll find the wait to be worth it, as I'm presenting to you what the Vikings' draft on Saturday would look like if I was running things. Now, I know there's pretty much zero chance that the draft will actually work out this way, but it's fun to try to predict what you'd like to see happen. Of course, I won't be doing any "trades" in this draft, and I'm only going to be looking at the Beloved Purple. Tomorrow I'll come back with my full first round mock.

So, without any further ado, here's what I'd like to see the Vikings do this weekend.

Round 1, Pick 22 - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

Yes, I know that the biggest needs for this team are wide receiver and right tackle. Truth be told, I'm not as enamored with Eben Britton as the Vikings seem to be, and I don't expect Michael Oher to fall to #22. I also don't think any of the wide receivers that could be available at this spot are potentially worth this pick, either. The Vikings probably won't go after Percy Harvin because of his character issues, and Darrius Heyward-Bey just reeks of Troy Williamson to me at this point. There's no guarantee that Heyward-Bey will be around at this spot in any case.

Vontae Davis, on the other hand, may very well be the best cornerback in this year's draft class. He's got more speed than Malcolm Jenkins, and is every bit as good in coverage. He's physical, and likes to get in the faces of receivers at the line of scrimmage. Davis is also an outstanding special teams player, and someone that we could groom for the future in the event that Antoine Winfield's time in Minnesota is shorter than any of us want it to be. I'm very sure that Davis would be no worse than the nickel back in our defense as soon as the ink dried on his rookie contract, and would be a fine addition to the Vikings' defense.

Round 2, Pick 54 - Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State

I like Robiskie a lot, as I detailed in my look at receivers that the Vikings could potentially take a stab at in the second round. He's a big receiver that runs very good routes, and is the kind of rare receiver that could step in right away and have an impact. The Vikings already have a speed guy in Bernard Berrian, and someone like Robiskie could team with Sidney Rice (if Rice can stay healthy) and create a lot of mismatches for opposing defenses to deal with. Honestly, if you're going to send Berrian deep to clear things out, how many groups of DBs could match up with 6'4" Rice, 6'3" Robiskie, and Visanthe Shiancoe running down the seam? Robiskie would give some legitimacy to our pass offense, and though I'm not sure whether or not he'll be around at this pick, the Vikings should jump on him if he is.

Round 3, Pick 86 - Troy Kropog, OT, Tulane

In a perfect world, Oklahoma's Phil Loadholt would end up at this spot, but I'm pretty sure he's not even going to make it out of Round 2. In 2006, the Vikings drafted Ryan Cook, a college center, at tried to jam a square peg into a round hole by playing Cook at right tackle. In a novel move, I have the Vikings selecting a tackle to play right tackle instead. Kropog is a big guy (6'5", 310) with a great deal of athleticism. Though he's bulked up during his time at Tulane. . .he was 265 when he came to the Green Wave as a freshman. . .he has room on his frame to add even more weight if he chooses. This spot might be a bit early to grab Kropog, but with no fourth-round pick to fall back on, the Vikings can get a pretty good OT with this pick here.

Round 5, Pick 158 - Tony Fiammetta, FB, Syracuse

"A fullback," you might say? Yes, a fullback. As great and effective a weapon as the swing pass to Naufahu Tahi is, it was very apparent that the Vikings' offense missed Tony Richardson in 2008. Fiammetta is a similar type of player to Richardson. He was a tight end at Syracuse for much of his career, but was moved to fullback this past season, and his pass-catching abilities make him the most versatile FB in this class. He's seen as sort of an H-Back type, but he's a pretty decent blocker as well. He has some special teams potential as well. All in all, he'd be a decent addition to the roster in the fifth round.

Round 7, Pick 221 (from Washington) - Aaron Brown, RB, Texas Christian

While having the best running back in the National Football League is always nice, his current backup, Chester Taylor, is hitting that vaunted 30-year old mark where running backs start to go downhill a bit. Brown might not see a whole lot of carries at the running back spot right away, but he's somebody that could potentially be developed as time progresses. He also might be able to make an impact right away as a return guy, as he performed quite well in that role for the Horned Frogs.

Round 7, Pick 231 - Thomas Morestad, P, Southern Methodist

Remember that big discussion about Chris Kluwe potentially having to be replaced a while back? Well, this pick would let Mr. Kluwe know that we were serious about that. Now, it's not as though we traded up in the third round to select a punter that's never going to do anything at the NFL level. . .unlike some teams we could mention. . .but taking a flier here on the guy that may have been the nation's best punter in 2008 could be something that pays off. Morestad has a big leg and gets pretty good hang time on his kicks. If he can concentrate on the latter, he could very well find hmself punting for the Vikings on Sundays this year.

And that's what I'd do with Minnesota's six draft picks in this year's draft if I was running the show. What do you folks think? Do I have my priorities out of order? Do you agree, disagree, or otherwise with my selections? Discuss all that and more here, and I'll be back at some point tomorrow with my final 2009 Mock Draft (which will basically serve as my entry for the NFL.com Predict the Pick contest, which you still have time to sign up for by going to NFL.com. Once you sign up, look for the "Daily Norseman Drafters" group and join the fun with the rest of us.

Until then, good night, ladies and gentlemen!

Never Fiammetta NFL Team He Didn't Like

Sean Keeley — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:32:10 -0000

Take your time, the title will make sense in a couple seconds.

Got it? Alright...

The NFL Draft is this weekend! But you already knew that since your Mel Kiper, Jr Terror Alert has been at orange for a good two weeks now. Last season was the first time Syracuse did not have a player drafted since 1975 (Thanks Greg!). The Orange are hoping not to turn that into a streak and out best best is FB Tony Fiammetta.

Even though many consider Fiammetta the top fullback available, he's still right on the cusp of being drafted. Most mock drafts have him going in the 7th round, ~~one even has him as Mr. Irrelevant~~ (to the Giants, which would be sweet). The Miami Dolphins come up as a good fit for Tony, perhaps shades of Rob Konrad dancing in their head. Even if he doesn't get drafted, he's a sure thing to be in a camp this summer.

But what of Ryan Durand? SU's best offensive lineman last season is hoping for a shot at getting drafted and some say there's a decent chance:

Durand, a Leominster native and St. Bernard's graduate, is certainly on the radar of the general managers, coaches and personnel types who will select 256 players over the seven rounds of this annual collegiate grabfest. The Syracuse guard is projected as a possible sixth- or seven-round pick, so if his name is called it likely won't be until late Sunday afternoon.

The four-time All-Big-East Academic selection who graduated with a 3.75 GPA is sure to get points for having the smarts to match his size. Two teams that seemed to notice specificially were the Patriots and Bears:

About half the NFL's 32 teams were represented at the Carrier Dome, including the Patriots, who had interviewed Durand at the Shrine Game. He undoubtedly caught their attention with a strong workout that showcased surprising speed, agility and explosiveness for such a big guy.

The Bears were impressed enough to fly Durand to Chicago for a one-on-one visit a few weeks ago. Each team is allowed to bring in a maximum of 30 prospects prior to the draft, so those private invites are coveted.

The Patriots would be a fantastic fit for Durand given his propensity for devouring shellfish. I'm sure he knows his way around some soft shell crabs as well so perhaps Baltimore might be a good fit as well.

The Return of The Hair

Mitchell_M — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:30:48 -0000

You know who I'm talking about.

Even though Mel Kiper Jr. hasn't updated his hairstyle since sometime between the the Boston Tea Party and the Cuban Missile Crisis, the guy is ESPN's go-to-guy between February and April. He's a full-fledged draft guru, and he's released his four-round mock draft this morning. Unfortunately, you can't access the article without Insider status, and I'm not about to cut/paste it and risk the wrath of tWWL.

I will, however, offer up who he projects to join the Packers. After the jump, of course.

R1-P9: B.J. Raji, DT (Boston College)

Raji (6'1", 337) has been mentioned on this site as a potential star at NT. I, however, don't like it. Green Bay's biggest needs are OT and 3-4 OLB. Ryan Pickett is big enough and talented enough to play over center for a while yet. If Aaron Maybin, Everrette Brown, and/or Michael Oher are still on the board (as Kiper says they will be), I want them to be considered. Besides, if Raji really is the second coming of the "QB Killa" Warren Sapp, why would he fall out of the top-5? I'll tell you why: character issues. The academic ineligibility in 2007, altercations with other players in 2006, and testing positive at the Combine in 2009 are three big red flags. And I'm not comfortable drafting someone with three big red flags in the top-10.

R2-P41: William Beatty, OT (Connecticut)

From what I've read, he seems to be a solid football player with only above-average lineman skills. Beatty (6'6", 306) is a strong LT who earned first team All Big East honors. He's considered the 6th best tackle prospect in the draft, which is positively loaded at OT. In a normal year (i.e. one that doesn't have three OT's drafted before the 9th pick), he'd be a mid-first rounder. I would be comfortable with him joining the o-line rotation, but I'm somewhat doubtful as to whether or not he'll be available at pick 41. If Thompson trades down from the 9th spot to later in the first round, don't be surprised if the Pack takes Beatty at picks 20-35.

R3-P73: Cody Brown, OLB (Connecticut)

Kiper must think that Thompson is a Huskie at heart. Brown (6'2", 244) had excellent production at UConn over his four years, and became a team captain in 2008. As an NFL linebacker, he projects to be just average against both the run and the pass, but he will play primarily as a pass-rushing OLB. Can a slightly undersized linebacker produce as a pass rusher? If Brown's 18.5 sacks over the last two years are any indication, the answer is yes. Providing Thompson doesn't fill this need earlier in the draft, Brown is an excellent pick early in the third round.

R3-P83: Tony Fiammetta, FB (Syracuse)

Come again? Fiammetta (6'0", 245) is ranked as the best FB in the draft. He is an above-average blocker and can catch passes in the flats. He was a captain in 2008, and is an all-around solid football player. But...really? I was under the impression that Korey Hall and John Kuhn already filled these roles. Maybe Thompson doesn't want to resign Kuhn? I am scratching my head at this point. Why does Kiper think Green Bay needs a fullback?

R4-P109: Zach Follett, LB (California)

In the middle rounds is where Thompson earns his keep. I'll admit, I'd never heard of Follett (6'1", 236), and ESPN.com doesn't have a write-up on him. However, given the state of the 3-4 transition and the lack of depth, linebackers like Follett are infinitely valuable. Follett is an impressive athlete who excels in run support. He has also shown some pass rush ability, averaging 4 sacks over 4 years. He does not, however, shine in pass coverage, which limits his usefulness as an every-down linebacker. Follett is a classic "upside" pick; a player that might develop into a high-level starter.

So that's who Kiper thinks we'll end up with after 4 rounds, and you've got what I think. What do you guys think?

Go Pro, Young Man

Sean Keeley — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:48:53 -0000

It's Pro Day for the Syracuse seniors today. But since the event is closed to media and the public, we'll just have to figure out how it goes later on.

As for what the big expectations are, DraftAceBlog has some kind words for Tony Fiammetta and thinks Curtis Brinkley can make some noise as well:

Syracuse fullback Tony Fiammetta is arguably the top prospect at his position and could earn a spot as high as the 4th round if he impresses today. Syracuse running back Curtis Brinkley also has a chance to improve draft stock this afternoon. Scouts will be hoping to see Brinkley run in the low 4.4 range.

I'm assuming Patrick Shadle is prominently involved as well and expect him to get some looks from pro teams, even if it's not in the draft.

Speaking of kickers, we learned a couple months back that the SU kicking job was wide open given that Niko Rechul was leaving the team and John Barker was indefinitely suspended. Looks like the suspension is over though and Barker is rejoining the Orange. Funny how a lack of experienced kickers coincides with that...