Countdown to Kickoff: All-Americans
8/15/2003 9:24:11 AM | Football
A 2002 first-round NFL draft selection, defensive end Dwight Freeney is the most recent of 16 first-team All-Americans from Syracuse since Art Monk was awarded the honor in 1979. Overall, 42 Orangemen have earned first-team All-America status 53 times, with two players honored three times and seven players honored twice.
The great guard Joe Alexander won the award in 1918, 1919 and 1920, while halfback Floyd Little was honored 1964-66. Among the two-time honorees are guard Bob Fleck, center Pat Killorin, Heisman Trophy winner and running back Ernie Davis, former Miami Dolphin fullback Larry Csonka, defensive tackle Tim Green, offensive lineman John Flannery and cornerback Kevin Abrams, who was honored in 1995 and 1996.
Syracuse football has been developing student-athletes at the All-America level for more than 90 years since tackle Marquis (Bill) Hill was the first Orangemen to receive the award in 1908. Eight SU players have received the award since 1990, while four running backs have won the award a total of eight times.
Syracuse football players have also achieved All-America status in other sports while at Syracuse. Qadry Ismail was a two-time All-American hurdler, while Jim Brown is still considered one of the best lacrosse players of all time.
Brown went on to lead the NFL in rushing eight times in his nine-year career and retired as football’s all-time leading rusher. In 1996 he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, adding the honor to his membership in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Brown’s most recent honor was enshrinement with the inaugural class in the Cotton Bowl Classic Hall of Fame.
For longevity in the pros after an All-American collegiate career, it’s tough to match the tenure of Gary Anderson. A 1981 All-American kicker at SU, Anderson has logged 21 NFL seasons. In 1998 he set a league record by not missing a kick all season – Anderson made all 35 field goal attempts and 59 extra point tries.
Some recent notable All-Americans to come out of Syracuse include Jacksonville defensive back Donovin Darius, Indianapolis defensive end Dwight Freeney and wide receiver Marvin Harrison and Cleveland wide receiver Kevin Johnson.
Syracuse begins the season on Saturday, September 6 at North Carolina. Game time is 1:30 p.m. The Orangemen will kickoff a seven-game home schedule on September 13 when they host Louisville at 1:30 p.m. SU will then host Central Florida on September 20 at Noon in a game that will be televised by ESPN Regional, followed by a game against Toledo at 6:30 p.m. on September 27.
For ticket information and prices, call the Carrier Dome box office at 1-888-DOMETIX. Tickets are available at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B), by telephone (888-DOMETIX) or on the Internet www.dometix.com
