Damien Rhodes (above) and Joe Kowalewski are two seniors who stayed home to play collegiate football for their hometown school.
Countdown to Kickoff: A to Z
8/19/2005 4:35:00 PM | Football
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When Syracuse kicks-off the 2005 season, the SU players will be representing the University. Damien Rhodes, Joe Kowalewski, Lavar Lobdell and Bruce Williams will also be representing their hometown city. Be part of the growing excitement every day leading up to SU’s first game (Sept. 4 vs. West Virginia) with our Countdown to Kickoff: A to Z.
Rhodes, a senior comes to Syracuse from Fayetteville-Manlius High School. He led the Orange with 153 carries, 870 yards and 10 touchdowns last season and earned second-team All-BIG EAST honors. Rhodes and 2004 senior Walter Reyes became the first SU duo to each run for more than 800 yards since Joe Morris and Bill Hurley accomplished the feat in 1979.
In addition to his rushing responsibilities, Rhodes has also had kick-returning duties. Last season, he gained a team-best 1,337 all-purpose yards. His 7.3 yards per all-purpose play tied him for 10th on the SU single-season list. Rhodes currently ranks seventh on the Orange’s all-time all-purpose yards per game list (100.2) and eighth on the SU career all-purpose yards per play list (6.9). His 810 career kick return yards are the ninth-highest total by an SU player.
Kowalewski, a product of Solvay High School, had the best receiving season by an Orange tight end since 1999 when he caught 14 passes for 181 yards last season.
Lobdell and Williams will join the Orange in 2005. Both played wide receiver for the 2004 state champion Christian Brothers Academy.
Defensive tackle Tim Green attended Syracuse University from 1982 to 1985 after graduating from Liverpool High School. At Syracuse, Green was an All-American in 1984 and 1985 and was honored as ECAC Player of the Year in 1985. Green is SU’s all-time sacks leader, piling up 45.5 during his career. He is also the top tackler among down lineman with 341 tackles. In 2001, Green was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Liverpool High School delivered once again with Chris Gedney. Gedney was a member of the Orange from 1989 to 1992. He holds the SU records for most receptions by a TE in a season (34) and career (91). His 34 receptions and five touchdowns earned him unanimous All-American honors in 1992 as he helped lead Syracuse to the Fiesta Bowl.
Cornerback Will Allen came to Syracuse from Corcoran High School in 1996. When the New York Giants drafted him in the 2001 first round, Allen left SU with 42 passes defended, the second-best total in Syracuse history. In 2000, he tied the SU single-season mark with 19 pass breakups and led the Orange with two interceptions.
Syracuse opens the 2005 season on Sunday, September 4 against West Virginia. The game kicks off at 1:30 and will be televised nationally on ABC.
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