Orange in the NFL: AFC North

Former Syracuse student-athletes have not only succeeded during their careers at SU, but they have also been able to translate their success to the NFL. There are currently 35 former Orange standouts who are in the NFL, including four who play in the AFC North.

Offensive tackle Adam Terry is set to begin his second season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2006. A 2005 second round draft choice, Terry saw action in seven games as a rookie. He is one of five offensive tackles competing for a starting job on the depth chart. During his tenure at SU, Terry was named to the All-BIG EAST First Team his senior year and was a second-team selection during his junior season.

Joining Terry on the Ravens this season is defensive end Ryan LaCasse. The Ravens envision the rookie to be a special teams standout in 2006. LaCasse earned All-BIG EAST First Team accolades after recording 52 tackles, nine sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception.

Linebacker Clifton Smith will begin his second season with the Cleveland Browns after spending his first two years with the Washington Redskins. He is one of three players competing for an inside linebacker spot on the depth chart. Smith earned All-BIG EAST honors on three occasions during his SU career. He garnered first-team accolades in 2000 and 2001 and picked up second-team honors in 2002. Smith recorded 405 tackles during his college career, the fifth-highest total by a linebacker. He led Syracuse in tackles during the 2000 and 2002 seasons, registering 108 and 137 tackles, respectively.

Free safety Anthony Smith will join the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers this season. Smith was drafted in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He was named to the All-BIG EAST First Team his senior season after earning second-team honors in 2004. Smith recorded 71 tackles, six interceptions, three sacks, two forced fumbles and one blocked kick in 2005. His total of six career blocked kicks is the most-ever by an SU player. In addition, his 293 career tackles is third-highest amount recorded by a defensive back and his 14 career interceptions also ranks third all-time.

Syracuse will kick off the 2006 season with an away game against Wake Forest on Sept. 2. Then the team travels back to the Carrier Dome for the home opener against Iowa on Sept. 9. Season and individual game tickets are available via the internet and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (1-888-DOMETIX). To purchase tickets via the internet, click here.

Syracuse University Athletics

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