Former Orange Active in NFL Mini-Camps

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Twenty four former Syracuse University football student-athletes, including five from the Class of 2008, are on active National Football League rosters. Three former Orange standouts, Dwight Freeney ’02, Marvin Harrison ’96 and Josh Thomas ’04, will participate in the Indianapolis Colts mini-camp this weekend, while rookie free agent offensive guard Carroll Madison ‘08 and the Detroit Lions begin their mini-camp on May 20. In addition, free safety Joe Fields participated in the Carolina Panthers mini-camp in early May, strong safety Dowayne Davis ‘08 was on the field for the Dallas Cowboys rookie mini-camp in early May and will return for a mid-June team mini-camp, and wide receiver Taj Smith ‘08 participated in the Green Bay Packers rookie mini-camp in early May and goes back to Green Bay for the team mini-camp on May 21. Free agent Jameel McClain ‘08 participated in two mini-camps with the Baltimore Ravens, along with former Orange standout offensive tackle Adam Terry ‘05.

The 2007 Super Bowl champion New York Giants, and head coach Tom Coughlin ’68 and wide receiver David Tyree ’03, will begin defense of their title with a mini-camp on June 11. Defensive end James Wyche ’06 will return to the field with the Jacksonville Jaguars on June 6, while safety Tanard Jackson ’07 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold mini-camp from June 17-19. Cornerback Will Allen ’01 and linebacker Kelvin Smith ’07 and the Miami Dolphins have a voluntary training camp May 23-25 and a mandatory camp beginning June 6. Offensive tackle P.J. Alexander ’02 and the Denver Broncos take the field on June 11, while tackle Quinn Ojinnaka ‘06 and the Atlanta Falcons have a voluntary mini-camp on June 23.

Many teams conducted mini-camps in early May and had former Syracuse standouts on the roster, including Arizona, Baltimore, Carolina, Houston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Seattle and Tennessee. All-Pro quarterback Donovan McNabb ’99 returns to Philadelphia for his 10th season with the Eagles. Veteran placekicker Olindo Mare ’96 joined the Seattle Seahawks after the 2007 campaign and will kick in the league for the 12th season. Linebackers Morlon Greenwood ’01, who returns for his fourth season with the Houston Texans and his eighth in the NFL, and Keith Bulluck, who is in his ninth year with the Tennessee Titans, while free safety Anthony Smith ’06 enters his third year in Pittsburgh and cornerback Steve Gregory ’06 begins his third season in San Diego. Tight end Alex Shor ‘06, who spent the 2007 season allocated to the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europa, is on the Arizona Cardinals roster.

The 2008 Orange kick off the season on August 30 at Northwestern and then host Akron (September 6), Penn State (September 13), Northeastern (September 20, Homecoming Weekend) and Pittsburgh (September 27). Syracuse will also host Louisville (November 1, Family Weekend) and Connecticut (November 15).

All 2008 season tickets, including the $100 Touchdown Town seats, are available online (click here) and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOMETIX). Season ticket packages begin at $100 in Touchdown Town. Adult season tickets are $205, youth/student season tickets are $115 and faculty/staff season tickets are $164. The renewal deadline for 2008 football season tickets is May 30.New preferred/premium seat patrons are invited to call the Carrier Dome Box Office.

A 2008 Penn State Pack, which includes tickets for SU’s games against Penn State (Sept. 13) and Pittsburgh (Sept. 27) or Penn State and Connecticut (Nov. 15), will also be available beginning April 19. The cost of the two-game package is $85 for adults and $40 for youth.

Syracuse University Athletics

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