Senior safety Paul Chiara (34) talks with teammate Randy McKinnon during SU's Monday afternoon workout at the Dome.
'Cuse Camp Clips ... with Paul Chiara
8/11/2008 12:17:38 PM | Football
Training Camp Photo Gallery
Senior free safety Paul Chiara is battling for the starting position just eight months after moving to the defensive side of the field. The Mountain Lakes, N.J. native played tailback for the Orange during his first three seasons. He gained 248 yards on 54 carries and scored two touchdowns. He also had 26 catches for 192 yards.
Syracuse kicks off the season in 19 days at Northwestern (Aug. 30, 12:00 p.m., ESPN2). Syracuse kicks off the 2008 campaign at Northwestern on Saturday, August 30. Season and individual tickets are available online and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (1-888-DOMETIX).
What was your ‘Welcome to college football moment?
Senior free safety Paul Chiara is battling for the starting position just eight months after moving to the defensive side of the field. The Mountain Lakes, N.J. native played tailback for the Orange during his first three seasons. He gained 248 yards on 54 carries and scored two touchdowns. He also had 26 catches for 192 yards.
Syracuse kicks off the season in 19 days at Northwestern (Aug. 30, 12:00 p.m., ESPN2). Syracuse kicks off the 2008 campaign at Northwestern on Saturday, August 30. Season and individual tickets are available online and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (1-888-DOMETIX).
What was your ‘Welcome to college football moment?
My welcome to college football moment was probably the during Louisville game in 2005. I got knocked out!
What goes through your head when you and your teammates are going through your pre-game routine?
You don't think about the other team, really. You think about what YOU need to get done and what YOU need to focus on. It's not about them…it's about US. You have to focus on how you're going to perform that day. You can't be thinking about whatever the other team throws at you because you just have to be ready, no matter what may came your way.
What's your favorite part about playing the safety position?
The fact that I know when I'm going to him somebody instead of not knowing when I'm going to get hit.
What Syracuse University class has taught you the most?
My favorite class is academic integrity. In high school, you can usually get by with doing a minimal amount of work. In college, it's not really that way. That class teaches you discipline.
Who in your life has given you the most valuable ‘life lesson’ and what is it?
Yeah, my dad. He's always taught me how to be disciplined in everything I do. He's always told me no one can tell me what I'm going to be.
Five years after graduating from Syracuse I will be …
Well, I'd hope to be playing in the NFL. But, if not, I'm hoping to end up on Wall Street.
Advice to first-year teammates?
It's a grind, man. We're in camp now. Now's the time to just go out there and get it done. Don't think about it, just do it. Everything else will fall in place.
How do you maintain your focus on training camp and not August 30th and not look ahead to the season-opener at Northwestern?
You don't have time to think about Northwestern. To be honest, you go from practice, to meeting, to sleep, to practice, to meeting, to sleep and then you get some food in between that. Northwestern just isn't on your mind. You have to take care of your body, your teammates and your assignments. We don't have time to think about them.
Favorite Professional sports team?
Giants
Giants
Favorite color?
I'd have to say blue. It always has been since I was a little kid.
I'd have to say blue. It always has been since I was a little kid.
What's your favorite routine in the weight room?
Hang clean. I'm very good at it.
Hang clean. I'm very good at it.
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