Senior linebacker Jake Flaherty and the Orange kickoff the season at Northwestern in 10 days.
'Cuse Camp Clips ... with Jake Flaherty
8/20/2008 10:45:27 AM | Football
Training Camp Photo Gallery
Senior linebacker Jake Flaherty returns to the gridiron for his final season. One of nine returnees to have started every game last season for the Orange, Flaherty was ninth in the BIG EAST with 7.9 tackles per game. A three-time BIG EAST All-Academic selection from 2005-07, Flaherty has been named to the Fall Athletic Director's Honor Roll six times at SU. Learn more about Flaherty in this edition of 'Cuse Camp Clips below.
On Sept. 13, Penn State visits the Carrier Dome to clash with the Orange, restoring an age-old rivalry that hasn't been played since 1990. As if there wasn't enough hype surrounding the battle between these two legendary programs, Jake's father, Todd, played for the Orange, lettering in 1969. The night before SU hosts Penn State, the premiere of 'The Express,' the life story of 1961 Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis will be held at the historic Landmark Theatre in downtown Syracuse.
"It's obviously going to be a very exciting weekend," said head coach Greg Robinson. "Since January, I've been hearing from alumni about the weekend. They have such a feel for Penn State and there's been many a battle. I think it's exciting and exciting for the team to be able to play games like that. Having a team come to the Dome like that is great."
"It's obviously going to be a very exciting weekend," said head coach Greg Robinson. "Since January, I've been hearing from alumni about the weekend. They have such a feel for Penn State and there's been many a battle. I think it's exciting and exciting for the team to be able to play games like that. Having a team come to the Dome like that is great."
Tickets for the 2008 season are available online and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (1-888-DOMETIX). Fans who have ordered 2008 season tickets should watch their mailboxes as tickets will be mailed this week.
'Cuse Camp Clips ... with Jake Flaherty
What's it like for you this preseason being taught by former Syracuse All-American and current linebackers coach (Dan) Conley?
I think it's been going pretty well for the linebacking unit. He brings a new style of coaching. Obviously like any new coach, you're going to get a new style, but I think it's very effective and I'm looking forward to seeing it progress on the field.
What was your ‘Welcome to college football moment?
What was your ‘Welcome to college football moment?
I think it was a one-on-one tackling drill with Walter Reyes, and he was the Heisman candidate going into that season after a great junior year. The coaches started yelling, we need someone up here to tackle this guy! I told myself "I WANT THE HEISMAN!" … I went up there, kind of joking, but I did it.
How do you feel the team is progressing through training camp?
I think we're definitely working our butts off and right now, you really have to take care of your body and just try and stay focused in the mind. You only get so much time to play football and I think you just have to look at it that way and make the most out of every practice and get better.
What has been a breakthrough moment for either yourself or the team so far in training camp?
The young guys have really stepped up. The thing that sticks out to me right now is our running backs unit. They're playing really well. Our defensive line also has a lot of talent. I really think we're going to have a great running game this year, though.
What does it mean for you to be one of the seniors on this team?
It's crazy … people tell you that college goes by really fast and it really does. I mean, I already have a degree. I still feel like I'm 16 years old.
Who in your life has given you the most valuable ‘life lesson’?
Definitely my parents, both my mom and dad and my step-father. They've just been instrumental in my upbringing.
Five years after graduating from Syracuse I will be …
Either working in New York or Boston, doing God knows what … livin' in a van down by the river.
Advice to first-year teammates?
I would say to work hard and be patient with yourself at the same time. Also, make sure you keep your grades above a certain point, because it becomes a huge distraction if you're floundering.
Favorite Professional sports team?
New England Patriots
New England Patriots
Favorite Professional athlete?
Tom Brady
Tom Brady
Other than football, what sport do you think you could dominate at Syracuse?
Ha, I don't know … not many. I like track a lot, but I think ever since last year, lacrosse looks like a great game and I'd really like to play it.
Ha, I don't know … not many. I like track a lot, but I think ever since last year, lacrosse looks like a great game and I'd really like to play it.
What's your favorite routine in the weight room?
I like the bench press.
I like the bench press.
What's the best meal served in the cafeteria at Manley?
Definitely the steak and popcorn shrimp.
Definitely the steak and popcorn shrimp.
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