Four Orange Invited to NFL Combine

Four Syracuse University standouts were invited to participate in the 2012 NFL Combine. Wide receiver Alec Lemon, quarterback Ryan Nassib, offensive tackle Justin Pugh and strong safety Shamarko Thomas are four of more than 300 top prospects that will head to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis from Feb. 20-26 in a vital step to achieving their NFL dreams. The four were instrumental in SU's success in 2012, where the Orange recorded an 8-5 record, captured a share BIG EAST Title and won the New Era Pinstripe Bowl for the second time in three years.

Lemon was the only offensive player unanimously named to the 2012 All-BIG EAST First Team this season. He was also an All-BIG EAST Second Team selection in 2011. He was named an ECAC Division I Football Sub-Division All-Star as well as a member of the ESPN.com All-BIG EAST Team. He is the third receiver in SU history to record a 1,000 yard receiving season. The wide receiver ranks first in SU's career receptions list with 201 and holds the first two spots on SU's most receptions in a season with 72 (2012) and 68 (2011). He also ranks second on the Orange's most receiving yards career list with 2,596.

Pugh decided to forgo his final season of eligibility with the Orange and enter the 2013 NFL Draft. A 2011 and 2012 All-BIG EAST First Team selection, Pugh started every game he played at Syracuse. The team co-captain was also honored as a 2012 ECAC Division I Football All-Star and 2012 ESPN.com All-BIG EAST Team selection.

After missing the first four games of the 2012 season with an injury, Pugh returned to the Syracuse lineup to anchor an offensive line that as has paved the way for 1,000-yard rusher Jerome Smith. In addition, the Orange averaged 187.0 yards per game on the ground, the program's most effective ground attack since 2004. Pugh and the rest of the SU front five allowed just 16 sacks this season.

A 2012 National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete, Nassib holds the Syracuse single-season and career records for passing yards (3,749 in 2012; 9,190 career) and completions (294; 791), and also set single-season records for touchdown passes (26) and total offense (3,891 yards).

Nassib, who is one of four team captains, earned 2012 Pro Football Weekly All-America honors for his record-setting performance this season. His 288.4 yards per game ranked 17th nationally and led the BIG EAST. A three-year starter, Nassib earned undergraduate degrees in finance and managerial accounting and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in accounting.

In his senior season, Thomas was named All-BIG EAST First Team, a member of the ESPN.com All-BIG EAST Team and an ECAC Division I Football Sub-Division All-Star. Thomas started all 13 games at safety and he was the Orange's top tackler this season with 88 stops. He also led the team with three forced fumbles and two interceptions on the year. For his career, Thomas is sixth among Orange defensive backs with 263 total tackles.

Syracuse fans are invited to reserve football season tickets for the inaugural season in the ACC today by placing a $25 deposit to get first shot at the best available locations. Deposits can be made online (click here) , by phone (888-DOME-TIX), or in-person at the Carrier Dome Box Office.

Syracuse University Athletics

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