Six Orange Sign as Free Agents

Six Orange have signed as free agents following this year's 2013 NFL Draft. Syracuse will have two representatives at the Atlanta Falcons' minicamp after both defensive end Deon Goggins and wide receiver Marcus Sales signed as free agents. Wide receiver Alec Lemon signed as a free agent with the Houston Texans while offensive guard Zack Chibane signed as a free agent with the Buffalo Bills. The Washington Redskinssigned defensive end Brandon Sharpe as a free agent while Lou Alexander signed with the New Orleans Saints.

The six join Justin Pugh, Ryan Nassib and Shamarko Thomas as the newest Syracuse representatives in the NFL. Both Pugh and Nassib were drafted by the New York Giants. Pugh was selected in the first round (19^th overall selection) while Nassib was taken in the fourth round (110^th overall selection) in the 2013 NFL Draft. Nassib and Thomas were drafted back-to-back, for Thomas was the 111^th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Goggins' 53 tackles were the most for a defensive lineman this season. He also had 8.5 tackles for a loss and one fumble recovery. Against Rutgers, he had a career-best 11 tackles. Goggins was nominated for the AFCA Good Works team, which honors college football players for their off-the-field dedication to making a difference in their communities.

Sales' 16 career touchdown receptions ties with Scott Schwedes for sixth on SU's career record list. In 2012, the Syracuse, NY native averaged 67.8 receiving yards per game, which ranked fourth in the BIG EAST and averaged 4.9 receptions per game, which was good for third in the conference.

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 Crofton, MD native 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.

Chibane was a three-year starter on the offensive line that blocked for 1,000-yard rushers each season, including Delone Carter, Antwon Bailey and Jerome Smith. He started 38 of the 49 games he played for the Orange and was a 2011 and 2012 BIG EAST All-Academic selection.

A 2012 All-BIG EAST Second Team selection, Sharpe posted 6.0 tackles for a loss and 4.0 sacks against Pittsburgh. He is the fourth Orange player to have at least four sacks in a game. His 6.0 tackles for a loss is second on the Syracuse single-game record list. He led Syracuse defense that ranked sixth in the nation and led the BIG EAST in tackles for a loss.

Alexander played in seven games in 2012, including four starts. The Palmdale, Calif. Native made his collegiate debut with a start against Northwestern. This past season, he blocked for 1,000-yard rusher Jerome Smith.

All fans are invited to join 'Orangenation Rising,' a state of mind where passion, tradition and die-hard loyalty intersect, by renewing their season tickets or reserving new 2013 season tickets with a $25 deposit. Fans can use the internet (SUAthletics.com), telephone (888-DOME-TIX), or visit the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B). Season tickets start at just $99 each.

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