Long Island Is Syracuse Country

A couple weeks back it was announced that Hofstra would be cutting it's football program altogether, shuffling loose a lot of talented players.  One of which was former Orange and recent transfer Chaz Cervino.  No word on what Chaz is up to now but two of his Pride teammates are apparently going the opposite way and joining the Orange next season.

Some bloggers are reporting that wide receiver Aaron Weaver and tight end Jose Cruz of Hofstra are transferring to Syracuse. Hofstra recently announced it is folding its football program. Both players have a year of eligibility remaining. Weaver (6-2, 221) is out of Baldwin High School in Freeport on Long Island. He had 63 catches for 797 and 4 touchdowns this past season. Cruz (6-4, 248) is from Johnstown, Pa., and transferred to Hofstra from Akron. This past season, Cruz had 15 catches for 149 yards.

The scoop originally comes from Roar Lions Roar, a Hofstra Columbia blog.  Condolences go out to RLR and the lack of a football program to write about.  No one ever thinks of the bloggers in times like these...won't you?

So this Weaver fella looks pretty legit. In 2008, he led the Pride in receiving, punt return and kickoff return average and all purpose yards.  In this past season, he went over 100 yards receiving three times, include his final two games.

Cruz actually spent three seasons at Akron before transferring to Hofstra, apparently over a lack of playing time.

Because of the circumstances, Hofstra transfers are eligible to play immediately.  It's great news for the Orange, who can use all of the depth they can get their hands on. This also makes you wonder about any other Hofstra or Northeastern players who might be able to step in and play immediately.  I'm sure we'll be hearing more about it over the coming weeks.

While we're on the topic of new players from Long Island, the Orange also picked up a new verbal commitment over the weekend.  The John Anselmo hiring continues to pay dividends as safety Orlando Fisher from Nassauu Community College has committed to play for the Orange.  Fisher joins former teammate Andrew Tiller and fellow incoming recruit Michael Hay in joining his old coach in SU.  Fisher is 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds and was named 2nd team All-Northeast in 2008.  He only played in six games in 2009 but make 32 tackles and a sack in that time.