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Is it me or was that the shortest off-season break in the history of Syracuse football? I guess it's going to take some getting used to now that we're going to bowl games all the time.
Spring football commences on Monday! And this ain't your Daddy's spring practice. SU spring practice has gotten a whole lot sexier these days...
The 15-practice schedule, which ends with the annual spring game April 16, includes two new wrinkles – a special practice on March 24 in the Carrier Dome that will offer season-ticket holders a look inside the program, and a road trip to Rochester for a scrimmage on March 26.
A "special look inside the program?" My goodness that sounds exciting. What does it all mean?
The special practice on March 24 will give season-ticket holders an inside look at the program. Immediately following practice Marrone and recruiting coordinator Greg Adkins will talk with the group followed by a reception in Club 4•4.
Still so mysterious! How inside are we getting and what are we getting inside of, exactly? Are we getting a chance to read the playbook? Are we going to crack open Nate Hackett's skull to see what's inside? Is everyone getting a colonoscopy? If you attend, be prepared for anything.
As for this Rochester scrimmage, the Orange will be visiting The 'Chest on March 26 and scrimmage in Sahlen's Stadium, home of the USL Rochester Rhinos and MLL Rochester Rattlers.
For Doug Marrone, this visit is all about giving back to the good people of Rochester:
"Rochester has always been great to Syracuse University and the program," Marrone said. "We have a strong history there with student-athletes and the fans. This is a chance for us to go to them."
The visit probably also does good on making sure Rochester-Aquinas defensive tackle Jarron Jones is well aware of Syracuse football and keeps it that the forefront of his brain. One of the nation's top 2012 recruits already has an offer from the Orange, amongst many others.
Marrone also mentioned that he wants the annual spring game to be an actual game instead of something resembling the "thud drill" days of Greggers.
"I’m planning on having a game," he said. "But if I get all of these injuries then I’m not going to be able to do it."
Special programming note, TNIAAM friend of the family Dan Lyons (not Loyns) will be providing spring practice coverage for the site, complete with updates, photos and anything else he can get. Hooray!