Syracuse Football: Get To Know Your Orange Man - #34 Tombe Kose

We're counting down every SU football player from Chandler Jones (#99) to Phil Thomas (#1). Keep track of every player profile right here.

Next up on your Orange-Man Orientation, #34, Tombe Kose.

Position: Fullback

Year: Senior

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 240

Hometown: San Diego, CA

High School: Crawford HS

2010 Stats: Kose played in seven games for the Orange last season, but did not accumulate any statistics.

2011 Projections: Slotted as the No. 2 FB, Kose should see some time on the field, though it doesn't help that Dan called him "serviceable" in his post-spring recap. The thought of Kose (240) and Adonis Ameen-Moore (244) in the same backfield might give some linebackers the shakes.

How'd He Get Here?: Kose's story begins in Sudan where his family escaped ethnic cleansing and refugee camps and made their way to the States, settling in San Diego and acclimating to life in America.

Entering high school at the age of 14, Kose quickly adapted to the game of football and played two seasons at Crawford High, captaining the team as a senior. From there it was off to San Diego Mesa College where he made the all-conference team as a sophomore and caught the eye of Syracuse. What he lacked in stats he made up for in sheer size and determination.

Scouts/Rivals Said: Neither gave him a rating as he was under the radar.

Money Quote: "I chose Syracuse because I've been an underdog all my life. And when (Doug) Marrone told me he needed me to be a part of what would turn Syracuse around, I jumped on the opportunity right away. Coach Marrone (and) just a lot of the coaching staff welcomes you with open arms and makes you feel like you're at home away from home. But you know, I feel like it's a true blessing." - via D.O.

Links of Wonder: Tombe has his own fan page on Facebook. Enjoy. 

Doug Marrone Thinks: "His role is going to be the fullback, the true fullback position. Right now we’re working on his conditioning when he is in there for a long period of time. I’ll do a Coach Mac and say, ‘Fatigue makes cowards of us all.’ We’re working on his conditioning. He has done a great job since he has been here and when you see him get in better shape then we’ll be ready to insert him more in what we’re doing. Right now Adam Harris is our starting fullback and he has done a nice job. To be able to have two fullbacks in there will help us in certain situations, whether it be short yardage, goal line or four minute at the end of the game. Having those players and trying to get a toughness about ourselves is important and those two players provide that." - August 2010

Interesting Nugget O'Interest: Seriously, read about what it was life for Tombe growing up and his journey from Sudan to Syracuse. Pretty crazy. And inspiring.

Let Us Get A Good Look Atchya: