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We're in the top 10, which, given we're just going by jersey numbers, is pretty meaningless. Still....
Name: Keon Lyn
Number: 8
Position: Cornerback
Year: Junior
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 190
Hometown: Miramar, FL
High School: Miramar
2011 Stats: Lyn played in 11 games, starting 9, recording 23 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble.
2012 Projections: Lyn's currently occupying a reserve spot on the post-spring 2012 depth chart, but that's because the junior is recovering from an injured shoulder which lingered throughout 2011. Should Lyn return to full health, it's expected he will starting for the Orange at corner this fall.
The former high school track athlete has often been considered one of the best athletes on the team. Given the reputation and skill set, I expect Lyn to be a constant in the defensive back field this coming season. In fact, if he is healthy, Lyn could be a rising star on the team.
It is important to note that Lyn will be a 'true' junior, meaning he could redshirt if it looks like he will miss any actual games due to the lingering injury.
How'd He Get Here: Lyn was set to go to Northern Illinois, but after learning NIU actually was recruiting him for his mind and not his athletic ability (probably not true), Lyn decided to head north to Syracuse. South Florida, along with Eastern Michigan, Marshall, Utah State, and Miami all had interest...wait, Miami? Wow, that's pretty big time...oh Miami (Oh)? Never mind.
Scout/Rivals Said: Scout was all like, 'Dat dude is three stars, man, straight cash homey!" While Rivals, fresh from a shower after a fierce round of polo at the country club, said, 'Oh, football? That's right, the brutish 'sport' played by barbarians! If we must, Rivals rates Keon Lyn of (audible laughter) Florida (more laughter) two stars.'
Money Quote: You can follow Keon on Twitter, where he describes himself the following way; 'Upcoming rising Junior for Syracuse University #8 defensive back Miramar Patriot Alumni'
Lyn has a little Leon Phelps in him:
'You don't pay for a girl to like you, you pay her to leave'
Links o' Wonder: Adding to some of the mystery surrounding Lyn status for 2012 is how he ended 2011. Lyn was suspended for the season finale at Pittsburgh for 'conduct detrimental to the team.' Lyn traveled to Pennsylvania for the game but was promptly sent home by coach Marrone.
Directly after the game Lyn was reinstated and Marrone seemed to indicate it was a one game, what's done is done, type of penalty. We shall see....we...shall....see. (I wasn't trying to be ominous or anything, my . button stuck. That's all. Really.)
What Does Marrone Think: Still don't believe me Lyn is back and all is well with him and the team? Well, here's what Marrone said following the Pittsburgh game about Lyn's return:
'Keon is back on the team. The one-game suspension will serve as his punishment.'
Nugget O'Interest: Keon, as Sean pointed out in last year's preview, is one heck of a Twitterer.
And not to go all Abe Simpson on you, but Twitterer meant something much different back when I was a kid. You see, Twitterers were actually quarters, but not the 25 cent pieces we have now, quarters were actually what we called tire irons. But anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, Twitterers....
Let Us Get a Good Look Atchya: Here's a highlight clip of Lyn (BTW - I'm pretty sure this is an DMX remake, but it still pisses me off that Phil Collins' music is getting played on the radio, much less remade into horrible, zero creativity shown, rap songs!)