Syracuse Football: Get To Know Your Orange Man - #3 Durell Eskridge

As we get closer to #1, let's head into the homestretch of Get To Know Your Orange Man.

Name: Durell Eskridge

Position: Free Safety

Year: Sophomore

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 196

Hometown: Miami, FL

High School: Miami Central

2011 Stats: Durell did not see the field as a freshman. Well, I mean, he saw it. But he didn't, like, step on it. He had to get past some eligibility issues early on in the year, a situation that has since been resolved but seemed to stunt his initial possibilities.

2012 Projections: With the Syracuse secondary, who's to say what a guy like Eskridge will end up doing. Right now he's option 2A on the depth chart behind Jeremi Wilkes, which means he's certainly in line to see some action. Injuries and issues have plagued this unit more than most in recent years, so it's not out of the realm of possibility that Durell could be asked to do a lot more than spot duty along the way.

How'd He Get Here?: He apparently had interest from Florida, FSU, Cincinnati and UCF while Utah State, FIU and Marshall had all offered him a scholarship. Credit Scott Shafer for veering him in the right direction.

What'd Scout/Rivals Say?: Scout and Rivals did their normal thing...Scout gave Durell 2-stars and Rivals gave him 3. ESPN gave him a grade of 73 (2 stars) with a position ranking of 195 and a regional ranking of 692.

Money Quote:

Links of Wonder: Here's a (really long) story from the Miami New Times about Durell and some of his teammates, who have risen up from situations that could have spelled doom for their adult lives. At one point. Durell and his family were homeless. Now, he's on the path to success on and off the field.

What Does Marrone Think: "Durell comes from a really unique situation," Marrone said. "He was just caught in red tape. We believe that through the process of the NCAA that eventually he’ll be cleared. He’s not in any jeopardy of having to leave school."

Interesting Nugget O'Interest: Eskridge and current SU linebacker Oliver Vigile were high school teammates. Incoming Syracuse recruit Marquez Hodge also plays for Miami Central.

Let Us Get a Good Look Atchya: Here's an interview with Durell Eskridge during Media Day. Video by Frank Ordonez...