Back-to-back freshman wide receivers in today's "Get to Know..."
Name: Alvin Cornelius
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: Freshman
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 190
Hometown: Staten Island, NY
High School: Tottenville
2011 Stats: 26 Rec, 634 Yards, 4 TDs, 46 Carries, 272 Yards, 6 Int, 1 TD, 2 PR TDs
2012 Projections: Receiver looks to be a deep position for Syracuse this year with the return of Marcus Sales, a hopefully recovered Alec Lemon, as well as players like Keenan Hale and Jeremiah Kobena who look to expand their roles in the offense. Playing time may be tough to come by this year for Cornelius, but in speaking with him at the Empire Challenge a few weeks ago, he plans to compete for a spot both as a wide out and in the slot.
How'd He Get Here?: Syracuse is the only school listed as offering Cornelius, but the usual suspects like UConn and Rutgers showed interest. Credit John Anselmo and Rob Moore with reeling in the State Island-native.
What'd Scout/Rivals Say?: Three stars from Scout, two from Rivals
Money Quote: On "New York's College Team"
"That made me like them even more," Cornelius said. "Now all of the players that I played against that were good, I get to play with them and help bring the name of the city back up."
Links of Wonder: MSG Varsity details Cornelius' commitment to SU.
What Doug Marrone Thinks: Not much from Doug, so...
Gratuitous Quotes from High School Coaches:
"He’s leaving here a great student prepared for college, a great person, selfless, a leader and he’s a great football player," Munson said. "When people remember Alvin, that’s what they’re going to say. He has it all."
"He can be very good," Munson said. "His best football is in front of him. I believe with Rob Moore as his [receivers] coach, a 13-year NFL veteran and all-time leading receiver at Syracuse, his potential is off the charts."
"I know this sounds like a common quote, but he was a like a man playing with boys at the high school level," said Iasparro. "He’s a tremendously talented kid and I don’t even think we’ve even begun to see his potential. He has a huge upside."
"He’s the complete package at receiver," said Wietecha. "Cornelius has great hands, runs precise routes and he’s not afraid to mix it up across the middle."
"Alvin was excellent from the beginning of the season to the end," said McGhie. "He dominated play on both sides of the ball and I don’t think there was a better defensive back than him in the city. He was also a great team leader."
Interesting Nugget O'Interest: While Cornelius put up good numbers as a senior, he faced double and triple teams as a result of his junior year, where he exploded for 695 yards and 14 TDs on 36 receptions.
Let Us Get a Good Look Atchya:
Thomas Jefferson vs Tottenville - PSAL (via sportsclipstv)