:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/imported_assets/1084962/4e94651f6b207.image.jpg)
We're flying through Orange football profiles like Masaharu Morimoto breaking down a yellowfin tuna. Chop, chop.
Name: Jeremiah Kobena
Position:WR
Year: Sophomore
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 180
Hometown: NY, New York
High School: Cardinal Hayes
2011 Stats: Kobena played in all 12 games as a true freshman, mostly on special teams both as a return man and in kick coverage. He returned 45 kick-offs for an average of 22.8 yards/return. He also made three solo tackles and two assists on special teams. Kobena wasn't done there, though. He had had two carries for ten yards on the season and one reception for four yards.
2012 Projections: According to the post-spring depth chart, Kobena is the starting X WR, but that's with senior Alec Lemon out with an injury. So, expect Kobena to be the backup there. Still, with as much action as he saw as a true freshman, it's hard to see him on the sideline in three or four receiver sets despite the fact that the rest of the current receiving corps is more experienced. Kobena has potential to emerge as a star with the Orange and HCDM will give him the chance.
How'd He Get Here: Kobena arrived in Syracuse in January 2011 by way of Milford Academy, where he had nine receptions for 97 yards and one touchdown. Those numbers aren't indicative of his true potential, though, as he was an all-state and all-league selection in both football and track. He led the CHSFL in all-purpose yards as a senior with 1,798 and in touchdowns with 18. So, yeah, he was good. He made the right choice in selecting Syracuse over Rutgers and Pittsburgh.
What did Scout/Rivals Say?: Two and three stars respectively.
Money Quote: On choosing the Orange:
I really didn't want to go to a school already top five, prestigious wise, like for say, LSU. It's already prestigious. It's already up there. I want to go up there where I can make a big impact.
Links of Wonder: Generic Syracuse.com article talking about how fast Kobena is.
What Does Marrone Think?: On what Kobena brings to the team:
"Speed," Marrone said. "It wasn’t that long ago when we first took over, we didn’t have a lot of speed on our football team, and we’re starting to get some speed...and Jeremiah Kobena has some speed, so we’re pushing to make sure we build the team a lot with speed."
(If I didn't know any better, I'd think HCDM was talking about amphetamines).
Interesting Nugget O'Interest: Placed sixth in the 100m at the 2009 state track and field championships. So, yeah, he's fast.
Let's Get a Good Look Atchya: There aren't many real-life Kobena highlights out there but there are quite a few video game version ones...