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(Insert half-baked comment about more Syracuse Orange football profiles here)
Name: Shamarko Thomas
Position: Strong Safety
Year: Senior
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 208
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
High School: Ocean Lakes
2011 Stats: #SHAMARKO played in ten games in 2011, starting all of them. In those ten contests, he tallied 47 solo tackles and 20 assists. His 67 total stops were good for third on the team. No sacks, interceptions or touchdowns, which I'm sure he's eager to remedy during the upcoming campaign.
2012 Projections: Post-spring, Thomas is slated as the starting strong safety and, barring injury, there's no reason to think he won't hold the job for the duration of his senior year. He was already a top performer on defense. Expect more of the same.
How'd He Get Here?: As expected, #SHAMARKO was an all-everything high school player in Virginia. He left Ocean Lakes as the career leader in tackles, interceptions and defensive touchdowns. He was also another speed merchant, earning all-state honors in the 100m. Why is there not video of a footrace between Thomas and Jeremiah Kobena? Thomas had previously committed to Louisville but switched to the Orange when the coach who recruited him to the Cardinals left.
What Did Scout/Rivals Say?: Both dropped a deuce on Thomas
Money Quote: On why he decided to return to Syracuse for his senior season:
"I feel like Phillip Thomas and Chandler Jones set their marks at 'Cuse as great athletes. I feel like I didn't."
Links of Wonder: A piece about #SHAMARKO's insane workouts, which somehow don't qualify him as a "freak".
What Does Marrone Think? On what the team missed when Thomas missed two games last season with a leg injury:
"Shamarko’s been an outstanding player ... one of the leaders for us."
Interesting Nugget O'Interest: When Thomas decommitted from Louisville and came to Syracuse instead, he brought with him a housewarming gift...Brandon Sharpe.
Let Us Get a Good Look Atchya: #SHAMARKO running fast.