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We're in the final week, if you can believe it. Let's wrap it up...
Name: Ronald "Ron" Janard Thompson Jr.
Position: Tight end
Year: Freshmen
Height: 6'4"
Weight:225
Hometown: Southfield, MA
High School: Southfield
2011 Stats: Thompson caught 51 passes for 506 yards and seven touchdowns during his senior season. In his junior season, he accumulated 41 receptions for 808 yards and 12 touchdowns.
2012 Projections: After Ashton Broyld and Ryan Norton, Thompson might be the most likely freshman to see some playing time. He comes to SU at a time when the tight end ranks are plentiful but not overwhelming with undeniable talent. Nick Provo is gone and in his stead are a bunch of guys competing to fill his shoes. Chances are, it will be a group effort and this highly-touted hoss from Michigan has the tools to see the field as a frosh.
How'd He Get Here?: Thompson chose SU over offers from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Vandy, Toledo and Bowling Green. Maryland may have offered as well. He cited Syracuse's storied history and recruiter Greg Adkins upon committing.
What'd Scout/Rivals Say?: Scout said he's a four-star player, the 13th-best tight end in the nation and Syracuse's top recruit overall. Rivals said he's a three-star talent and the 15th-best player out of Michigan.
Money Quote:
"The history and some of the guys that have come out of Syracuse like Donovan McNabb and Dwight Freeney," Thompson said. "They're young and their offensive coordinator (Greg Adkins) is really what got me. They're energetic and I'm really excited to play for them."
"How they care about their players, and how you can trust what they're saying, and they're not telling you something just because you want to hear it."
Links of Wonder: Check out some more details on how SU landed "Sugar Bear" Thompson.
What Does Marrone Think: Nothing specific, though he did say of his freshman class that "I'm hoping quite a few (of the incoming student-athetes) will come in and push for playing time right away." Methinks Thompson has a chance to do just that.
Interesting Nugget O'Interest: Thompson has played just two seasons of organized football. He's the football version of Fab Melo, hopefully without the academic and off-field issues.
Let Us Get a Good Look Atchya: