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Name: Zachary McCarrell
Position: Linebacker
Year: Senior
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 201
Hometown: Orlando, FL
High School: Lake Highland
2012 Stats: Zero tackles while playing exclusively on special teams. He recorded one punt according to CFB Stats, though I can't recall this happening.
2013 Projections: More special-teaming, so maybe he manages to knock down a couple guys in the process? Seems he's added some weight (up from 188 to start last season), so that may end up benefiting him while attempting to make stops on returns.
How'd He Get Here?: He was injured as a junior in high school, which harmed his recruitment somewhat. Still, he received interest -- though no offers -- from Colorado State, USF and UCF, as well as Syracuse.
What'd Scout/Rivals Say?: Rivals graded him as a two-star safety out of high school, though Scout wasn't all that interested in him as a prospect.-
Money Quote: Zach seemed pretty set on Northwestern back in the fall of 2009, though that never came through. He wanted to hang out with his buddy Trevor Siemian, who of course Syracuse fans hate (along with the rest of the Wildcats) after last year's tainted victory over the Orange.
"[Northwestern] is probably my No. 1 right now because of the family thing and because it would be amazing to have a good friend there like Trevor (Siemian)."
Links of Wonder: When McCarrell showed up on campus in the summer of 2010, he told the Post-Standard that he felt like this program wanted to win. He might've been the only one who believed that at the time, so we thank him for the faith in FHCDM back then.
What Does Shafer Think: Shafer may not know who Zach is, since despite him lining up on special teams, Syracuse hasn't actually played special teams since around 2004. Thus, Zach's existence on the team is witchcraft. (But seriously, haven't seen any opinions from Shafer on McCarrell at all).
Interesting Nugget O'Interest: Zach's run a 4.5 40-yard dash in the past, which is not something most players at Syracuse (or anywhere) can say.
Let Us Get a Good Look Atchya: Zach's recruiting mixtape spares us the music and searching for his number, and just gets right down to brass tacks. He's highlighted before plays start, which makes for easy tracking. Additionally, you'll notice a potential recruiting violation in the comments of the video.