/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18504739/58662_147617461936212_2582065_n.0.jpg)
Name: Darius Kelly
Position: Defensive Back
Year: Junior
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 190
Hometown: Fayetteville, NC/Sierra Vista, AZ; depends on who you ask.
High School: Buena Vista
2012 Stats: At Pima Community College, he had 72 yards rushing on nine carries, and ran for a touchdown. On defense, he had 55 tackles, forced three fumbles, had three fumble returns, and an interception.
2013 Projections: I project he'll see the field. He's impressed enough to land on the depth chart (second team) for the Penn State game.
How'd He Get Here?: Marshall almost got him, but Syracuse won that battle. There was also interest from Arizona, Utah, and Utah State.
What'd Scout/Rivals Say?: Two stars from Rivals, but three from everyone else. Yes, even ESPN.
Money Quote: On choosing Syracuse over Marshall:
"If I went to Marshall, I could be the man and one of the few people doing it," Kelly said. "But if I go to Syracuse, where there are a bunch of people who are trying to do it and are doing the right thing, I can do it with a team and not by myself. That definitely helped my decision."
Links of Wonder: The Twitters are delightful. He seems truly grateful for this opportunity, and really excited about the upcoming season.
Dont care what any one says this is the greatest place in the country #cusenation pic.twitter.com/0JQ8CfE0aH
— Darius Kelly (@D_kellyCuse) June 11, 2013
"44" more days to make history... #cusebanner pic.twitter.com/Wk9qGOZEoe
— Darius Kelly (@D_kellyCuse) July 18, 2013
What Does Shafer Think: Not so sure, but he's gotta love how genuine and focused Kelly's been. Holy cow.
Interesting Nugget O'Interest: He was one of the first to know about various coaching shuffles over the last few months.
Let Us Get a Good Look Atchya:
(Via Thomas Ransford)