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In what's ultimately not very surprising news, Syracuse Orange incoming freshman Lamar Dawson will defer his enrollment at Syracuse as he continues to recover from a serious medical issue, per Syracuse.com.
Dawson, a cornerback from St. Rita High School in Chicago, was diagnosed with aplastic anemia earlier this school year, a non-contagious but life-threatening disease in which bone marrow fails to produce red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
"He's doing a lot better, getting his strength back," Shafer said this week. "The main thing was how is it going to be emotionally for this kid if he just got to the point where he was feeling strong again but still had some doubts in his mind whether he could compete at the highest level when he gets to Syracuse."
Dawson was rated three stars by Scout & ESPN and chose SU over Michigan State, Cincinnati and a bevy of MAC schools. Lamar noted Syracuse's willingness to stick with him during his illness and treatment as a key reason he felt good committing to the Orange.
Meanwhile, what of the other 21 freshmen who are expected to enroll in the coming days and be eligible for summer practice? Scott Shafer seems to think there are a handful of guys who are still up in the air.
"There's a couple I have concerns about whether they'll make it or not, but we'll just take it day-by-day, and as we get information hopefully it's good information," Shafer said. "I've been pleased with most of their work ethic and trying to get it done from what we've gathered. I think we're looking pretty good right now, but there's always one or two that come down to the wire, so we'll just have to wait and see how that goes."
Just in case you were feeling super-awesome today, that should knock you down a peg or two...
