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Syracuse Orange football fans may remember the name John O'Korn. After The Great Zach Allen Switcheroo of 2013, SU wanted to fill that gap with another QB. So, we offered a schollie to one John O'Korn out of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. O'Korn was a three-star, pro-style recruit who had already committed to play for the Houston Cougars and also had offers from Wisconsin, Louisville, Mississippi State, North Carolina and others.
Syracuse was hoping to ride a connection from Rocco Casullo, Bob's son and head coach of O'Korn's high school team. Scott Shafer himself was in contact with the QB but ultimately he decided to keep his commitment. That is, until now.
Houston QB John O'Korn has been granted permission to contact other schools per source. Has 3 years to play 2.
— Thayer Evans (@ThayerEvansSI) January 8, 2015
O'Korn is originally from Pennsylvania. SU has an open spot on the coach staff that Casullo The Younger could fill. He already knows Shafer. I'm just sayin', there's a potential fit here.
Certainly, no Syracuse fan would say no to having another quarterback in the mix. Terrel Hunt and A.J. Long will still fight it out for the job next season but after sitting out one year, O'Korn would certainly have a cleat shot at competing for the crown.
O'Korn was named AAC Rookie of the Year last year, throwing for 3,117 yards and 28 touchdowns (*Syracuse fans faint*). He came into the 2014 season as the starter but was benched midway through year after he and the team struggled. He finished the year with 951 yards, six touchdowns and eight interceptions. It sounds like he wasn't going to be able to get his starting spot back in 2015, hence, looking for a transfer.
While visions of Andrew Robinson can't help but dance in my head, it's still hard to say Syracuse shouldn't consider adding a guy who once threw for 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns in a season. I don't need to remind you that Syracuse's quarterbacks combined (COMBINED) to throw five in 2014.
What do you think? Worth a shot? If not, why in the world not?