Get to Know Your Orange Man: #88, TE Steven Mahar

Name: Steven Mahar Jr.

Position: Tight end

Year: Freshman

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 225 lbs.

Hometown: Rochester, N.Y.

High School: Aquinas Institute

2019 stats: During his senior year at Aquinas Institute, Mahar played on both sides of the ball. Along with 20 receptions for 340 yards and four scores at tight end, he also had 35 tackles (one sack) on defense.

2020 projections: Even if the Syracuse Orange are running more two-tight end sets, it’s still more likely Mahar redshirts. One injury, however, and we could see him on the field in place of Aaron Hackett or Luke Benson.

How’d he get here?: He had offers from a bunch of the usual suspects, including Boston College, Indiana, Iowa State, Pitt and Rutgers (plus G5 option Temple), but obviously opted for the Orange.

What’d recruiting sites say?: Threes from everyone, of course.

Money quote: That’s a ringing endorsement for SU.

“Honestly, I just felt the most comfortable for me and my family, just staying home. When I visited there, the vibe was just different. It’s truly a place that I’m wanting. Honestly, coach [Dino] Babers and the staff have a really good thing going there, and I’m expecting high of them this upcoming season. That’s the place to be right now.”

Twitter feed: @smahar_jr

Tweets of wonder: Bit of a nod to Mr. Fantastic from the early signing period last year.

What movie would Dino recommend for him?: This one’s off the beaten path a bit, but how about 1967’s “The Happening,” featuring George Maharis, who plays Taurus. In a weird comedy, hippies (their description) end up capturing a retired mafia boss. Nonsense ensues.

Interesting nugget o’interest: Obviously Mahar’s not the first Syracuse tight end to don No. 88. SU actually retired the jersey number to honor late Hall of Famer John Mackey. Current defensive end Drew Tuazama also wears No. 88 for the Orange.

Let’s get a look at ya: Hudl up.