Get to Know Your Orange Man - #81 Ron Thompson

Get To Know Your Orange Man is here to get us through the dog days of summer. Let's get to know standout tight end-turned-defensive end Ron "Sugar Bear" Thompson.

Name: Ron Thompson

Position: Defensive End

Year: Redshirt Freshman

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 268

Hometown: Southfield, MI

High School: Southfield

2012 Stats: None, Ron took the year off after suffering an injury in camp.

2013 Projections: Sugar Bear is one of the bigger mysteries on this Syracuse squad. After being one of the nation's most coveted tight ends as a high schooler, Thompson has moved across the line of scrimmage for 2013. It's unclear why this move was made, at least to those of us outside the program, but if there is a spot that can use an infusion of depth it is defensive end, so if Thompson can impress, he will likely see the field.

How'd He Get Here?: Ron chose Syracuse over Illinois, Indiana, Vanderbilt, and hometown powerhouse Michigan, making him one of the biggest recruiting wins of the Doug Marrone era.

What'd Scout/Rivals Say?: Four stars from Scout, three stars from Rivals, ESPN, and 247.

Money Quote: Ron Thompson on Ron Thompson:

Well I'm very mellow and chilled. I listen to Wale and to various gospel artists. For fun I like to play NCAA video games or play rec league basketball. That's pretty much me.

Links of Wonder: All about the move from tight end to defensive end.

What Does Shafer Think: Shafer thinks he can read minds. I won't second guess him.

"I think Ron, sitting around watching practice and knowing that we had lost some defensive ends and stuff," Shafer said, "I think in his mind he said, 'Hey coach, you know I'll help anywhere you want. I like Coach Daoust.'"

Interesting Nugget O'Interest: This won't be Sugar Bear's first go around on defense. As a high school senior, he recorded 98 tackles and dropped the quarterback six times. More of that, sir.

Let Us Get a Good Look Atchya:

Ron Thompson Senior Highlights (via jdanzy4)