The last year the Syracuse football team played in a bowl game, it became bowl eligible on the final game of the year, upsetting No. 19 Boston College, 43-17. In that game, the Eagles turned to freshman backup quarterback Matt Ryan, making his first career start.

Ryan threw three interceptions in the BC loss. Three years later, however, he was named ACC offensive preseason player of the year and so far this season has led the Eagles up the rankings to No. 14 in the nation.

This year, Malvern Prep (Pa.) quarterback Ryan Nassib turned down the Eagles and verbally committed to Syracuse. Ryan, who went to William Penn Charter (Pa.), played in the same conference as Nassib, the Inter-Academic League.

Malvern head coach Gamp Pellegrini said Nassib, like Ryan before him, has the talent to succeed in the Big East.

‘Hopefully he can be like the kid at BC,’ Pellegrini said. ‘I think he’s the same type of guy. Matt Ryan in high school was no better than Nassib is now.’

‘I’d like (to be like Ryan) but right now, I know I’m not as good,’ Nassib said. ‘I do idolize and like to be him. I know I can if I keep doing what I’m doing.’

Nassib not only turned away Boston College’s interest – he also was recruited by Michigan State, Pennsylvania State, Wisconsin and Connecticut but never received an offer from any of those five schools. Since he made his verbal commitment to play for the Orange back in May, those schools have moved on from him.

‘They backed off because they know how serious I am (about playing at Syracuse),’ Nassib said.

Nassib knows a lot of Syracuse alumni. He said many of his dad’s friends attended SU and have encouraged him make the trip up to the Hill to rekindle the tradition they remember.

‘I know they are 0-and-3 right now, but that just gives me motivation,’ Nassib said. ‘I’m a winner. When I get my chance, I plan on winning.’

Like Ryan’s first game against Syracuse, winning under the 6-foot-3, 220 pound Nassib may not take place immediately. Nassib said he hopes to redshirt his first year at Syracuse. No one knows what the quarterback situation will be in two years, but one thing is certain – Nassib will want to play.

‘Ever since I was young, I wasn’t always the best,’ Nassib said. ‘There was always someone better. I couldn’t stand it, being on the bench and seeing other players play, knowing I can contribute.’

Because Nassib had to wait his turn to finally be the leader, he has the ‘me-against-the-world mentality’ and always plays to prove something. He works hard to prove he belongs.

‘He’s the best player on our team, but he works harder than anyone on the team,’ Pellegrini said. ‘He’s a strong-minded person, a guy you’d like to have on your team. He’s a student of the game.’

The student has been receiving A’s from his coaching staff. Nassib has developed into a well-rounded quarterback, leading his team to a 2-0 start so far this year. He has a strong arm and tends to try for the deep ball instead of settling for the short completion.

Though he is not quite as polished as Ryan yet, Nassib has time to catch up. He has been working on throwing to his check-down receivers with the proper touch. This year, Nassib seems to have the finesse passing game down.

‘Last year, they had to catch the ball in self defense,’ Pellegrini said. ‘This year, he’s got that down, he can loft.’

Three’s a Charm

Last season Syracuse recruited and signed two players from Wicomico (Md.) High School, offensive lineman Josh White and running back Jamere Knox. This year, they are looking to sign Wayne Warren, the explosive quarterback from Wicomico.

Warren is a three-star quarterback and the 38th best prospect at the position in the nation according to Scout.com. In July, Scout.com reported that Warren was one of the best kept secrets on the East Coast because of the cannon he has for an arm, which allows him to fire the ball 65 to 70 yards downfield.

At the time, he was also called one of the best running quarterbacks they had scouted. Last year, Warren combined for more than 1,000 total yards throwing and rushing. He totaled 21 touchdowns, 17 passing and four on the ground. This past weekend, Warren picked up where he left off last season, scoring two touchdowns – once on the ground and another on a 61-yard interception return. He plays cornerback, too, for Wicomico.

Syracuse will have to beat out Stanford and Maryland, among others, if they want Warren wearing Orange with his former teammates. The competition may also come from Warren’s parents, who have said they would like to see him go to a school within driving distance, according to Scout.com.

Published on September 20, 2007 at 12:00 pm