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Football

Four Syracuse players invited to NFL Combine

Quarterback Ryan Nassib, wide receiver Alec Lemon, safety Shamarko Thomas and tackle Justin Pugh all have been invited to the NFL Combine. The combine begins Feb. 20 and runs through Feb. 26.

Nassib and Pugh are both projected as mid-round picks with the chance to move into the first couple of rounds, while Thomas and Lemon are viewed as late-round prospects.

Nassib threw for 3,749 yards and 26 touchdowns to go along with just 10 interceptions, while also guiding Syracuse to its second Pinstripe Bowl victory in three seasons. The quarterback was named an All-American by Pro Football Weekly, who chooses its All-Americans based on who projects as the best professional player.

Lemon has been Nassib’s favorite target over the three year’s Nassib spent as the starting quarterback. He became just third player in SU history with a 1,000-yard receiving season and set the Orange all-time record with 199 career catches.

Thomas led Syracuse with 84 tackles last season. He also added a sack and two interceptions.



Pugh missed the first four games of the season with a shoulder injury and the Orange slumped to a 1-4 start. After his return, SU won seven of its last eight games and running back Jerome Smith finished the season with more than 1,000 yards after a slow start. Pugh blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher – Antwon Bailey and Delone Carter being the others – in each of his three seasons with Syracuse.





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