Tony Fiammetta Signs With Patriots

After a very impressive season with the Dallas Cowboys, Tony Fiammetta has signed a new contract with the New England Patriots. Last year he paved the way for Felix Jones and Demarco Murray. Jones and Murray's production showed a considerable decline while Fiammetta was out with an illness. He spend the first two years of his career with the Carolina Panthers.

Fiammetta had a very solid career playing fullback at Syracuse. Pro Football Weekly named him a first-team All-American in 2008. He had a solid combine and ended up getting drafted in the 4th round by the Carolina Panthers.

Look for the Patriots running attack to improve with Fiammetta in the backfield as a proven blocker. He is also a very solid receiver which could add another weapon at Tom Brady's disposal.

3 Former Syracuse Players Ink Free Agent Deals

In the mad dash to sign we call free agency 3 former Syracuse players have inked new deals. Jameel McClain has signed a new 3-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens. According to nfl.com he was being courted by the Ravens and the New York Giants. This is a far cry from years ago when McClain went undrafted and had to sign a unguaranteed deal with the Ravens. Through hard work and great performance in spot duty McClain finally earned a spot in the starting lineup next to greats like Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs. This past year he had a career high 84 tackles and recorded his first career interception. At Syracuse he recorded 21.5 tackles for loss which ranks 11th in the school history books.

The St. Louis Rams agreed to a deal with former Syracuse tackle Quinn Ojinnaka. Ojinnaka played for the Colts previously. Look for him to compete for a starting tackle job in camp for the Rams. At Syracuse he started 23 games in his four year career.

The New England Patriots announced a deal with safety Steve Gregory. The deal is said to be 3 years, $2.5 million dollars per year. Gregory was also an undrafted free agent picked up by San Diego. This past year he recorded 67 tackles and his lone interception was returned for a touchdown. The Patriots were looking to add depth on the defensive side of the ball.

Stay with Syracuse Pros all year to find out how your favorite former Syracuse alumni are doing in the pros!

Syracuse "FABuless" Going Into Tournament

Syracuse University officials announced today that Center Fab Melo "will not take part in the NCAA Tournament due to an eligibility issue." Due to the federal student privacy laws the reason for the suspension cannot be disclosed. It has been speculated that it could be another academic issue.

Melo was suspended earlier in the year for three games for academics. He came back and was named Big East Defensive Player of the Year. He averaged 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks for the number one seeded Orange.

According to a syracuse.com report Melo is most likely finished at Syracuse. He could enter the NBA draft and give teams considerable help on the defensive end.

So what does this mean for Syracuse in the big dance? It should not affect the Orange in the opening round and possibly the second round matchup. With Syracuse's depth they should be able to beat the opponents with less depth. Later on in the tournament it will get harder as Ohio State with Jared Sullinger are in the same region as 'Cuse. Their size could provide major defensive matchup and rebounding problems. Baye Keita and Rakeem Christmas should take a bigger role for the team.

Cheer on the Orange as they begin the Big Dance at 3:15 on Thursday against UNC-Asheville!

Chandler Jones Visits Panthers

In what was his first visit with an NFL team, Chandler Jones today visited the Carolina Panthers. According to Jones twitter account he said, "Thank you @Panthers for having me! My first NFL visit will never be forgotten!" He also added a photo of the field at Bank of America stadium.

So the question lies, what is the likelihood that Jones would become a Carolina Panther? Jones, the 6' 5", 247 pound defensive end from Syracuse would be a nice fit for the Panthers. Carolina has one defensive end in Charles Johnson whom last year was given a large deal and has proven himself as a solid contributor. The other side of the line has been a question. Greg Hardy started much of last year with very underwhelming numbers, granted the defensive tackle position was a nightmare last season for the Panthers. They could use a big, fast, athletic end to go with Charles Johnson.

The other side of the story is this. The Panthers have plenty of other needs on the defensive side of the ball. Owner Jerry Richardson is known for not doing much in free agency, he likes to build through the draft. So what I am thinking is if Jones were to fall to the third round I think the Panthers would snatch him in a heartbeat.

Stay with Syracuse Pros throughout the draft as we continue to monitor all of the soon to be Syracuse Pros!

Another Syracuse Basketball Scandal

  A Yahoo Sports investigation today revealed that as many as 10 former Syracuse basketball players have tested positive for recreational drugs. The investigation claims that four sources close to the program have said at least 10 players were allowed to play when they should have been suspended because of violations.
  Syracuse officials released a statement saying they have self reported potential issues to the NCAA and there is an ongoing inquiry. Reports say this could affect the seasons all the way back to 2001 including the National Championship season.
  In the three month long investigation it was revealed that school's drug policy required the head coach and parents of the player involved to be notified of violations.
  Jim Boeheim commented in a typical "Boeheim" way saying, "I don't know anything about it, I would not comment on anything like that. Good luck with your story."
  This scandal comes just months after the allegations against former assistant coach Bernie Fine, who was said to have sexually abused a former ball boy.
  In my opinion this potential "scandal" will not hurt the program. The Fine scandal came out early in the season and affected the players personally. Fine was a guy they saw everyday at practice. The result after the scandal:, a 30-1 regular season.
  This investigation affects no player personally. The school has said no current student athletes are involved. Boeheim obviously feels strongly about the situation and knows how to block these things out.
  Please continue to check back in with Syracuse Pros as we monitor the NCAA inquiry.

NFL Draft Preview & Combine Recap: Nick Provo

Every Syracuse fan remembers what Nick Provo did against West Virginia this year. The highly ranked Mountaineers came into the dome and Provo was ready. When it was all said and done he had 6 catches and 3 of those were touchdowns. It was a great performance by the senior. Provo had what was quite possibly one of the best seasons ever by a Syracuse tight end. He had 51 catches which set the school record for receptions by a tight end. He also owns the career reception record for tight ends at 92. He also had 7 touchdowns on the season and earned All Big East First Team accolades.

Nick Provo was invited to the NFL combine, but the only thing he participated in was measurements. Provo was coming off surgery and chose not to participate in drills. Provo measured in at 6'3" tall, 237 pounds, arm length of 31.75", and hand size of 9.5". His athletic ability and good hands make him a great target in the passing game. Provo is an average blocker in both the pass and run game.

So the final question is, where will he be drafted? Unfortunately it is a talent rich draft as far as tight ends go, but Provo should still get drafted in round 6 or 7. Stay with Syracuse Pros for continuing draft coverage of your favorite 'Cuse alumni.