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The Daily OrangeFB Recruiting Notebook | SU legacy Spinney 'best lineman ever' from New Hampshire
By Christopher James
Posted: 10/19/06, 12:44 AM EST Section: Sports
Thirty years ago, Steve Spinney played center for Syracuse at Archbold Stadium. Three weeks ago, Spinney took his son, current SU prospect, Mark, to the same spot, today's Carrier Dome. Seeing the Orange beat Wyoming in double overtime brought back memories for Spinney.
"No matter how long you've been away from the school you played for, I think all the guys would say, it's still your team," Spinney said.
Syracuse would love to be Mark Spinney's team come signing day in February. Bishop Guertin (N.H.) head coach Tony Johnson calls him the "best lineman ever to come out of the state of New Hampshire."
"He's quick, he's big, he's strong," Johnson said. "He's intelligent."
Steve Spinney reminds his son all the time that Mark is a better football player than his dad.
"I make no bones about that," Spinney said. "He does things on the football field that I never could do."
Signing Mark Spinney would provide a big boost to the Orange's offensive line next year. Syracuse is tied for 106th in the nation in sacks allowed at more than three per game.
While Johnson said Spinney has visited at least 20 campuses, the senior put the Orange on a very short list after his visit.
"He was very, very comfortable when he went up there," Johnson said. "You know, things fit pretty well. I think Syracuse would be a great fit for Mark."
At the same time, Mark Spinney is trying not to jump at the chance to play for his father's alma mater. Spinney said he knows his dad would support him if he found a better fit elsewhere.
"It would be kind of neat," Steve Spinney said of his son playing for Syracuse. "But I really haven't pushed Mark at all. He's going to go (to the college he chooses) because it's the right fit for him."
What Spinney has done is prepare his son to play college football. Without directing him one way or another, Spinney said he's tried to prepare his son for the questions coaches will be asking him between now and signing day.
"No matter how long you've been away from the school you played for, I think all the guys would say, it's still your team," Spinney said.
Syracuse would love to be Mark Spinney's team come signing day in February. Bishop Guertin (N.H.) head coach Tony Johnson calls him the "best lineman ever to come out of the state of New Hampshire."
"He's quick, he's big, he's strong," Johnson said. "He's intelligent."
Steve Spinney reminds his son all the time that Mark is a better football player than his dad.
"I make no bones about that," Spinney said. "He does things on the football field that I never could do."
Signing Mark Spinney would provide a big boost to the Orange's offensive line next year. Syracuse is tied for 106th in the nation in sacks allowed at more than three per game.
While Johnson said Spinney has visited at least 20 campuses, the senior put the Orange on a very short list after his visit.
"He was very, very comfortable when he went up there," Johnson said. "You know, things fit pretty well. I think Syracuse would be a great fit for Mark."
At the same time, Mark Spinney is trying not to jump at the chance to play for his father's alma mater. Spinney said he knows his dad would support him if he found a better fit elsewhere.
"It would be kind of neat," Steve Spinney said of his son playing for Syracuse. "But I really haven't pushed Mark at all. He's going to go (to the college he chooses) because it's the right fit for him."
What Spinney has done is prepare his son to play college football. Without directing him one way or another, Spinney said he's tried to prepare his son for the questions coaches will be asking him between now and signing day.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
neal connaughton
posted 12/09/06 @ 10:35 AM EST
hey steve,
congrats ,a chip off the old block.its great to see the spinney legacy continue.i am a proud dad too .my son jared is a sprinter at unv. of texas(arlington)and was conference athlete of the year both indoors and outdoors in 2006. (Continued…)
Spin
Spin
posted 1/26/07 @ 1:32 PM EST
Thanks Nifty! It's good to hear you are alive and well. I was just poking around the site and just saw your message. Thanks for your note and congrats on your son Jared as well. (Continued…)
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