Andrea Adelson - Nobody put much stock in a rebound from Syracuse last season, mostly because the program had been down for so long. The last bowl game came in 2004; the last bowl win in 2001.
But the Orange were one of the surprise teams of the 2010 season, making it back to a bowl game in Year 2 under coach Doug Marrone. As difficult as it was to turn around a losing program, perhaps an even bigger challenge awaits in Year 3: maintaining that momentum and moving forward.
William Perlman/The Star-Ledger/US PresswireLast season, Doug Marrone led Syracuse to its first bowl win since 2001.
Coaches always talk about the difficulty in sustaining success because so much is required of both players and coaches. All of a sudden, expectations are ratcheted up and everybody expects more wins and championships to follow. Syracuse was picked to finish fourth in the Big East preseason media poll, a clear indication of the respect that was earned with a 8-5 campaign in 2010.
So how do the Orange keep the momentum going that they built last season?
"We really don't talk a lot about last year," Marrone said. "But I do understand the question about what we're trying to do. Our goal is to be able to compete for a Big East championship. We've talked about that with our players. We want to be a consistent football team and one year doesn’t make you consistent. We haven't produced back-to-back winning seasons since 2001 or back-to-back bowl games since 1999. We haven't won a season opener two years in a row since 2000. There's a lot of things in terms of history because recently we have not been a good football team. This is what we're trying to change."
There was a time, of course, when Syracuse was a very good football team that competed for Big East championships. Marrone has his team pointed back in that direction. The offense has solid players in Antwon Bailey, Ryan Nassib, Van Chew, Alec Lemon and the entire offensive line. The defense is new this season, with six new starters, including both cornerbacks, both defensive tackles and true freshman Dyshawn Davis at linebacker.
Because of the youth, much of camp was spent teaching.
"When nobody’s looking is when you win games," defensive coordinator Scott Shafer said. "We watch video together and talk about what’s good, bad, unacceptable, acceptable and teach the kids what we’re looking for and the next day try to make real small improvements. If we can keep chipping away, we can be a competitive defense and give our offense a chance to get some drives and do things."
The opener provides a big test Thursday night. Wake Forest may have had a losing season last year, but it was not too long ago that the Demon Deacons were playing in the Orange Bowl as ACC champs. Syracuse does not have a great record against the ACC, going 1-12 against teams from that league since 1996. The strength of Wake Forest is in the backfield, where Josh Harris led the team with 720 yards rushing last season. He averaged 5.7 yards a carry -- the third-highest average in school history.
Syracuse has four new starters among its front seven and a new middle linebacker in Marquis Spruill, who started last season on the outside. So Wake most likely will try to pound Harris to perhaps expose some weaknesses in the Syracuse front. If Syracuse can contain him, the Orange will increase its chances of starting the season with another confidence-boosting win.
"It's not just the season opener," Marrone said. "It's every single game we play until we start winning and becoming consistent, history will be against us. Everyone says you want to get off to a fast start. You do because every game is meaningful. For us, every game's a dogfight."
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Buffalo Bills News And News And Notes Aug 30, 2011
Sports Exchange - The Bills got an early jump on trimming their roster to 80 players by Tuesday's deadline, releasing six players Sunday. Cut were DB Rajric Coleman, RB Anthony Elzy, P Reid Forrest, WR Paul Hubbard, CB Loyce Means and OL Isaiah Thompson. Hubbard caught the game-tying TD pass and 2-point conversion catch against Jacksonville Saturday to send the game into overtime. Elzy carried seven times for 26 yards. Buffalo's roster stands at 81.
PLAYER NOTES
--RB Fred Jackson, who raised an issue about not starting a week earlier against Denver, was the starter against Jacksonville in Saturday's preseason game and solidified his standing as the team's No. 1 back with a 30-yard reception and nine carries for 33 yards.
--LB Shawn Merriman missed his second consecutive game to allow his sore groin/leg to heal. He's not expected to play in Buffalo's final tuneup game Thursday against Detroit, either, and is shooting for the team's regular-season opener Sept. 11 at Kansas City.
--LB Kelvin Sheppard, a third-round pick out of LSU the team envisioned challenging for a starting job as a rookie, missed his third straight preseason game with a hamstring injury. Sheppard has likely missed too much time to be a factor this season and could wind up on IR.
--SS Da'Norris Searcy likely assured his roster spot with an interception, forced fumble, and five total tackles in Saturday's preseason game against Jacksonville.
--LT Demetrius Bell started at left tackle in Saturday's preseason game against Jacksonville, but gave way to Andy Levitre midway through the second quarter. The coaching staff is deciding between the two for their starter. Levitre would start at left guard if he doesn't take Bell's job.
--WR Craig Davis dressed but didn't play against the Jaguars, hurting his chances of making the final roster.
--WR Ruvell Martin, who signed earlier in the week, caught one pass for nine yards in Saturday's preseason game in Jacksonville. Martin, who has appeared in 56 NFL games with four teams, provides some practice depth at a position hard hit by injuries.
--LB Kirk Morrison was signed to take the place of Reggie Torbor, who went on season-ending injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Morrison, who played last year for Jacksonville after five very good seasons with Oakland, saw playing time Saturday against his old team. In 95 NFL starts, he has 763 career tackles with 7 interceptions and eases Torbor's loss in terms of experience and proven depth.
--DB Domonic Cook, a rookie out of the University of Buffalo who was placed on IR on Aug. 5 with a knee injury, reached an injury settlement with the club and was released.
PLAYER NOTES
--RB Fred Jackson, who raised an issue about not starting a week earlier against Denver, was the starter against Jacksonville in Saturday's preseason game and solidified his standing as the team's No. 1 back with a 30-yard reception and nine carries for 33 yards.
--LB Shawn Merriman missed his second consecutive game to allow his sore groin/leg to heal. He's not expected to play in Buffalo's final tuneup game Thursday against Detroit, either, and is shooting for the team's regular-season opener Sept. 11 at Kansas City.
--LB Kelvin Sheppard, a third-round pick out of LSU the team envisioned challenging for a starting job as a rookie, missed his third straight preseason game with a hamstring injury. Sheppard has likely missed too much time to be a factor this season and could wind up on IR.
--SS Da'Norris Searcy likely assured his roster spot with an interception, forced fumble, and five total tackles in Saturday's preseason game against Jacksonville.
--LT Demetrius Bell started at left tackle in Saturday's preseason game against Jacksonville, but gave way to Andy Levitre midway through the second quarter. The coaching staff is deciding between the two for their starter. Levitre would start at left guard if he doesn't take Bell's job.
--WR Craig Davis dressed but didn't play against the Jaguars, hurting his chances of making the final roster.
--WR Ruvell Martin, who signed earlier in the week, caught one pass for nine yards in Saturday's preseason game in Jacksonville. Martin, who has appeared in 56 NFL games with four teams, provides some practice depth at a position hard hit by injuries.
--LB Kirk Morrison was signed to take the place of Reggie Torbor, who went on season-ending injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Morrison, who played last year for Jacksonville after five very good seasons with Oakland, saw playing time Saturday against his old team. In 95 NFL starts, he has 763 career tackles with 7 interceptions and eases Torbor's loss in terms of experience and proven depth.
--DB Domonic Cook, a rookie out of the University of Buffalo who was placed on IR on Aug. 5 with a knee injury, reached an injury settlement with the club and was released.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Lee Evans Trade Not Popular In The Buffalo Bills Locker Room
MattRichWarren - When the Buffalo Bills dealt WR Lee Evans to the Baltimore Ravens this afternoon, the biggest hole in their team might not be on the field. If the immediate reaction of some Bills players is any indication, Evans may be missed more in the locker room and as a team leader than as a pass catcher.
Cornerback Drayton Florence has made the most pointed barbs at the Bills front office even insinuating he wou;dn't have re-signed with the team had he known this would happen.
"Wtf," began Florence on Twitter. "If I knew that was gonna happen .............??"
In a series of eight messages in five minutes, Florence continued to call out the team he recently chose to sign a contract with: "Are we trying to win now or later?"
"Sad day for the Bills"
"Why so stupid?" Star-divide
Florence concluded his remarks with an articulated reasoning behind his previous messgaes.
"I'm not mad at the trade," said the cornerback, "I'm mad because this will change how defenses play us now."
Evans' offensive teammates had nothing but positives to say. Not for the trade, but for the player.
"Man wanna say thanks to the homie Lee Evans for everything he did while here as a buffalo bill," added running back C.J. Spiller. "Great player but a greater person."
"Thank you Lee Evans for everything you've done for me & my career," voiced fellow receiver David Nelson. "You're one of the best & it's been a privilege to play alongside you."
Even some former Bills got into the act as Andre Reed and Darryl Talley, both active Tweeters, supported Evans in his new home.
"Disappointed that the Bills have traded Lee Evans to the Ravens," said Reed. "Great player, but even a better person.Thanks for reppin 83 Lee!!!!!!!! He should flourish and gel with Anquan Boldin manning the middle of the field. Do your thing homie."
"Best of luck to Lee Evans in Baltimore," said Talley. "Great athlete. Class act. I participated in his charity event in E Cleveland. He's doing good things."
It remains to be seen who will fill Evans' void on offense but who will fill his role as team captain and who will replace his presence in the locker room? We will no doubt hear from more Bills players and front office folks as this day wears on. Keep it locked to Buffalo Rumblings for more reactions.
Cornerback Drayton Florence has made the most pointed barbs at the Bills front office even insinuating he wou;dn't have re-signed with the team had he known this would happen.
"Wtf," began Florence on Twitter. "If I knew that was gonna happen .............??"
In a series of eight messages in five minutes, Florence continued to call out the team he recently chose to sign a contract with: "Are we trying to win now or later?"
"Sad day for the Bills"
"Why so stupid?" Star-divide
Florence concluded his remarks with an articulated reasoning behind his previous messgaes.
"I'm not mad at the trade," said the cornerback, "I'm mad because this will change how defenses play us now."
Evans' offensive teammates had nothing but positives to say. Not for the trade, but for the player.
"Man wanna say thanks to the homie Lee Evans for everything he did while here as a buffalo bill," added running back C.J. Spiller. "Great player but a greater person."
"Thank you Lee Evans for everything you've done for me & my career," voiced fellow receiver David Nelson. "You're one of the best & it's been a privilege to play alongside you."
Even some former Bills got into the act as Andre Reed and Darryl Talley, both active Tweeters, supported Evans in his new home.
"Disappointed that the Bills have traded Lee Evans to the Ravens," said Reed. "Great player, but even a better person.Thanks for reppin 83 Lee!!!!!!!! He should flourish and gel with Anquan Boldin manning the middle of the field. Do your thing homie."
"Best of luck to Lee Evans in Baltimore," said Talley. "Great athlete. Class act. I participated in his charity event in E Cleveland. He's doing good things."
It remains to be seen who will fill Evans' void on offense but who will fill his role as team captain and who will replace his presence in the locker room? We will no doubt hear from more Bills players and front office folks as this day wears on. Keep it locked to Buffalo Rumblings for more reactions.
Buffalo Bills Trade Lee Evans To Ravens Fourth Round Draft Pick
After saying goodbye to WRs Derrick Mason, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Donte' Stallworth and TE Todd Heap this offseason, the Ravens imported more experience at the position Friday, acquiring Lee Evans from the Bills.
He offered an upfront view of his talents last October, burning the Ravens for 105 yards (on six catches) and three TDs in Baltimore.
Evans had spent his entire seven-year career in Buffalo after being a first-round pick in 2004. He has two 1,000-yard receiving seasons to his credit but comes off his least productive campaign in 2010 (37 rec., 578 yards, 4 TDs). He also missed action for the first time in the NFL, going on IR with three games to go after suffering an ankle injury.
But Evans could be just what the doctor ordered in Baltimore. He's a deep threat (career average of 15.7 yards per reception) that should provide a nice complement to bruising WR Anquan Boldin, RB Ray Rice and a young group of tight ends. QB Joe Flacco really had no one to stretch the field last year with speedy Stallworth seeing very limited action.
Evans' departure leaves Stevie Johnson as the clear-cut No. 1 wideout in Buffalo and opens up a starting spot for Marcus Easley, David Nelson, Roscoe Parrish or Brad Smith
He offered an upfront view of his talents last October, burning the Ravens for 105 yards (on six catches) and three TDs in Baltimore.
Evans had spent his entire seven-year career in Buffalo after being a first-round pick in 2004. He has two 1,000-yard receiving seasons to his credit but comes off his least productive campaign in 2010 (37 rec., 578 yards, 4 TDs). He also missed action for the first time in the NFL, going on IR with three games to go after suffering an ankle injury.
But Evans could be just what the doctor ordered in Baltimore. He's a deep threat (career average of 15.7 yards per reception) that should provide a nice complement to bruising WR Anquan Boldin, RB Ray Rice and a young group of tight ends. QB Joe Flacco really had no one to stretch the field last year with speedy Stallworth seeing very limited action.
Evans' departure leaves Stevie Johnson as the clear-cut No. 1 wideout in Buffalo and opens up a starting spot for Marcus Easley, David Nelson, Roscoe Parrish or Brad Smith
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Chan Galley Will Be The Buffalo Bills Offense Coordinator
PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- When he was first hired, Bills coach Chan Gailey said he would eventually hand the play-calling duties off to offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins.
Don’t look for that to happen this season, though.
Gailey confirmed this week that he’ll again call plays this season.
Right guard battle: With Eric Wood shifting to center, there’s a hole on the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line at right guard. Kraig Urbik hopes to be the one to step into that spot.
Urbik, who was claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh last season, is held in high regard by the team. Bills GM Buddy Nix said last season that Wood, left guard Andy Levitre and Urbik were the team’s top-three ranked guards in the 2009 draft class. They’re all in starting roles now, but Urbik will have to work hard to keep his.
Chad Rinehart, another waiver addition last season, figures to push him hard for a starting job, with Mansfield Wrotto also in the mix. All three linemen are versatile, as Urbik has played some center and Wrotto and Rinehart tackle.
Urbik, 6-foot-5 and 333 pounds, has impressed the Bills with his work ethic, often staying after practice to get extra instruction from offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris.
Don’t look for that to happen this season, though.
Gailey confirmed this week that he’ll again call plays this season.
Right guard battle: With Eric Wood shifting to center, there’s a hole on the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line at right guard. Kraig Urbik hopes to be the one to step into that spot.
Urbik, who was claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh last season, is held in high regard by the team. Bills GM Buddy Nix said last season that Wood, left guard Andy Levitre and Urbik were the team’s top-three ranked guards in the 2009 draft class. They’re all in starting roles now, but Urbik will have to work hard to keep his.
Chad Rinehart, another waiver addition last season, figures to push him hard for a starting job, with Mansfield Wrotto also in the mix. All three linemen are versatile, as Urbik has played some center and Wrotto and Rinehart tackle.
Urbik, 6-foot-5 and 333 pounds, has impressed the Bills with his work ethic, often staying after practice to get extra instruction from offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
What The Buffalo Bills Got For $42 Million
Mark Gaughan - What can you get for $42 million in shopping on the NFL's free agent market? That total has been relevant for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL's shopping season to date. The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Bills free-agent Paul Posluszny for $42 million on a six-year deal. ... The Bills' signings of free agents Drayton Florence, Brad Smith and Nick Barnett also added up to a combined $42 million. Florence signed for $15 million over three years. Smith signed for $15 million over four years. Barnett signed for $12 million over three years. Which team got more value? We'll know for sure in three years.
Buffalo Bills: Shawn Merriam 'Lights Out" In Training Camp
PITTSFORD —Among the many weaknesses on the Buffalo Bills, linebacker would rank as one of the biggest.
There is a chance, if two free agent pick-ups return to their old form, linebacker could actually be a position of strength in 2011.
Nick Barnett and Shawne Merriman are two of the more intriguing Bills this season. As opposed to filling in holes with fringe players on the cheap, the Bills went out and found two legitimate NFL players at a bargain rate because of injuries.
It’s asking a lot for Barnett and Merriman to return to the form of their younger days, but even a solid, 16-game season from one or both of them could go a long way in improving one of the league’s worst defenses.
The Bills were dead last against the run in 2010 and hardly ever put real pressure on quarterbacks.
First-round draft pick Marcell Dareus was selected to be a disruptive force on the line, but the Bills need impact players at linebacker.
A lack of playmakers on defense — at all positions — has been the biggest shortcoming on a porous Bills’ defense.
Formerly one of the league’s most dominant defensive forces, Merriman has only played 18 total games the last three seasons. Merriman had 39.5 sacks — 17 in 2006 — through his first three NFL seasons before injuries and a league substance abuse suspension derailed his career.
“In the 3-4 scheme, you need good outside linebackers,” said Barnett. “We had Clay (Matthews) in Green Bay and Shawne Merriman is every bit as good, if not better, than Clay. I’m not bashing on Clay, but Shawne is a great player.”
The Bills signed Merriman late last season, but an injury early in his first practice with the team ended his season before it began.
Meanwhile, Barnett — a member of the reigning Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers — missed significant time in two of the last three seasons and is coming off a wrist injury in 2010. Before the injuries, however, Barnett averaged just under 120 tackles a seasons and has 15.5 sacks and nine interceptions.
“Just having (Barnett) here gives a guy like me and the rest of the Bills a chance to get together,” said Merriman.
If Barnett and Merriman become playmakers, the Bills will not have to rely on the likes of Chris Kelsay, Andra Davis, and Reggie Torbor as more than just depth and reserves.
Add promising second-year player Arthur Moats and rookie Kelvin Sheppard to the mix and the linebackers should be a critical position to watch throughout the season.
It’s asking a lot for both — or even one — of those players to return to their old form, but strength up the middle and a relentless pass rush should never be minimized as being the difference on an NFL defense.
Clock ticking on Maybin?
Aaron Maybin needs to prove himself very quickly — the understatement of training camp. Maybin struggled to get on the field in 2010, and has not distinguished himself yet early in camp so far. The Bills drafted Maybin to be a speed rusher and he has been a ghost on the field — when he’s actually called on to be out there. Head coach Chan Gailey and general manager Buddy Nix did not draft Maybin and have no loyalty to him. Barring a stunning turn in his play over the next couple of weeks and Maybin could be searching for a new team.
Crossing the Moats
The Bills have made some small, but interesting moves in free agency so far. One decision has many — myself included — scratching their heads. Arthur Moats was one of the few bright spots on a bad defense last season. Moats caused havoc as a pass rusher and the idea of him doing that for a full season had to be exciting for Bills fans. Now, the team has decided to move him back inside? It’s a curious move since he had success there last year and now the Bills added Barnett to be the replacement for Paul Posluszny in the middle. Moats should stay on the outside and run wild.
Spiller’s new look
C.J. Spiller got his number back. Spiller and cornerback Leodis McKelvin flipped numbers, so the Bills’ 2010 first-round pick can have the number he worse at Clemson. Spiller is now No. 28, while McKelvin will wear 21 this season. New number or old, Spiller is another player that has pressure to finally make an impact this season. There is not as much pressure on Spiller as Maybin, but he has a special skill set that was rarely seen during his rookie season. It’s time the Bills unleased their weapon and get some production.
Chan’s new toy
Say what you will about Chan Gailey, but the man can coach offense. The Bills went 4-12 in Gailey’s first season, but they were pretty darn exciting many Sundays. Unlike the Dick Jauron Buffalo Bills that could put you to sleep when they ran their offense, Gailey’s Bills could score points and were often creatively doing so. It makes sense Brad Smith — the former do a little of everything guy for the New York Jets — would be a player made for Gailey’s offensive mind. Smith played quarterback in college, but has served as mostly a wide receiver, kick returner, and Wild cat quarterback during his NFL career. Smith will likely do the same for the Bills, but adds an element to the offense Gailey is sure to utilize often.
There is a chance, if two free agent pick-ups return to their old form, linebacker could actually be a position of strength in 2011.
Nick Barnett and Shawne Merriman are two of the more intriguing Bills this season. As opposed to filling in holes with fringe players on the cheap, the Bills went out and found two legitimate NFL players at a bargain rate because of injuries.
It’s asking a lot for Barnett and Merriman to return to the form of their younger days, but even a solid, 16-game season from one or both of them could go a long way in improving one of the league’s worst defenses.
The Bills were dead last against the run in 2010 and hardly ever put real pressure on quarterbacks.
First-round draft pick Marcell Dareus was selected to be a disruptive force on the line, but the Bills need impact players at linebacker.
A lack of playmakers on defense — at all positions — has been the biggest shortcoming on a porous Bills’ defense.
Formerly one of the league’s most dominant defensive forces, Merriman has only played 18 total games the last three seasons. Merriman had 39.5 sacks — 17 in 2006 — through his first three NFL seasons before injuries and a league substance abuse suspension derailed his career.
“In the 3-4 scheme, you need good outside linebackers,” said Barnett. “We had Clay (Matthews) in Green Bay and Shawne Merriman is every bit as good, if not better, than Clay. I’m not bashing on Clay, but Shawne is a great player.”
The Bills signed Merriman late last season, but an injury early in his first practice with the team ended his season before it began.
Meanwhile, Barnett — a member of the reigning Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers — missed significant time in two of the last three seasons and is coming off a wrist injury in 2010. Before the injuries, however, Barnett averaged just under 120 tackles a seasons and has 15.5 sacks and nine interceptions.
“Just having (Barnett) here gives a guy like me and the rest of the Bills a chance to get together,” said Merriman.
If Barnett and Merriman become playmakers, the Bills will not have to rely on the likes of Chris Kelsay, Andra Davis, and Reggie Torbor as more than just depth and reserves.
Add promising second-year player Arthur Moats and rookie Kelvin Sheppard to the mix and the linebackers should be a critical position to watch throughout the season.
It’s asking a lot for both — or even one — of those players to return to their old form, but strength up the middle and a relentless pass rush should never be minimized as being the difference on an NFL defense.
Clock ticking on Maybin?
Aaron Maybin needs to prove himself very quickly — the understatement of training camp. Maybin struggled to get on the field in 2010, and has not distinguished himself yet early in camp so far. The Bills drafted Maybin to be a speed rusher and he has been a ghost on the field — when he’s actually called on to be out there. Head coach Chan Gailey and general manager Buddy Nix did not draft Maybin and have no loyalty to him. Barring a stunning turn in his play over the next couple of weeks and Maybin could be searching for a new team.
Crossing the Moats
The Bills have made some small, but interesting moves in free agency so far. One decision has many — myself included — scratching their heads. Arthur Moats was one of the few bright spots on a bad defense last season. Moats caused havoc as a pass rusher and the idea of him doing that for a full season had to be exciting for Bills fans. Now, the team has decided to move him back inside? It’s a curious move since he had success there last year and now the Bills added Barnett to be the replacement for Paul Posluszny in the middle. Moats should stay on the outside and run wild.
Spiller’s new look
C.J. Spiller got his number back. Spiller and cornerback Leodis McKelvin flipped numbers, so the Bills’ 2010 first-round pick can have the number he worse at Clemson. Spiller is now No. 28, while McKelvin will wear 21 this season. New number or old, Spiller is another player that has pressure to finally make an impact this season. There is not as much pressure on Spiller as Maybin, but he has a special skill set that was rarely seen during his rookie season. It’s time the Bills unleased their weapon and get some production.
Chan’s new toy
Say what you will about Chan Gailey, but the man can coach offense. The Bills went 4-12 in Gailey’s first season, but they were pretty darn exciting many Sundays. Unlike the Dick Jauron Buffalo Bills that could put you to sleep when they ran their offense, Gailey’s Bills could score points and were often creatively doing so. It makes sense Brad Smith — the former do a little of everything guy for the New York Jets — would be a player made for Gailey’s offensive mind. Smith played quarterback in college, but has served as mostly a wide receiver, kick returner, and Wild cat quarterback during his NFL career. Smith will likely do the same for the Bills, but adds an element to the offense Gailey is sure to utilize often.
Two Ga.High School Football Players Die
A 16-year-old Georgia high schooler was found dead at a football camp in Florida's Columbia County on Tuesday, WJXT-TV reported.
TRAGIC SPORTS DEATHS
Sports has lost many athletes way too soon. We list a few.
Hours later, another 16-year-old Georgia high schooler died in an Atlanta hospital a week after being admitted suffering what doctors believe was heat exhaustion, WSB-TV reported.
Donteria Searcy was found unresponsive in his cabin about 11:15 a.m. local time Tuesday, after Fitzgerald (Ga.) High School's football team had finished a morning workout at Florida's O'Leno State Park, where it is holding a summer training camp.
Searcy was taken to a nearby hospital, but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
An autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death, but police do not suspect foul play.
In Atlanta, Locust Grove High School's Forrest Jones died about 9:30 p.m. local time Tuesday. He was admitted to a hospital on July 25 after collapsing following an optional team workout.
Jones' uncle told WSB-TV that doctors believed his death was caused by a heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
The two Georgia students' deaths came just a few days after a rising high school football player collapsed and died after practice in Darlington, SC.
Tyquan Xavier Brantley, 14, was walking off the field with his Lamar High School team Saturday when he collapsed. He was taken to a nearby hospital and was pronounced dead about 7 p.m. local time.
TRAGIC SPORTS DEATHS
Sports has lost many athletes way too soon. We list a few.
Hours later, another 16-year-old Georgia high schooler died in an Atlanta hospital a week after being admitted suffering what doctors believe was heat exhaustion, WSB-TV reported.
Donteria Searcy was found unresponsive in his cabin about 11:15 a.m. local time Tuesday, after Fitzgerald (Ga.) High School's football team had finished a morning workout at Florida's O'Leno State Park, where it is holding a summer training camp.
Searcy was taken to a nearby hospital, but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
An autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death, but police do not suspect foul play.
In Atlanta, Locust Grove High School's Forrest Jones died about 9:30 p.m. local time Tuesday. He was admitted to a hospital on July 25 after collapsing following an optional team workout.
Jones' uncle told WSB-TV that doctors believed his death was caused by a heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
The two Georgia students' deaths came just a few days after a rising high school football player collapsed and died after practice in Darlington, SC.
Tyquan Xavier Brantley, 14, was walking off the field with his Lamar High School team Saturday when he collapsed. He was taken to a nearby hospital and was pronounced dead about 7 p.m. local time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)