Syracuse fans are asking why two of the most dynamic players in Syracuse’s ’11 recruiting class, Ashton Broyld and Tyree Smallwood (pictured), may miss the entire season. It’s interesting to note the background situations of both players, since both had rocky senior seasons. The Fizz learned Smallwood had conflicts with his head coach and was at times difficult to reach in the locker room and on the sidelines. By now, we all know the Broyld soap opera.
The trials and tribulations of Broyld took on a life of its own as the New York State Player of the Year had his worst moment played out publicly in court. While The Dougie was vague on why the players may miss the season, he did say they “have work to do.” It’s impossible not to wonder if the ongoing Broyld drama that placed SU in a poor light is the reason why.
Many believe it’s an academic issue with Broyld and his legal trouble is not the reason. But it certainly allows the Rush-Henrietta star to make amends for attaching SU to an ugly incident. Behind the scenes, it seems as though Marrone stood by Broyld throughout months of speculation about his scholarship being revoked and promised it would be honored. But in return the head coach may have demanded a¬†probation year of sorts – a chance for Broyld to prove he is mature enough to have learned from the incident and deserving of a spot within a program that suffers few fools. He could work alongside the team in a redshirt capacity and prove his worth athletically and academically, essentially trying to earn a renewal of his scholarship for his freshman season.
For Smallwood, the reasoning on the surface appears grade-related. The Times Herald-Record reports the running back “recently learned that he didn’t meet NCAA clearinghouse requirements to enroll at the Big East school. The sticking point, Smallwood said, is his math grade. According to Smallwood, he needs to improve his math score in order to qualify. He is taking math in summer school, which concludes on July 28.”
Smallwood attracted lots of interest for his dynamic running ability, absurd productivity and flat out speed after his junior season at Cornwall (NY). His incredible season that year included more than 1,500 yards rushing and 8 games of 100+yards. He had three games of 200+ yards.
But in his senior season, in which he allegedly clashed with coaches and was known to tune out those around him, he finished with less than 1,000 yards rushing and only three 100+ yard games. It’s possible Smallwood is sitting this season due solely to academic requirements. But if he did have run-ins with coaching last season, this could be a good opportunity as well to prove to Marrone and Tyrone Wheatley the days of being difficult to deal with are over. Two players, two chances at redemption for new starts at Syracuse. Here’s hoping they both take advantage.
Posted: D.A.
9 responses to “Ashton Broyld & Tyree Smallwood Try To Climb Back Up The Syracuse Mountain”
it was stated in some PS report the issue for both was grades, the incident didn’t play a role. Stop reading between the lines for something that isn’t there. Too much speculation on this site.
I don’t know who is advising these kids in high school, but they need to know that the Dexter Manley days are over and their football skills alone will not get them into college.
I find it really funny on how things work out. After losing a basketball game to his biggest high school rival, he then pulls down his shorts and exposes his genitals while flipping the fans off and yelling to them to go f**k themselfs. He told us all along that he was innocent and ended up pleading guilty in court to a misdemeanour. End result he is not playing football this year at Syracuse University, and as far as I’m concerned we don’t need players that are going to pull stunts like this here.
The news of Ashton’s antics after this game went national and dimed the bright light on Syracuse University and what Coach Marrone and staff is trying to accompliash. Let’s give the scholarships to players that want to play football and get a degree to improve their lives after they are through playing.
GO CUSE!
Ben…take it easy. This is a blog. And is the PS the be all end all of journalism?
Smallwood is better off prepping at Milford, getting his grades up and putting on weight. He’s got skinny legs, needs to get stronger. This may be a blessing in disguise for him. He can prep at Milford, take care of business and come back in 2012 as a freshman. He could be an exciting speedburner for the Orange.
Marty – Yeah, I agree. Smallwood could use an extra year to build himself up. Ben – As I stated in the post, it indeed may be just because of academics. But there would be positive ancillary consequences for them both earning their stripes for a year. But it’s also interesting they both had rocky senior years. Either way, I hope they take advantage of it.
DA
Haha. The Broyld story gets more salacious every time its told. Next I’ll read he cock slapped the ref after giving him a Stone Cold stunner.
Fact is, from someone who was courtside, Broyld did gesture and pull down his uniform shorts. But he had black compression shorts underneath. (Note: Broyld is black.)
A lot of people who had a lot worse of a view were using their imaginations. The worst anyone got was an Anthony Weiner underwear shot.
Now, that’s not going to win you any sportsmanship awards. But it was the gesture that fans were upset at – and the fact that Broyld’s been running all over everyone since he was in 9th grade at a city school.
Believe it or not, he’s not very popular among opposing teams and fans that he’s been dominating for years. I’m shocked, shocked I tell you!! that some from Rochester might not even want to see him do well in college. Or even get there. Winning a lot – and talking a lot of trash along the way – will do that.
(Ask Tyler Relph – Mr. Basketball in NYS from ROC a few years back AND a notorious trash talker/floorboard pounder/screamer. Everyone HATED him and loved it that he couldn’t crack the rotation at WVU)
Remember, Broyld was a fairly late offer by SU, and long before that, there was a lot of talk about grades or lack thereof being the reason why.
He’ll either work at school, get his shit together, and get into SU. OR he won’t and he won’t suit up for anybody. Sounds like a good risk to me.
BTW – Broyld is a big time project, and even if it all works out, would probably play late in his college career. Notice I didn’t mention anything about playing QB.
Smallwood would see the field much sooner in some capacity.
Haven – thanks for the post. Good stuff there. Insightful commentary on the Rochester side of things. But if he had compression shorts on – how did he get charged with exposure and lewd behavior? How would this even be a court case if there was underwear on?
dont forget Broyld was a transfer student from the inner city-rust-belt-rochester out to the suburbs of shopping mall henrietta…. hes tough n gritty who i may add is trying to clean up his act. this kid is a good fit for SU and i hope he does well….. get over the blue cross arena situation…..watch him play and Win
go SU