A trio of Syracuse student-athletes were surprised with scholarships for the year by head coach Scott Shafer this week.
For the second year in a row, senior walk-ons Clay Cleveland and Joe Nassib were awarded scholarships by Shafer and this season they were joined by senior running back Greg Tobias.
"They're three young men who really epitomize what a student-athlete should be at Syracuse," Shafer said. "They're excellent students, unselfish, diligent young men with high GPAs. They go to practice every day knowing that they're going to get pummeled and they keep coming back. They're tough, hard-nosed kids who go to class and do a great job and I'm really pleased that we were able to put them on scholarship."
Cleveland has played in 29 games as a member of the Orange. He caught a pair of touchdown passes against Tulane last season as part of his six receptions on the year.
Nassib, a three-time letterwinner, has seen time in 35 games at 'Cuse primarily on special teams. The Newton Square, Pennsylvania native was a member of the Big East All-Academic Team in 2012.
Tobias, who had two rushes for 16 yards against Wagner last season, has seen action in four games at Syracuse.
"I'll never let money sit around when I can give it to a young man that deserves it," Shafer said.
Cleveland, Nassib, Tobias and the rest of the Orange are now looking ahead to Villanova.
Syracuse is now inside of one week before the season opener and Shafer is looking forward to taking on the Wildcats.
"Andy Talley is one of the best football coaches in the NCAA and his teams are fun to watch," Shafer said. "We're going to have our hands full. Their offense is fast-paced, especially when they play BCS schools. We'll have a great challenge, a great opportunity and I'm looking forward to getting to Friday night."
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