Newsday.com
Running back Travis Lock of Garden City, NY has always been a fan of Syracuse, and could be the next big get for the Orange backfield. The JuCo sophomore at Nassau Community College is a Class of ’14 recruit, and fields offers from SU and Charlie Weis at Kansas. While the Orange and Jayhawks often tussle over hoops stars, this one is a fight for one of New York State‚Äôs better running back prospects.
The best backfield threats in the Empire State include Lock, three-star Qadree Ollison of Buffalo and Brooklyn-native three-star Curtis Samuel. SU commit, West Genesee‚Äôs Nasean Howard, also makes the board of top guys in NY. Lock’s experience in JuCo is panning out nicely for him, as he had added stock to his services.
The 6’0” 215 lb. speedster rushed for 985 yards in his freshman stint with Nassau. He reached the end-zone 13 times on the year to pace his team’s offense. Lock also grabbed a pair of catches on the season for 97 yards and another score. Lock spoke with The Fizz about his thoughts on Syracuse and the possibility for playing in state:
“My interest in Syracuse is very high. I think it’s a great school and I’m excited that they’re moving to the ACC to play better competition.”
How does he view playing for Scott Shafer and George McDonald?
‚ÄúBoth guys are great and have that everyday drive to win. You can‚Äôt ask for much more.”
What separates the Orange from other programs he’s seen?
“I love the beautiful facilities and I just think the overall football program is great and going to get even better.”
Lock is certainly no “lock” for SU’s program, but he shows a lot of promise and would represent keeping the best players from New York in-state. He’s gauging interest from Appalachian State, Connecticut, Stony Brook, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The Jayhawks are the only other program to offer Lock, because both SU and KU have rosters loaded with upper-class RBs. Kansas currently holds six combined juniors and seniors to compete in its backfield next season, while Syracuse brings back the likes of Jerome Smith, Prince-Tyson Gulley, and Adonis-Ameen Moore. Georeg Morris III has looked great in camp so far, but the future at the position is uncertain.
The Fizz looked into the crystal ball a few months ago to examine potential running backs for SU. Lock should be added to the mix. The ACC was a factor he mentioned right off the top. Lock is one of many running back prospects SU will be reaching out to heading into the summer months of the recruiting process.
Posted: Brendan Glasheen
