syracuse.com
Christian Brothers Academy’s rising junior J.R. Zazzara has committed to Syracuse lacrosse entering his senior year, but CBA’s starting quarterback is also thinking about playing football on the Hill as well. As a CNY kid, he’s excited about suiting up for SU lax, but he’s trying to close the doors to his opportunities on the gridiron. Boston College has shown considerable interest in him as well for football.
Zazzara, 6’3” 185 pounds, has shown his ability to throw the ball, and pick up first downs with his legs. His junior year statistics are impressive, showcasing his ability to throw the ball downfield and putting CBA on the scoreboard.
Zazzara missed the first three games of his junior season with mono, but still managed to put up over 1,500 yards in the air and 15 touchdowns. But his rushing numbers really jump off the page: 996 yards including 12 scores. Zazzara says he sees himself as a dual-threat.
“I don’t really consider myself a scrambling quarterback. I like to think of myself as using my athletic/running ability as another factor to get away from pressure.”
He had multiple games with 200-plus passing yard and 100-plus rushing yards. Syracuse has wideout weapons now, but it’s been hunting continuously in the Class of 2014 for receiving talent. Those targets may need to get used to a quarterback who keeps plays alive on the run.
There is no guarantee Zazzara ends up playing football at SU, but his family is no stranger to football. JR’s older brother, Grazi, played at Ithaca for a season at safety, before transferring to Syracuse and walking on. Meantime SU has some future prospects under center already, with A.J. Long committed for next year, and junior Terrel Hunt with two more seasons, among others.
“Every day after school he used to take me out to the backyard and throw around with me. He had me running plays. I think he was the biggest influence on me by far.” 
Right now, Zazzara could be calling the Dome his home turf for two sports. He considers that “a dream come true.” He’s played in the Loud House five times already between lax and football.
“Where I live, our sectional football championship is played in the Dome. Me living in Syracuse, just being able to put on an Orange uniform whether it’s football or lacrosse or even both, just being able to be there in orange and blue would be just a dream come true.”
Posted: Austin Pollack
