There was something in the air at Fan Fest 2010 for the The SU Football Team. Everyone was excited, and all the fans we spoke with aren't hoping for big things this year, they're expecting them. They certainly came out in droves as well, SU Athletics tells us that over 1,500 fans made their way to the practice fields behind Manley Field House. Fans standing behind the chain link fence around the field were as deep as four people in spots where their weren't bleachers and the autograph session was mobbed with the residents of Orange Nation hoping to meet their favorite stars.
Even athletes from other sports were seen, Women's Basketball Coach Quentin Hillsman took in practice as did some of his players like Troya Berry. Scoop Jardine was on the scene as well, accompanied by Arinze Onuaku. Jardine predicted SU Football would win 6 or 7 games this season and make a bowl game. Former Orange football players Lavar Lobdell from CBA and Ricky Krautman were also taking in the practice, Krautman's younger brother Ross is competing for the starting place kicking job on the hill, it's likely he could split field goal and kickoff duties with Ryan Lichtenstein.
From attending several Fan Fests in years past this was one had the biggest buzz around it. Fans and media alike saw what Doug Marrone did last year, with a limited roster of less than 60 players and know that the roster and talent pool looks to be stronger this year and are hoping the results reflect such. It's hard to say what the team will look like so early into camp, but it's clear the fans are ready for a return to promience, check that, they're expecting it.
