Every Wednesday over the summer, The Juice Online is going to highlight individual players on the 2013 Syracuse football team. This week, we’re profiling defensive tackle Jay Bromley.
As a senior at Flushing High school in Queens, Jay Bromley was a New York Post All-City First Team and was an all-borough selection. In his career, he recorded 40 sacks and 300 tackles.
But for all of his accolades and achievements, Bromley was a little known commodity out of high school.
“I didn’t get recruited by any schools,” Bromley said. “Coming out of New York City, small high school, not (known for) football, Syracuse gave my only offer out of high school.”
Bromley was part of former Syracuse coach Doug Marrone’s plan to recruit in the New York City area. His focus was to find the diamonds in the rough, players that were lightly recruited, but could be coached into formidible Division I athletes.
It certainly worked in he case of Bromley. He was one of just 15 true freshmen to play in 2010, and he appeared in 12 games.
By the end of his junior year, Bromley had worked his way into the starting nose tackle position, finishing the season with 39 tackles. In Syracuse’s 38-14 win over West Virginia in the Pinstripe Bowl, Bromley blocked a field goal attempt.
Pretty good for a player that was given zero stars by Scout, and paid little attention by Rivals.
What does that say about the high school rating system?
“The stars mean nothing to an extent,” Bromley said. “You still have to work hard. You still have to prove yourself through and through.”
And Bromley certainly has.
“If I can come out of nothing, come out of the blue and be here, as a leader of my program, anybody can do it,” Bromley said. “Not just a five star, not just a four star.”
» Related: Meet K Ross Krautman
Inside slant: Bromley is in for another big season with the Orange. Phil Steele and Athlon Sports named Bromley to Pre-season All-ACC teams, and Bromley figures to anchor the SU defensive line this season.
Vitals:
- Birthdate: May 1992
- Hometown: Jamaica, NY
- High School: Flushing HS
- Position: Defensive tackle
- Class: Senior
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 280 lbs
Career highlights: Bromley played in all 13 games last season, including 10 starts. He finished the year with 39 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He was one of 15 true freshmen to play in 2010.
For more Syracuse coverage, Like our Facebook page and follow us @TheJuiceOnline.
