Interview: Two-way Lynnfield HS star DeGeorge taking talents to Syracuse

When Cam DeGeorge committed to Syracuse on March 6, he was the first Class of 2016 recruit landed by the Orange. Watching the Lynnfield High School star romp through opponents one can tell that he has the mentality that head coach Scott Shafer built his career on, tough as nails.

When DeGeorge takes the field, even as a junior, it looks like he is a man among boys. He uses all 6’5”, 275 pounds, of his brawn and strength on every play to physically overmatch his opponent almost to the point where you feel sorry for the young man, or young men, he is seemingly demoralizing play after play.

The Pioneers know what they have suited up wearing jersey No. 72. He plays multiple spots along the line on both defense and offense but primarily plays guard on offense, to whatever side of the field Lynnfield wants to run to and either defensive tackle or defensive end to limit or direct the opposition to run the other way, typically short side of the field verses long side.

Lynnfield rolled through the regular season going undefeated before losing to Holliston (12-1) in the playoffs finishing with a record of 11-1. To get an idea of just how dominating the Pioneers were on defense last season they pitched six shutouts. In the 10 games they won the opposition averaged 4.7 points per game while they racked up an average of 40 points per contest. In their lone loss to Holliston (26-0) it was a first for many things that season, most points scored against and first time shutout.

In an exclusive interview with DeGeorge, we caught up with him to go over the 2014 season, his commitment to Syracuse, and how he is preparing for his senior season on the gridiron.

 

Cam, you guys had a great season in 2014. Did you know going into 2014 that the team would do as well as the Pioneers did and make a run deep into the playoffs?

“We knew that we could go far, our coach new it too. We tried to make sure what we did was good and perfect. We knew what we had, everyone was stepping up. We really wanted it.

“Our first game (Pentucket Regional) was a little bumpy (won 28-7). It was hot out, something like 95 degrees. We were condition well and that helped us out a lot. We outmanned the other team. Everyone was tired on the other side. Throughout the year we never let the other team score first after that first game.”

What happened against Holliston (lost 26-0)? You guys were blowing everyone out of the water all year long. Did the team have some key injuries heading into that game?

“Against Holliston we were facing injuries all over. Our center/linebacker had a shoulder injury, he wasn’t doing to good. Everyone was just banged up. We did not play a great game. Holliston was a really good team, they deserved to win.”

How does the team look heading into the 2015 season?

“We’re looking pretty good. If guys step up we’ll make the playoffs again but its going to be hard. We only have two to three returning starters. A lot of people are going to have to step up. We have to come together as a team and everyone will have to do what they have to do for us to win.”

What are your strengths on the field as an offensive lineman?

“They have me pull a lot. I can switch sides and pull either way. Get the other guys tired, getting them out of the game is a strength of mine. We keep running the same play until they can stop it. We just switch sides, run a different play, go back to it again, run another play. That worked a lot. My run blocking is really good. I’m good at getting to the second level. We slide block but do not pass block too much.”

What about as a defensive lineman?

“In the run game I rarely get pushed back. I’m always on the line or behind the line. They put me wherever they do not want the other team to go. They run away from me… a lot.”

What are your goals for the 2015 football season?

“My team goal is to keep on winning. I don’t like losing. I want kids to step up and show they want it as bad as I do. The goal is to win it all every year, make a run into the playoffs.”

What about your personal goals?

“Just to have fun, play good D, work on my pass rushing, that’ll be fun.”

Will the coaches give you a chance to run with the ball on offense or do something different with you during your senior season?

“I don’t know. We usually run some plays for a lineman every year. We do a “hook and ladder” (fumble rooskie/buttermilk) with a center. I could do it if the coach wants to.”

How many pancake blocks did you end up with last year?

“I don’t know. It was a lot. Over 35 at least.”

How many tackles did you get last year?

“I had 78 tackles. I think I led the team in tackles for a loss and sacks.”

Did you earn any individual honors last year?

“I think I was All-League. I don’t know about all-state.”

Which schools have extended offers to you?

“Syracuse, Colgate, Holy Cross, and Temple.”

What other schools are showing interest?

“UConn and schools like Delaware.”

Why did you commit to Syracuse so early in the recruiting process?

“I really liked the school and the coaches… why not?”

How did the commitment take place?

“Over the phone. I called the defensive coordinator (Chuck Bullough).”

What was the reaction of the coach when you committed?

“He was pretty happy.”

Will you play offense or defense for the Orange?

“I’ll play offense. I just want to play football. I don’t care where I play. Tackle or guard, I’m not really sure yet.”

Do you still plan to take your visits during your senior season?

“I don’t know right now.”

Are you going to attend any one-day college camps this summer?

“I don’t know. I don’t think so.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“I’m going to try to help out as much as I can.”

Who is your favorite NFL player?

“J.J. Watt, he’s fun to watch.”

What is your favorite part about playing football?

“Everything about it, I really love the sport.”

 

Cam is the textbook definition of a throwback football player. Just line him up and let him go. For diehard Orange fans DeGeorge is very much in line with the Larry Csonkas and Tim Greens of old. He does not seem to care about any of the glory or accolades, he just wants to play.

Orange head coach Scott Shafer is in the midst of trying to reestablish Syracuse football back to its former glory. Paul Pasqualoni (1991-2004) took over the reigns of the then Orangemen from Dick MacPherson (1981-1990) taking the program to new heights becoming regular contenders in the Big East Conference. Before taking over for Doug Marrone in 2013, Shafer came to Syracuse as the team’s defensive coordinator in 2009.

For Syracuse to start contending regularly in the ACC, what better place for Shafer to start building an identity for his program of toughness and competitive fire than with his first verbal commitment in 2016, Cam DeGeorge?

 

Written by Ryan Wright

Photo credit: Lynnfield HS. No. 72 Cam DeGeorge.