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Franklin returns for another media go-round while Emerich makes his first appearance.
Zaire Franklin was a surprise selection in 2015 when he was chosen to represent the Syracuse Orange at ACC Kickoff. This year, it’d be weird if he wasn’t chosen. The junior linebacker and redshirt senior center Jason Emerich will rep the Orange at the 2016 media event.
Franklin is one of only three athletes who will be on hand for the second time. Last year he became only the fourth sophomore captain in the history of the Syracuse football team. He ended up as Syracuse’s leader in tackles (81) and was second on the team in tackles for loss (11.0). Zaire was also on the Spring 2015 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
Emerich played in all 12 games for the Orange last year, starting in ten of them. He enters the 2016 season entrenched as the team’s starting center and as one of the leaders on offense. He was also on the Spring 2015 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and a 2015 All-ACC Academic Team selection.
Of course new head coach Dino Babers will also be on hand to meet the ACC media and drop some sound bites.
Other notable players attending include Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, Clemson linebacker Ben Boulware, FSU running back Dalvin Cook, Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya, and Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The event takes place July 21-22 at the Westin Charlotte located in Charlotte, N.C. Head coaches and student-athletes from ACC Coastal Division schools will be available on Thursday, July 21, with the head coaches and student-athletes from Atlantic Division teams available on Friday, July 22.