Fusco a finalist for Upshaw Award
SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University's football season is over, but Brandon Fusco's football career might just be starting.
The senior center and Seneca Valley graduate was named as one of eight finalists for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year award Tuesday.
Fusco received the most votes among the 10 candidates in the Super Region One portion. Two candidates from each of four Super Regions were selected as national finalists.
Malcolm Jenkins, a defensive end from Elizabeth City State (N.C.) finished second to Fusco in the voting.
“This is a tremendous honor. Something like this has never happened to one of our players before,” SRU coach George Mihalik said.
Fusco received 17 first-place votes and was listed second on seven other ballots of the 39 ballots cast in the region. He accumulated 137 points to Jenkins' 114.
The winner will be announced in December. and will receive the award at the banquet for the Texas vs. The Nation all-star football game Feb. 5 in San Antonio, Texas.
Fusco has accepted an invitation to play in that game. He is being considered for the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Game as well.
“If it's my choice, I'll play in all three of them,” Fusco said. “I need to prove I can play with the big dogs at the highest level.”
The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Fusco is headed to the IMG Sports Academy in Bradenton, Fla., Dec. 6. That organization is directed by former Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke.
Fusco plans to work out there 10 to 12 hours per day, leading up to the Texas vs. The Nation game.
Earlier this week, Fusco signed with agent Alan Herman of New York, who represents 50 NFL players.
“My parents and I flew up there, met with the staff and felt comfortable with the whole thing,” Fusco said. “That was a stressful process. I've had 50 agents call me or text me in recent weeks. I'm glad that's done with.”
Mihalik said Fusco had 50 to 65 NFL scouts come to see him during the season as well. All 32 NFL teams have seen him play at least once.
“Greg Paterra (1987-88 running back) drew a lot of pro interest here, but Brandon is first in that category,” Mihalik said. “His draft status may go up a round or two if he performs well in those all-star games.”
CBSSports.com ranks Fusco fourth among draft-eligible centers. He is the only Division II player ranked among the top five at any position. Fusco is projected to be a fifth-round draft pick.
Fusco started 44 consecutive games for The Rock. He didn't miss a game after redshirting his freshman year.
Fusco's final regular season college game was against C.W. Post.
“He's a great, great player ... the best offensive lineman I've seen in a long time. I think he's got a great chance at making it into the NFL,” C.W. Post coach Bryan Collins said.
Fusco is believing that more and more.
“With each day, that prospect is looking more like reality for me,” he admitted.
