McKinnon following in footsteps of former SU star Darius

By: Andy McCullough and John Clayton

Posted: 8/27/08

He wears his idol's number (No. 20) and attends his alma mater (Syracuse).

And now he starts for the Orange, just like his idol did.

Sophomore Randy McKinnon was named Syracuse's starting free safety Sunday, manning the post his mentor Donovin Darius held from 1995 to 1997.

"It's a blessing, I feel," McKinnon said, "just to be able to walk in the shoes of somebody as great at Donovin Darius do the things that he did for this program."

McKinnon met the Syracuse star and the nine-year NFL veteran at their church in Jacksonville, Fla., where McKinnon played for The Potter's House Christian Academy. Darius, meanwhile, played for the Jaguars. Darius caught McKinnon in a few high school games and took him under his wing. They would watch Darius' highlight film together - a mentoring role, McKinnon said.

It's part of the reason he traveled up north to Syracuse in the first place.

McKinnon got in all 12 games last year, mostly at special teams. Coming into the season, McKinnon was stuck behind senior A.J. Brown at the strong safety slot. But head coach Greg Robinson asked him to switch midway through camp, a move that led him to the first team.

He beat out sophomore kick returner Max Suter and senior converted running back Paul Chiara for the job.

"Randy, for a long period of time, was very consistent," Robinson said at his press conference Sunday. "Back there in the secondary, that's critical. Sometimes we can get fooled by physical skills. But it goes beyond that."

Darius isn't the only Orange alumnus McKinnon keeps in contact with. Joe Fields, a starting safety for the Orange the past two seasons, would call at random during the summer and quiz McKinnon on coverage strategies and defensive assignments.

That tutoring paid off this season. So did his aggressiveness, he said.

McKinnon found out Sunday when he saw the team's depth chart posted online.

"I kind of figured, since I was running with the 'one's' and I saw it on paper," he said. "So I guess it was just confirming."

Receiver reunion

Lavar Lobdell and Bruce Williams have lined up opposite each other at wide receiver before. Back when they were teammates at Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse.

They may end up in that formation Saturday. Both are listed along with Donte Davis as potential starters for the game at Northwestern.

For the senior Williams, who converted to wide receiver in early August after wideout Dan Sheeran broke his leg, it may provide a chance to team up with his old high school teammate.

"I'm excited. It's been four or five years since I was actually lined up on the same side as Lavar," Williams said. "It's pretty exciting to have my friend back, and to have times we can spend times together and really cherish, being it's my senior year."

Williams played wide receiver his freshman year, snagging four catches for 52 yards. He spent the last two years at safety, but it doesn't sound like he's had much trouble transitioning back to offense.

"It's took me about 20 minutes to get this offensive playbook," Williams said. "You know, it's not complicated. Then I have the defensive perspective too to help me."

Brinkley speaks out

Curtis Brinkley didn't mince words when asked about the importance Syracuse's season opener.

"I think this team is doing a great job as far as the mental part with the seasons we had. But I do think we need this game," Brinkley said. "I really believe we need to win this game, to start off the season the right way. So the people who don't feel good about the team can. … I've seen a dramatic change with the whole offense and defense.

"I think a quick start is very important this year, just to avoid the negativity in everybody."

Brinkley is part of a three-man competition for the starting tailback spot with Doug Hogue and Delone Carter.

Brinkley missed the last four games of last season with a broken leg, but gave a positive health report Tuesday.

"I haven't felt this good since I've been playing ball," Brinkley said.

ramccull@syr.edu

jsclayto@syr.edu