Syracuse, N.Y. -- Syracuse linebacker Anwar Sparrow entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal this offseason but planned to remain with the Orange through the Holiday Bowl, saying earlier this month that he planned to "finish what he started."
On Thursday, Syracuse coach Fran Brown hinted that Sparrow could be with the Orange a little longer than expected, citing improvements Sparrow has made during the practices leading into Friday night's game against Washington State.
"I don't think Anwar is staying in the portal," Brown said. "Guys go in the portal for situations, right? I think all situations are different. ... I think that Anwar has taken over the last month a role of, 'OK, I know what I need to do to be the man that I'm supposed to be. And if I do what I'm supposed to do off the field to be the man that I'm supposed to be, then becoming a great football player will be easy.' He obviously has the talent to do that but it was the other areas. The faith. The academics. It was all those pieces of making sure he got it all together the right way."
Syracuse will need to replace its two best linebackers next season in Marlowe Wax and Justin Barron.
Derek McDonald has another year of college eligibility. The veteran has played infrequently on defense following Wax's return and Barron's emergence at the position.
If Sparrow does come back to the Orange, he would be the next most experienced player that could return before McDonald. He is followed by James Heard.
Listed as 6-foot-1 and 223 pounds, Sparrow made nine tackles this season for the Orange.
Syracuse already has had one player, offensive lineman Josh Miller, who put his name into the transfer portal before later announcing a return to the Orange.
Players can enter their names into the transfer portal and return by mutual decision, but schools are not obligated to take them back.
Syracuse's game against Washington State on Friday will be notable for the exceptionally high number of Cougars who have entered the transfer portal this offseason, many of whom are expected to play.
According to On3.com, Washington State currently has 30 players who have transferred or entered their names into the transfer portal. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, most of them will suit up against the Orange.
Brown said the way that players approach the transfer process determines whether he gives them that option at Syracuse.
Players who initiate conversations about a transfer with him or SU administrators might be given the option to finish the season. Those who discuss the possibility with teammates and risk creating morale issues lose that choice.
"I'm the No. 1 person unless you go to (athletic director) John Wildhack or (Senior Deputy Athletics Director Herm (Frazier)," Brown said. "If you go to them or come to me and you talk to me like a man then we can sit there and I can probably let you finish the year. But if you're spreading that to the team, I've got to get rid of you right there."
In the case of Sparrow, the linebacker;s decision to handle things professionally might lead him to a longer stint with the Orange than it appeared he would have.
Notes: Perhaps the most anticipated part of the Holiday Bowl is the game's second-annual Eggnog dump and how Syracuse head coach Fran Brown might handle the moment.
He left a little drama on Thursday, saying he expected tight end Dan Villari to take the bullet for him.
"I'm allergic to eggs, so Dave Villari is taking the NIL deal," Brown said with a laugh. "I think Meier's Creek already said they would love for him to be the guy to do it. I'm allergic to eggs. I definitely would love to pour the Eggnog on Dan, if I could."
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