New York City's Lynell Suggs

In the vertical passing game, wide receivers need to find every advantage they can to separate themselves from defenders and beat them to the ball.  For Lynell Suggs, a unique way to hone his skills was to spend his spring doing something most teenage boys save for the summer beach time, he played volleyball.

A star wide receiver for Lehman, Suggs was one of three footballers to turn their attention to volleyball in the spring and led Lehman to the city championship. "Playing volleyball was just something to do during the spring, but I know it has helped me in football, since it has helped me to go up and get the ball," Suggs said.

But his volleyball diversion came to an end just in time to re-focus his attention on his football future, and a date in the Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge.

"I watched the 2001 game on television and knew right then that I wanted to be a part of it if I could. I'm excited to get back on the field and compete," he added. Thanks to the length of the volleyball title run, he hardly has to skip a beat to get himself back in a football conditioning pace. "I haven't really stopped working out, so it's no big deal to get going right now. I am in my weight lifting class and I try to catch balls every day," he noted.

A wideout is at the mercy of the game plan to determine how involved he will be in the game. Suggs looks for a wide open attack from the New York City team. "I'm looking forward to a wide open game. That's the kind of game that's best for me, one where we spread the field out. I'm not sure yet what the coaches have in mind, but I know we have the talent to move the ball."

He also knows his teammates will not lack motivation to do more on July 1st than just participate.

"Oh, I know that Long Island has won the last two," he stated. "For me, it's a big deal to end that streak and bring the title back to the city. We're going in there to have fun, but the bottom line is we don't want to lose three in a row."

Suggs will team up with six other recruits who will move on to Stony Brook to play at the next level. He is looking forward to playing with those who will be teammates, and competing with those who will be rivals.

"I know Anwar Issacs already and it will be fun to get together with the other guys and get to know them. At the same time, it will be fun to win the game and have something to talk about to the guys from Long Island who will be going there," he added.

But while the playful aspects of competition might be something to look forward to, Suggs also realizes the opportunity and true meaning behind the game.

"It's nice to be able to play in a game that also can bring such hope to so many people.  It's for a great cause and shows that we are good people and can do good things. I can't wait to get to the game," he added.