The rollercoaster ride was finally making the climb toward its peak two years ago at Yankee Stadium. Marcus Sales’ Syracuse career was largely defined by the lows for three years.

But the highly touted wide receiver out of Christian Brothers Academy put all together that day in the Bronx in 2010. Sales burned Kansas State for 172 yards and three touchdowns in a thrilling 36-34 Syracuse victory in the inaugural Pinstripe Bowl.

He had finally arrived, announcing his presence to the college football world on national television. His coaches praised his work ethic, something that had previously held him back from living up to his potential. Sales was the star of the day, even though SU running back Delone Carter rushed for 198 yards to earn MVP honors.

Sales will return to Yankee Stadium when Syracuse takes on West Virginia in the 2012 Pinstripe Bowl Saturday at 3:15 p.m. It will cap a senior year in which Sales emerged as a key cog in the high-scoring SU (7-5) offense and finished third in the Big East in receiving.

Before Sales could continue his climb, though, it all came crashing down.

Sales was arrested in July 2011 and faced felony drug charges. He was suspended indefinitely and the final year of his career was in doubt.

The 2010 Pinstripe Bowl could have been his final game in a Syracuse uniform. The arrest could have been the lasting memory of the local star who failed to make the most of his talent in college.

But Sales didn’t give up.

He spent the 2011 season with his high school quarterback, running routes and getting into the best shape of his career. The charges were dropped in October, and SU head coach Doug Marrone reinstated him in the spring.

Sales had a second chance at his senior year. And a second chance to reach a higher peak than he did with his big game in 2010.

The wide receiver did that in 2012, exploding out of the gate with 12 catches for 129 yards and a touchdown in the season opener against Northwestern, and finishing second on the team with 63 receptions for 863 yards and first with eight touchdown receptions.

Sales provided a reliable playmaker for quarterback Ryan Nassib in the Orange’s new, up-tempo spread attack early in the season as fellow receiver Alec Lemon recovered from an injury.

Sales and Lemon formed a dynamic duo for Nassib, helping Syracuse finish with the No. 1 passing offense in the Big East. And along the way, that offense played a large part in SU overcoming a 2-4 start.

Sales hauled in nine catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns in a shocking comeback win over South Florida in Tampa, Fla. He was also a key contributor in a 31-27 win at Missouri, pulling in eight balls for 85 yards while Lemon went off for 12 catches for 244 yards and two touchdowns.

The Orange won five of its last six games to become bowl eligible and earn a share of the Big East title.

Sales was there from start to finish, making his big day in the Bronx in 2010 just one highlight in his Syracuse career.

On Saturday, he’ll get a chance to add another where the climb started two years ago.

Published on December 28, 2012 at 5:11 pm

Contact Ryne: rjgery@syr.edu