SirVocea Dennis went from playing quarterback for CBA to guiding Pittsburgh’s defense as middle linebacker. On Saturday, “Vossy” will return to the familiar turf of the Dome in Syracuse, hoping to lead the Panthers to their first 10-win season since 1981.
“He said, ‘Mom, I’m going to be interviewed so much, you’re going to get sick of seeing my face. So that’s the first one,” said Corliss Dennis, while pointing out a photo of SirVocea Dennis.
It was an old one in which he was wearing the purple and gold of CBA.
What You Need To Know
- SU hosts Pittsburgh in their regular-season finale on Saturday
- There is a lot on the line for both teams: SU needs a win to clinch a bowl bid, while Pittsburgh is seeking their first 10-win season since 1981
- SirVocea Dennis, who went to CBA, is one of the leaders on the team
- “Vossy,” who led CBA to a section title win at the Dome in 2016 is looking forward to this homecoming, expects about 75 friends and family to attend
The gym at the Dennis household has all types of memorabilia.
“This is our little trophy section,” Corliss Dennis said. She is one proud mama.
“So, Sir was number six at CBA, my older son. And Vossy, of course, was 17,” she said.
Her sons, Sir and SirVocea, played at CBA.
“SirVocea’s sportsbook. He made the All-CNY football team, and these are just articles about how well he and his teammates were doing,” Corliss Dennis said, while flipping through pages and pages of articles.
Vossy did it all for the Brothers, leading them to a section title win in 2016 at the Dome.
“He has always been focused. He’s always had a smile on his face. Always hardworking,” Corliss Dennis said.
That hard work is paying off because SirVocea Dennis has been a menace for Pitt. He’s second on the team with 65 tackles, and had his first collegiate pick-six against Clemson in October.
“When I caught the ball, it was like a wow moment. I didn’t know what was really going on until I was obviously 10 yards down the field running with the ball, and I’m just thinking in my head, ‘Don’t fall, just get to the touchdown, score,'” SirVocea Dennis said.
“So, I’m sitting up and I’m looking at the Jumbotron, and I’m seeing my baby run down and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, that’s my son!'” Corliss Dennis said.
It was a special moment that he chose to share with his mom.
“When Vossy hands me the ball, I take the ball and I sit down for a little bit and I just cry. I was just very, very overwhelmed and excited and happy for him, because that’s what he’s worked so hard for,” she said.
“I just know she was proud in that moment. I love to see her proud. I love to see her reaping what she sowed, and she definitely has seen me grow, have faith in me and been with me the whole way. To see that is truly special,” SirVocea Dennis said.
On Saturday, he returns to the Dome to play his hometown team of Syracuse.
“I feel like this is a little home game for me. I’m just excited to be back in the Dome,” he said.
“He plays very, very well in the Dome. I’m looking for him to put on show. I think it’ll be emotional. I think he’ll be super, super, super hype. I’m praying he does well,” said Corliss Dennis, who will be there, cheering on her son.
