Syracuse, N.Y. -- When Sharod Johnson arrived in Central New York last summer, he knew of Steve Ishmael, but hadn't personally met his fellow Miami native.
Johnson was familiar with Ishmael's legacy at North Miami Beach, including all-state and all-Miami-Dade accolades, as well as schools records for touchdowns, receptions and receiving yards.
So once the two got talking, it didn't take long for a bond to form.
"We just connected, man," Johnson said after practice on Thursday. "It's a Miami thing. You're from the crib so you just come together as one."
Johnson and Ishmael spent time together working out, watching film, studying for class and just hanging out during down time.