One of the top impact players to watch as SU opens the season against Northwestern is freshman DeVante McFarlane, who was newly named a RB. Doug Marrone recruited McFarlane as an athlete, because he was obviously talented but had multiple possible landing spots on the SU roster. McFarlane’s latest switch is back to offense after spending training camp as a safety. 
 
Marrone says McFarlane brings so many abilities to the table that it took him some time to finally decide where he would best help the team. As the roster currently stands, that spot is in the backfield. 
“When I met with DeVante, I really struggled. At first, I saw 6’1”, that the kid runs a 4.5 [40 yard dash], and 194 pounds that can run and hit. I think those type of players are tough to acquire. I wanted to put him at runningback, because I also knew he was a darn good runningback, and at the time we were still working out the safety position.”
Anyone who can run and hit is a valuable supplementary piece at a list of possible positions. As Marrone saw more of McFarlane throughout the spring and summer, he decided that his abilities were better suited for the offensive side of the ball.
“Now I look at a guy who can potentially run the ball, pass protect, catch the ball, and a whole bunch of other things. Hindsight being 20/20, I wish I would have moved him back to runningback earlier. I think he has the talent, so I’m excited to see how he progresses.” 
The backfield is already a crowded one, with Jerome Smith grabbing the starting nod plus Prince-Tyson Gulley, George Morris, Adonis Ameen-Moore and now McFarlane. All 5 should get carries this year.
 
Back in the spring, when McFarlane inked his NLI, he told The Fizz he felt best as a halfback, but was flexible.
“Wherever they put me, to help contribute to the team, that’s good for me.”
At Half Hollow Hills West High School, McFarlane was a 3rd team all state linebacker. He also spent time in the secondary and at runningback. Apparently, he learns quickly because he has the raw athleticism that can be applied on both sides of the ball.
 
DMF has finally landed where he wanted to all along. Now, he gets a chance in his first year to contribute big plays to an offense that needs them.
Posted: Jake Moskowitz
19 responses to “Secret Weapon? Marrone High On DeVante, Wishes He Moved Him Back Earlier”
Man,he’s got to have flashed something with the supposed shortage of DBs and overload at RB?…With AE coming next yr to switch D-McF to rb says he must be some Athlete?…maybe a RRice type of talent?
I thought the RB duties would be split between AAM and George Morris III because both looked really good in the game during FANFEST.
Just goes to show that speculation gets you nowhere. Devante has the size and maybe the speed to succeed. Let’s all wish him the best.
One of the FF and I can’t remember who(bogogo,CDL,bigdip)wished for this move to happen. It just goes to show that our group is on “the cutting edge and out front with our thoughts” and what one wishes for does indeed come true.
Good job everyone. GO CUSE
Reports are saying that Morris needs a year of S&Cas he is a bit slight so you might see him get a red-shirt but Devante is ready to go. If he breaks one early this year the decision will have been justified to play him now at RB. AAM is now ready to show why he was highly recruited Jerome will be the work horse early this season.We all get the update this SaturdayAn “OrangeOut is being called for. Lets hope the crowd number is in the 40,000+ range.
Completely agree @chris! I I’ll be in my finest orange apparel for this game!
I will also be dressed in orange. Let’s have some fun guy’s.
GO CUSE
Will miss home opener as I will be in NC, bad timing! Saw DMF run in HS game. He has great potential this year. The best of everything. Go Orange!
Glad to see you guys are so excited for the season. Saturday will certainly set the tone for a swing season for SU and Marrone. McFarlane was always a darkhorse to be in the starting mix, but had impressed Marrone early on during the recruiting process. On National Signing Day, Marrone specifically mentioned him as a guy in which he saw a lot of talent and potential upside. He was only a two-star recruit, but as we’ve seen time and time again, the star system is often not a good indicator of how well a kid can perform at the college level.
@Russ- That’s a good point you make about Marrone’s decision to move him in terms of Edwards coming to play next year. We’re talking about a REALLY good competition for playing time when he gets added to the mix. I think McFarlane will play out his career here as more of a utility guy on offense. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in a short range receiver role either.
@Ron,health+godson’s wedding but I’ll b near tv….carry an orange for me!
Mosk,thanks and agreed!!nice story!!
McFarlane won best RB at a Penn State camp before his senior year I believe. So the kid has some RB skills!
I can’t wait til friday is over this week is going super slow with school
NYGs beat Patties again…sheesh! We own Brady & NE…LOL!
* SU needs playmakers Saturday: Sales, Wales, Broyld, Lemon, Stevens, Kobena, Ty P-Gulley, AA Moore, & DMF….I’d be surprised if he (mcfarlane) gets meaningful carries…all jokes n ideas aside, rb will be by committee, if we rank 100+ nationally, it would be a total disappointment. We have the athletes to produce a ground game.
1st televised game 2mrrow, Wsu vs Byu- dont care who,i just want ball.
Yes we did,and ur input is still enjoyed Lonewolf!!..lol…but Ill leave the revenge on the Yaguya clan too u!!
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