Scott Shafer’s two-deep depth chart was released at ACC Media Day on Sunday, and it had a few surprises. It also presented a blueprint of how the Orange can go .500 or better in its new conference and make a bowl game. The Fizz breaks down how that can happen based on the position battles.
- Offense
Shafer has Terrell Hunt listed as his number one quarterback, with John Kinder and Charley Loeb behind him . This is Hunt‚Äôs job to lose, and with¬†former Oklahoma signal caller Drew Allen also lurking behind¬†him, Shafer may play Terrell until he performs poorly then go with Allen. Shafer said at ACC Media Days that Hunt “is in the driver’s seat” right now under center.¬†
The backfield is set with Jerome Smith, Prince-Tyson Gulley, and George Morris II. The H-Back combo of Ashton Broyld and freshman Brisley Estime is an interesting one. It’s not likely Shafer would give Estime a major role in his first season considering how sparingly they have used Broyld early in his career. Then again, Shafer may not be built in the Doug Marrone mold. The WR crew is better than you’d expect. Jarrod West and Jeremiah Kobena return for key roles, and expect a breakout season for 6’3” 210 lb. Adrian Fleming. Keep in mind former Arkansas Razorback Quinta Funderburk, and redshirt freshman Alvin Cornelius will be competing for time as well when Syracuse spreads it out on that Carrier Dome turf. Of the backs and receivers group, the ground attack is the strongest, but the wideouts have a good amount of depth that could surprise some folks. Under center is the biggest question. 
The offensive line loses first round NFL draft pick Justin Pugh. Center Macky McPherson says the team’s midseason turnaround last year was thanks in large part to #67 paving the way. RG Nick Robinson and LT Sean Hickey will be the biggest question marks. SU will need a handful of new, and young, faces to step up quickly in Omari Palmer and Kyle Knapp. Expect a solid presence on the interior of the line from Junior College transfer John Miller. Overall, this line is bigger and stronger than where they were a season ago, even without Pugh and Buffalo Bills bound Zach Chibane.
- Defense
The front seven was going to be Syracuse’s biggest strength heading into this season before starting DE Markus-Pierce Brewster and big reserve Davon Walls were kicked off the squad due to burglary charges. This vaulted guys like Robert Welsh and Eric Crume into more significant roles, and even warranted the position switch of Ron Thompson to defensive end. Crume though has progressed each of his three years on the Hill and will be a powerful combo up the middle with Jay Bromley. John Raymon is finally back on the map, and this line can certainly compete with some of the best ground attacks in the conference.
The linebacking group has the all-stars of the defense. It will feature seniors Marquis Spruill and Dyshawn Davis and ball hawk Cam Lynch. Add in JuCo transfers Luke Arciniega and Josh Kirkland, and the LB’s are the toughest group on the defense. It features size and experience, and Lynch has the ability to break out this season like senior Sriki Diabate did last year.
The secondary is also loaded with experience. Shafer has a comfortable three man rotation at the corner and safety positions, and won’t miss a beat in nickel or dime packages (Ritchy Desir or Wayne Morgan). Durell Eskridge and Julian Whigham try to replace Shamarko Thomas.
- Special Teams
Shafer has Kobena and Desir as his primary returners. These are his two most explosive special teamers, right behind is Morgan. The NYC native could become a viable option in the return game if Kobena goes down with an injury.
Because of some depth at important positions (RB and LB), and potential breakout stars at other positions SU has the potential for a 6+ win season despite playing in a much tougher conference. The road back to a bowl game starts in just under six weeks.
Posted: Kevin Fitzgerald
143 responses to “Syracuse’s Releases Updated Depth Chart, Orange Strengths Could Surprise”
I like the positive outlook but without a consistent pass rush the defense is going to have trouble stopping the pass. I do like the LB and RB on both sides of the ball I think a strong core on offense and defense will lead to some wins for sure. Only time will tell… Go SU
I predicted a strong year for the orangemen and a bowl trip at the end of the year for the team. But and I say BUT,I believe they have to cut down making those stupid mistakes on both sides of the ball that’s been haunting them over the last couple of years.
Kevin;thanks for an article that indicates Syracuse is way better than most people are giving them credit for. Way better than a 6-6 team. WAY BETTER.
6-6 is the best!! HCSS has his hands tied with a QB situation(mainly lack of experience) and a developing OL too!!
“D” looks the best in years. But without the “SHARK” the hard hitting(if legal now) soul of this team is dimmished!! I like Thompson better at TE than DE, but HCSS knows more than I do. SU’s best teams always had a monster TE starting. He doesn’t look like a Mickey Mouse player to me.
“ST’s” could manage without Kobena to!! He showed very little. Estime might be the answer there!! Very little info about FG abilities. Last year was quite worrisome about SU’s FG kickers!!
After watching the ACC Media Day stuff one can feel no real love for SU as of yet. And rightly so. SU has to earn it!! SU just has to beat up on its ACC brothers(let alone PSU and NW) to get some respect. The people who think a 6-6 record is way below expectations and think I might be crazy(nothing new) for that prediction(maybe so). But with PSU and a vastly improved NW at the start of the season then the ACC games one has to wonder if those fans know what their talking about. They probably don’t know!! I really hope I’m wrong, but if I’m right(think so) 6-6 is a great year for the birth of the CUSE program into the ACC!! Then look out for SU and HCSS in the coming years!!
Can’t wait for me and my gang of Barbarians, swearing, drinking heathens(once in awhile we do wear helmets with horns on them) for the start of the 2013 CFB season. Please get rowdy with us we will forgive you honestly!! AHHH!! Just checked off one of my “bucket list” items!! Bring it on!!
In-laws(PSU grads) seem to think that they’ll plunder the CUSE. We’ll see!! We’ll be at Giant Stadium(it will always be called that by me and real GGGG-MEN fans), but I told Grandmom and Grand-kids I’d behave-yeah right!! Can’t wait!! After all its what life is all about-doing what you love to do-right??
Terry,
Speaking of PSU, I have a crap load of cousins from Jersey who all went to Penn State and they started a FB Site ‘Penn State Squeezes the Juice Out Of the Orange’. In fact one of them got her Masters out of SU Communications but roots for PSU! Syracuse has got to tromp there butts in the ground! Go ‘Cuse!
Frank-Hey I put up with their crap too, but its all in fun and their great dudes/dudettes!! But they are probably the better team now. Jo Pa’s scandal didn’t help them, but they take it(my jabs) better than some on this site do-LOL!! We will be surrounded by these guys/gals at the SU/PSU game and will scream our lungs out in favor of our CUSE!! And nothing will happen to us! But I hope it doesn’t turn the other way, because the jabs(we are outnumbered) will come from them to. Great time can’t wait!! But this spring one of their kin( I’ll say that kindly) since they are country folk, is attending SU for Grad degree! So I’m working on her for the CUSE side. But that’s a job and 1/2.
Was watching ESPNU about the ACC media days. They interviewed other ACC coaches. But I was not always in front of the TV so I might of missed HCSS views. But I thought I caught all of the program, but didn’t see HCSS talk. Grandkids got me running around the friggin house today. If someone saw HCSS was it on ESPNU??
Also I might have some families/friends come in for a game or two. What is the correct address to get to Manley for parking. I want to give them the GPS for ease. Easy parking and tailgate to??
@Terry..”coaches views..”..Lmao!!!! Your funniest subtle wit to date, I damn near bust a lung.
@Franky… ya cousins suck, but what can you do?
@jonny.. I think the blitz packages and disguised defenses will make up for a home run hitting pass rusher. But with camp upon us, positions could change with competition…ex: Luke A. could switch from OLB to DE… or Broyld from “Slash” to a TE… that pass rusher is on the team somewhere.
@Ron.. I say 7-5 or 8-4 regular season record! But I believe they could do better, Hunt might have the hunger to be great! Qb is so vital to team success, I don’t want SU to giving up any momentum, I want the next 6000 yds, 40+ td career guy suiting up against the PSU LIONESSES
It’s a VERY rosy outlook. Weak DE’s, a QB issue unless Allen is head-and-shoulders better than the others, LB’s are still undersized and got run over last year, half of OL is completely unproven and inexperienced. I love SU, don’t get me wrong. But Shafer has a lot of inexperienced players at key spots.
just get out there and play the game the way its meant to be played..
@Terry;
To Manley Field House Parking. Set GPS to: 1301 East Colvin Street, Syracuse, NY 13244. From North and East (Southbound) – Interstate 81 south to exit 17.
I hope this helps.
@Terry;
They will not accept cash to park there. If they don’t let you in,you’ll have to go to Skytop parking lot and pay $10.00 for parking. From what I’ve heard in the past(it’s only rumor)they tailgate pretty hardy at that spot.
I hope this helps. Enjoy whatever game it is that you and your friends come to watch.
@Terry;
If you get there and they don’t let you in. Look diagonally across the lot from where your at(look for the Syracuse Flag and the American Flag flying) and tell them your joining that party and your just dropping your supplies off.
Good luck
@Ron,ya feel it?Getting close!
Ron you old salty dog you. Thank You!! I think I did mean Skytop. Sorry!! I don’t park at either place. We have our own area that’s limited in size. No way all of us will fit there. We’ll flip a coin to see where we all go. Hey its America and a few brews make it better. So family/friends/maybe us will have to go to Skytop to park/tailgate!! They/we are cool about that!! What’s Sky Tops GPS?? Is there a charge for the shuttle bus from there and back to Sky Top!! See I don’t research very good at times!! Thanks again!!
@Terry;
What are friends for? We can chew at each other all day long but when one needs help,were there.
Take the same directions as stated before. When you get to the intersection and you have a cemetary on your left and Manley Field House across from it also on the left,go through the intersection to the next red light,bear right and go up Skytop Road to the end. Follow the buses Terry. Once there yoor going to have to pay $10.00 for parking,I’ve never been there,but like I said earlier,there is an awful lot of tailgating going on there.
Food for thought,construction of the new law dorms and dean law center plus the argument thats going on between Syracuse University and the State School ESF,is taking a bunch of parking lots from around the Dome. You may get your wish when you mention better tailgating situations for the fans. I believe that the university is forcing the fans to go to Manley Field House and Skytop for future events.
Just my opinion though. When you go to the dome walk around the dome and go to Gate B. You’ll see what I’m talking about with the new construction and why it’s eating up the parking lots for the fans.
When coming down the hill to gate “B”,ESF school in across the street,notice the new construction there,new dorms a block from the school,addition to Sadler Dining Hall diagonaly across from Gate “B”,the new Law Building under construction across from the dome and another block down the new dorms built for the law students. The other side of Sadler Dining Hall is an open parking lot where another new building will be going up probably once the law building is completed.
@Terry;
There is no charge for the shuttle bus to and from the dome. Just letting you know ahead of time there are a lot of people who goes to skytop to party.
@Russell MacEachern;
Can I feel it? I see the train a coming Russell,Chad Mavety is the person driving the train,coming from California and going across the fruit and plains,stopping in places like Arizona,Illinois,Missouri,Florida,stopping in Georgia,NYC,LI,NJ and other places filling the cars with OL & DL,WR,RB,LB,more DE’s. Players that all have one goal in mind,to help turn the Syracuse Football program into a contender for the ACC Championship.
Just my optimism running amuck Russell.
Thanks Ron-Last year I did take a wrong turn and saw the construction going on. But didn’t pay muct attention to it. Thank you!! I’ll send the info out.
A real uncomfortable article about HCSS and his Media actions this week. As usual the syracuse.com might of been a little harsh, but that will catch more eyes for their sake. Like I said earlier SU getting no respect. It will have to earn that. After all these meetings are held in NC!!! But HCSS is my/our coach now and he’s a keeper for now!!
When Terry have you ever known the Post Standard to be kind to Syracuse Football?
I think their all wanna-be’s trying real hard to become a somebody,and it isn’t working.
I read the same article and it disgusted me.
Sean Hickey is not a question mark. He’s our best player on the OL
6 and 6 would be a home run! It’s going to be a tough year. With this recruiting class and the strength of the ACC, next year could be worse. Anywhere but Cuse, Shafer would be gone after next year! I’m hoping they clean house in the athletic department after the “bitch” is gone. Then we can start building a program instead of worring about the poor,
Ahaa, its nice dialogue on the topic of this paragraph at this place at this weblog, I have read all that,
so now me also commenting at this place.
Really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. Great site and a great topic as well I really get amazed to read this. It’s really good.
Hello! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of
volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community
in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to
work on. You have done a extraordinary job!
You did a congrats. I is sure to dig the idea and professionally recommend to be able to my good friends. I ‘m confident are going to benefited using this site.
If you are going for finest contents like me,
just visit this web site everyday since it presents quality contents, thanks
This is a topic which is close to my heart… Take care!
Where are your contact details though?
What’s up everyone, it’s my first visit at this web page,
and post is actually fruitful in support of me, keep up
posting these articles.
I do not even know how I ended up here, however
I thought this post was once great. I do not recognize who you are but certainly you are going to a famous blogger in the
event you are not already. Cheers!
Thanks designed for sharing such a fastidious opinion,
post is good, thats why i have read it completely
Good day! This post could not be written any better!
Reading this post reminds me of my good old room mate!
He always kept talking about this. I will forward this write-up to him.
Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
These are genuinely wonderful ideas in on the topic of
blogging. You have touched some good things here. Any way keep up wrinting.
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog.
Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to
see a great blog like this one these days.
Ahaa, its nice discussion on the topic of this
post here at this blog, I have read all that, so at this time me
also commenting at this place.
Greetings! Very useful advice within this article! It’s the little changes that produce the biggest changes.
Thanks for sharing!
Once the war, a result of the large surplus of biplanes, the particular Stearman was sold
off to civilian contractors as well as businesses with the thousands Never panic should you
be carrying a below-average credit history because these are ideal methods for the people
by using bad credit report The payday advances are acknowledged by unique names
in the UK financial market place like cash loan, instant personal loans, pounds till payday, and so forth
The only thing you have to do is always to meet the minimal requirements in the borrowing
method and get money right away The most
attractive aspect of prompt loans is they can be applied internet
and the applicant isn’t required to facsimile any testimonials for corroboration, the following save time as
well as during an emergency requirement so therefore helps
to receive funds as quickly as possible It’s simple to toss the
regular monthly statement while in the trash-it’s only report Steve Madden, who witout a doubt held
the necessary licenses for extras under the two Betsey Johnson and Betseyville
brands, now also has possessing her logos and technically
owns this company Banking specialists are often quit scratching its heads simply because
they simply do definitely not know where by these companies can be
found or who will be running the actual show Your federated
student loans are presented by 50 % choices For you to qualify for the
cash advance loans, you have to be with legal grow older and at the moment employed along with receiving a earnings
or other forms of regular revenue, with an energetic checking or savings account with a bank in addition to a debit greeting card A tight top-knot appears to be great for nite and
day; be sure to convey a little serum to your curly hair for that further shine If you are going
regarding consolidation from the banks or perhaps a
society you happen to be most probably choosing consolidations that are highly insecure There
are specific suggestions for someone acquiring their file expunged including meeting all the wants of parole, zero additional crimes, and other
certain conditions Here are some situations you will not
want to purchase a home The approval of fast loans swallows a short while as well as the amount of money is going to be transferred to your finances the same day
perhaps next small business evening The attractive force to swift money is
understandable when obligations come owing and the funds to make
payments simply are not available You can find a reliable enterprise who can allocate a credit counselor or perhaps debt skilled to handle a person’s
case for free He added, Unfortunately, only since the stimulus bill appeared to be supposed to lessen unemployment, along with the health-care expenses appeared to be supposed to reduce well being treatment costs reducing
the lack, this payment, as well, will perform the opposite of what’s advertised This mostly consists of tuition charges, living expenses and perhaps expenses regarding
supporting household You can get the money for almost any
objective without even showing the lender and also lender won’t intervene from the use you are going to make of the particular funds he could be just involved of regular repayment Reference point of
the concern to the payday debt collection firm can result in embarrassment
and ignominy while in the society because these agencies have
the reputation of harassing the shoppers by making many telephone calls daily and inquiring payment
Simply want to say your article is as astounding. The clearness
for your publish is simply great and that i can assume you are knowledgeable in this subject.
Well along with your permission allow me to snatch your feed to keep up
to date with imminent post. Thank you 1,000,
000 and please continue the gratifying work.
At this moment I am ready to do my breakfast,
afterward having my breakfast coming again to
read additional news.
Good article. I will be dealing with some of these issues as
well..
Pretty great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I have truly loved surfing around your
blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing in your feed and I’m
hoping you write again soon!
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is required to get setup?
I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% sure. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Appreciate it
Hurrah, that’s what I was exploring for, what a data! present here at this
webpage, thanks admin of this website.
Thanks for your personal marvelous posting!I truly enjoyed reading it, yyou happen to be a great author.I will be
sure to bookmark your blog and will often come back later in life.I want to encourage you continue your great job, have
a nice day!
I’ll right away snatch your rss as I can not in finding your email
subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do
you’ve any? Kindly let me understand in order that I could subscribe.
Thanks.
I go to see daily a few blogs and blogs to read
articles or reviews, but this weblog gives quality based articles.
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally,
it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You clearly know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be
giving us something informative to read?
Howdy! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog.
Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out
pretty fast. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do
you have any points or suggestions? Thanks
There is cerainly a great deal to learn about this topic.
I love all of the points you’ve made.
Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site,
how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept
Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your article seem to be running
off the screen in Internet explorer. I’m not sure if
this is a formatting issue or something to do with web browser
compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know.
The design look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Cheers
Amazing! This blog looks exactly like my old one!
It’s on a entirely different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Outstanding choice of colors!