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Class of 2014 Syracuse QB commit AJ Long was one of many who sat comfortably in his living room to watch the Orange become bowl eligible against Boston College last Saturday. Long chatted with The Fizz and admitted his eyes were glued to the television.
‚ÄúI was watching the game the entire time,” Long said. “There was no way they were going to lose that game.‚Äù
We‚Äôve been hammering just¬†how important the victory over the Eagles to a potential bowl game means for the future of the football program. Long was probably not the only recruit soaking in Syracuse‚Äôs thrilling comeback in the fourth quarter. Thanks to his knack of verbal leadership, AJ has been¬†one of the most outspoken recruits in recent memory. He admired the way the Orange battled and earned a “hard-nosed” sixth win.
The Fizz preached earlier in the week that potential prospects down the road will learn Scott Shafer gives everyone a fair shot. The quarterback competition heading into the season really speaks to that point. Shafer didn’t cave into playing Drew Allen the entire season to bail himself out in a tough ACC schedule. Instead, Terrel Hunt started every in-conference affair and although it wasn’t pretty, Shafer and George McDonald’s guy managed to get the job done.
Long appreciates how Shafer is really true to his word:
“He has shown that throughout his entire coaching career. Once he says they are going to be a hardnosed football team, I believed it right away. It is pretty cool to see that it actually happened.”
Long also believes Syracuse stood out in 2013 compared to other schools for its ability to take advantage of its tested depth:
“Even though those guys are young, they are still experienced who can help you out. They fought through the season even with all the injuries. Jarrod West now, [Brisly] Estime when he was hurt, losing [Adrian] Flemming at the beginning of the year. They have fought through a lot of injuries that a lot of other teams in the ACC that if they lose those top guys, they aren’t as good as they are right now. Seeing the toughness of the guys you’re going to be playing with as well as the ceiling they have, and just the class we have coming in, adds to that.”
The injury bug undoubtedly serves as a major factor for all programs. How to manage the bug and overcome it says more about a football team. Luckily mainstay defensive veterans stayed relatively healthy because, as Long pointed out, the offense had new, working parts almost every week in the final stretch of the season. Perhaps it’s why McDonald struggled to implement a consistent offensive system. He’s received some criticism but also high praise, especially in last week’s final match.
The way in which Syracuse ended the regular season has Long fired up for National Signing Day. The Fizz referred a piece Syracuse.com did on Syracuse’s newest QB recruit Alin Edouard over to Long. The former Miami commit Edouard says he will be “the face of the program soon.” No need to panic about Long’s confidence. He’s excited for some healthy competition:
“That’s the fun part about college sports. You got four other guys that were the man in their areas that come into a program wanting to be the man, again. Had I had that question asked to me, I probably would have said the same answer. I think the same way he does right now thinking he’s ready to be the face of the program. I’m ready for it, [and] I hope he’s ready for it because that’s going to be an unbelievable competition in the next four years.”
Déjà vu all over again. We remember a similar QB recruit battle between former SU commit, now TCU quarterback Zach Allen and current freshman Austin Wilson. And of course this past season with Allen and Hunt. Long embraces the idea of matching his opposition rather than completely avoiding the situation.
The Friendship Christian senior suffered a concussion in practice early in the high school season, but returned to lead his squad to the quarterfinals. His 15 touchdowns to five interceptions are not as eye-popping to his junior stint when he finished with 37 TD passes and just one pick. The bottom line is recruits such as Long are even more excited to come up On the Hill after SU’s win last weekend. Whether the program earns its third bowl game in the last four years remains the serious question. Regardless, Long and others have been even more inspired.
Of course, Long has the intention to show up Edouard.
Buckle up, Orange fans. This should be fun.
Posted by: Brendan Glasheen
10 responses to “Ready for the Competition: QB Recruit AJ Long Talks Syracuse’s ’13 Season”
I thought the competition between the four candidates(Wilson,Kimble,Long and Edouard)in 2014 was going to be real tough and interesting to watch. I have to admit with the maturation of Terrell Hunt this season only gives credence to him being given the chance to remain the starting QB at Syracuse. I believe he’s earned it. Don’t you?
Problem with Hunt is he has no accuracy past 15 yds and at times it looks like he can’t throw a 4 yd pass. He looks to scramble too much due to being uncomfortable in the pocket. Not sure if anything will change, but he did not look good since wagner up until Boston college. He may improve and at least he has experience over the 4 incoming, however, it might be better just to start with a Frosh and hang with it if any of them are on par with hunt or better next year. My 2 cents, probably not worth 1 cent, but thats my take.
I am excited, however, to see Morris II and Mcfalane’s progress.
We need secondary help though… Hope we get a bowl and looking forward to next year..
P.S. I am glad they got rid of those awful blue uniforms.
Bleeding Orange.
@wwxnash;
My point was that they owe Terrell Hunt a shot of winning it away from the other four that’s trying out to be the starting QB. If I were a betting man,I’d put money on Austin Wilson winning the position.
@Russell Dangerfield;
it appears that everyone is dumping on Rutgers these days. You have to read the last paragraph of the article posted “BUFFALO GO HOME YOUR DRUNK”.
http://www.nunesmagician.com/2013/12/6/5181642/go-home-buffalo-youre-drunk-bulls-syracuse-orange-new-york-college-team
Ron,I’m so sick of all the negativity about eastern FB as a whole if we did’nt get a bowl after beating SU I was ready to give it up for a few months but I will look into that link!Did you read what ND is up to on nunes site? What’s their problem? They always get there way?
@Russell Dangerfield;
They all knock eastern football Russell,but when the top dogs need top talent,they’re not afraid to come north of the Mason Dixon Line to reap our talent,are they?
I guess from what I’m reading about ND is the players don’t want to play in the Pinstripe Bowl this year because of the cold and snow. I guess from the statements the players are making they always play in the sunshine and mild weather after Thanksgiving and it never gets cold or snows in South Bend Indiana. Damn Russell,I just figured out why ND gets all of the so called top talent year after year. It’s the weather!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
I’M ALSO WONDERING IF THE GIRL THAT TOOK HER CLOTHES OFF IN THE DOME AT THE SYRACUSE/INDIANA GAME IS A FAN OF ND,AND WHEN THEY LOSE TAKES HER CLOTHES OFF THERE TOO. Has to be the weather Russell.
As far as I see it Hunt is the starting QB next year. I think through the year he continued to progress. He really didn’t have WR who could create space. Towards the end of the season as the young wr came along he looked much better. ( had something to throw too) Also he is a great runner.
hunt will be the starter next year. he had growing pains this year which should make him better next season. the changes may be the wide receivers though, i don’t see west, kobena, starting next year with cooper, custis,etc coming next year. i see alot better offense for syracuse next season.
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