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The Fizz has dissected the numerous options the Orange has at wide receiver this coming season. Well, Syracuse could turn to those players in the kick return game in 2014.
Syracuse.com’s Nate Mink recently touched on one in particular that can dominate that field. WR Brisly Estime is a single card of a stacked deck head coach Scott Shafer can choose from:
“We have some good options. I’m excited to show you guys those¬†on Friday¬†night. (Estime) is one of them.”
As opposed to sliding all of the weight onto the running backs for this role, you can only appreciate Shafer is open and actually executing a plan to work different personnel into the special teams category. Estime is not a bad guy to start with. His speed at the Texas Bowl did not go unnoticed—by anyone.
Whether it is indeed Estime or freshman Ervin Philips, or even a handful of running backs in on the job, the key here is that there are plenty of possibilities. That usually isn’t the case because when you think special teams, oftentimes it can be a very close-minded, dicey subject. 
As Mink noted, Estime consumed nine such touches (kickoffs and punts) as a true freshman last year. Those RBs like George Morris II, Devante McFarlane and Prince-Tyson Gulley were go-to kick return men last season, as well. Mix in Philips and, hey, we have some “good options” here, as Shafer noted.
Look, not usually do fans or spectators go bananas about who’s on special teams, but Syracuse is exploring these roles a bit more extensively. It’s not a sign of desperation. 
Think of it more as a way of really getting a sense of what this offensive group of young players is really made of. How thick is its skin? What can one guy do that the other guy can’t? Creating a bit of (gulp) hard-nosed competition is absolutely a good thing.
Friday night against Villanova, don’t expect a blueprint with the special teams’ units. What many say is the game’s third most important aspect behind offense and defense could very well compile SU’s best early season highlights due to the hyped uncertainty and galore of talent.
Posted by: Brendan Glasheen
8 responses to “SU Football‚Äôs Efficiency on Special Teams: An Early Season Highlight?”
Special Teams is the third phase and we do often overlook it. We need strong coverage units as well. I normally don’t like seeing freshmen who won’t receive much playing time on offense burn a redshirt yr, but if Phillips can be a difference maker on returns then its worth it. Estime figures to be a big part of the offense so I would be more inclined to save him as much as I could.
lets go cuse.. i’m fired up hoping for a great season, see ya at the dome..
Punt returns have been a huge disappointment for many years if not in over a decade. Sure a sure handed receiver there is a must but getting positive yardage back is also desirable. Estime’s bowl return was a rare bonus
Malone;
How can anyone doubt your insight into what is all orange commentary?
Don Bosco (Ramsey, N.J.) Preparatory High School cornerback Daivon Ellison verbally committed to Syracuse on Monday, he announced on Twitter.
You told us all that he was coming to Syracuse. Another fine catch by the coaching staff at Syracuse University.
Thank you Ron, just reporting what I hear. Big pickup not just for the class, but for the program, and recruiting in NJ. Still want Fox and Milan. Losing hope for Robinson and Sheppard. So odd that NY kids still fight us. I remember reading another recruit say that when he saw NJ kids committing to SU it really swayed him (Henderson?). Wonder if more of the same can do more of the same with any of the previously mentioned high targets.
I believe Coach Shafer bringing in Bobby Acosta is going to pay hugh dividends for syracuse University over the next few years. Getting recruits out of Don Bosco prep is big.
I’ve recently talked with Jeremiah Kobena,Ashton Broyld,Marcus Coleman,Darius Kelly,Luke Arciniega,Josh Kirkland,Wayne Morgan and Alvin Cornelius.
Their message is the same. They tell me the team is stronger than what it was last year and the upper classmen tell me the freshmen recruits are really talented. Should be really interesting and it all starts Friday night.
So far Acosta has improved SU’s NE recruiting position. I wasn’t sure about him. His recruiting is good. We’ll see about his coaching skills. He as impressed me.
As for Ellison I’m not at all impressed with his height at 5’9″(if that’s what it is). The move for WR is TALL not short WR’s. Yeah talented but physically can he do it!! I don’t think so if taller WR’s are the norm.
Do not forget the kids of PSABUSEDU. The NCAA did!!
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