Countdown to Kickoff: Captains Look To Continue Success
8/15/2002 8:38:41 AM | Football
Prior to the 2002 Spring Game, this year’s five captains were introduced. Fullback Chris Davis, cornerback Will Hunter, quarterback Troy Nunes, linebacker Clifton Smith and wide receiver David Tyree were selected as team captains by their peers.
Davis enters the year as the number one fullback on SU’s depth chart. Last year he was a backup to current Carolina Panther Kyle Johnson. Davis started six games as a sophomore, however, when Johnson was injured.
A graduate student at SU, Hunter played in all 24 games during the past two years. Hunter was third on the team in interceptions in 2001.
Nunes follows in the footsteps of Keith Downing as a backup quarterback to be honored with captain status. Nunes ranks in SU’s all-time top five in passing yards, touchdown passes thrown and completions.
Smith enters the season as a contender for many of the nation’s top awards. The All-America candidate is on the watch list for the Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, Nagusrski Trophy and Bednarik Award. Smith earned All-BIG EAST First Team status the last two seasons.
Tyree has participated in all 36 games during his Syracuse career. Also a standout on special teams, Tyree tied an SU single-season record his sophomore year with three blocked kicks.
Syracuse kicks off the 2002 season on August 29 in Provo, Utah against Brigham Young. The Orangemen will open the home portion of their schedule on September 7 when they host North Carolina in the Carrier Dome. For tickets call 888-DOMETIX or visit www.dometix.com.
