Countdown to Kickoff: Orangemen Don’t Rebuild, They Reload
8/6/2002 9:13:54 AM | Football
Center Nick Romeo returns to anchor the Orange offensive line. Having started every game of his college career, the junior is the only returning starter from last season’s front that blocked for 1,000 yard rusher James Mungro. Romeo also excels off the field – he was selected for the 2001 Verizon District I Academic All-America Team and is a two-time BIG EAST All-Academic Team honoree (2000 and 2001).
The rest of the Syracuse offensive line may not have a lot of starting experience, but they are not untested. Junior Kevin Sampson played in all 13 contests last season. Sampson started against Miami his freshman year and alternated series with RT Giovanni DeLoatch last season. Senior Erik Kaloyanides started once as a sophomore and saw significant action, playing in 20 games his first three seasons. Sophomores Adam Terry and Matt Tarullo display a combination of size and potential.
Several other young linemen look to challenge for playing time. Junior Charles Simpson and redshirt freshman Tim Carignan both switched from the defensive line to the offensive side during the offseason. Redshirt freshman Jason Greene was highly regarded coming out of high school and has benefited from a season with the Orangemen.
Any growing pains the line might stumble upon figure to be corrected quickly. Offensive line coach George DeLeone returns for his 18th season at SU. DeLeone spent 12 seasons at Syracuse before leaving in 1997 for a one-year stint as the San Diego Chargers’ offensive line coach. DeLeone has sent many Syracuse linemen to the pros himself, including Mark Baniewicz, John Flannery, Melvin Tuten and Dave Wohlabaugh.
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.
