Countdown to Kickoff: Not All Wore #44

SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Orange have always been a school known for their running backs. Many of the legendary running back wore the number 44. However, the recent past has seen many great backs not wearing the number 44 excel on the field, including 2004 SU senior and Heisman Trophy Candidate Walter Reyes. Reyes and the Orange open the 2004 season at Purdue in 26 days.

When Floyd Little finished his SU career in 1966, he left as the top rusher in Orange history. He was followed by Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis and Jim Brown. All three wore the famed number and soon the legend of 44 began.

However, when Little left SU, a new back stepped in. Larry Csonka, who wore the number 39, broke Little’s career rushing record in 1967. He would also set the single-season record for rushing yards.

Csonka stayed on top of the record books until Joe Morris began his outstanding career. Morris, who wore the number 47, immediately made an impact in 1978 when he became the only freshman in SU history to rush for 1,000 yards. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark two more seasons during his career and is the only SU back to rush for 1,000 yards three times. Morris holds the SU record for most rushing yards in a single season (1,372) and his 4,299 career rushing yards is 1,365 more than Csonka, who remains second.

Current Orange running back Walter Reyes is the latest back not to wear 44. Reyes, who dons the same 39 as Csonka, broke numerous SU records last season. He broke his own record for touchdowns in a single season (20). He passed Floyd Little’s mark for total touchdowns in a single season (21) and most career rushing touchdowns (38). This upcoming year, Reyes looks to break more records, including career rushing yards and total touchdowns.

Of the seven SU running backs to rush for 1,000 yards, five of them did not wear the number 44. Joining Little, Csonka, Morris, and Reyes are James Mungro (#23), Dee Brown (#6), and Michael Owens (#44).

Syracuse begins the season on Sunday, September 5 at Purdue. The game kicks off at 1:30 p.m. and will be televised nationally on ABC. SU then plays at Buffalo on September 11 at 6:00 p.m. The Orange kicks off the home portion of the schedule on Saturday, September 18 against Cincinnati at 12:00 p.m. SU will also host Rutgers (Oct. 2 at 12:00 p.m.), Florida State (Oct. 9), Connecticut (Oct. 30) and Pittsburgh (Nov. 6).

For ticket information and prices, call the Carrier Dome box office at 1-888-DOMETIX. Tickets are available at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B), by telephone (888-DOMETIX) or on the Internet www.dometix.com

Syracuse University Athletics

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