Countdown to Kickoff: A to Z

August 17: J is for Jerseys

Many student-athletes have put on the Syracuse jersey and represented the University on the gridiron. Many jerseys signify the Syracuse football tradition. The one that stands out before all others is the one bearing the #44. Be part of the growing excitement every day leading up to SU’s first game (Sept. 4 vs. West Virginia) with our Countdown to Kickoff: A to Z.

Jim Brown wore #44 from 1954 to 1956 at SU. He was named an All-American in 1956 while leading the Orange to the Cotton Bowl. Among his accomplishments at Syracuse was setting an NCAA single-game record of 43 points against Colgate in a 61-6 SU victory. Brown, who is considered by many to be the greatest running back of all-time, made his mark in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns. He led the league in rushing eight out of his nine years and became the league’s all-time leading rusher. Brown is a member of both the College and Pro Halls of Fame.

The next great running back to wear #44 was Ernie Davis from 1959 to 1961. He led the Orange to its only National Championship in 1959. In 1961, he became the first African-American and the only SU player to win the Heisman Trophy. Davis was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1979.

Floyd Little followed Brown and Davis as another great running back to wear #44. Little was named an All-American in each of the three seasons he wore the number (1964-66). He broke nearly all of Brown and Davis’ rushing records during his career and he was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.

In 1998, Rob Konrad finished his career as the latest player to don the number. The first-ever fullback to wear #44 did not disappoint. He helped lead the Orange to three straight BIG EAST titles and was a second-round draft choice of the Miami Dolphins.

The university zip code was changed from 13210 to 13244 in the early 1990s in honor of the jersey number. In addition, in 1988, when the University changed phone systems, the exchange was changed from 423 to 443. On November 12, at halftime of SU’s game against South Florida, the number will be retired and permanently displayed in the Carrier Dome.

While #44 is the most historic number worn by Syracuse running backs, the #39 could make an argument for second. Larry Csonka first donned the number in 1965. He would graduate as the career leader in rushing yards, passing Brown, Davis and Little. After leaving SU, Csonka would help lead the Miami Dolphins to an undefeated season in 1972. Csonka, a two-time All-American, is a member of the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

Walter Reyes followed Csonka’s and wore the #39 during his career. He left his impression on the SU record books before graduating last season. Reyes is the all-time leading rusher in Carrier Dome history with 2,239 yards. He is second leading rusher in SU history with 3,424 yards. He tied Little’s mark of 46 career touchdowns while his 45 career rushing touchdowns are a Syracuse record. Reyes scored 280 points during his career, the third-highest total ever by an SU player and the most ever by a running back.

The #5 is beginning to start its own legend at the quarterback position. Bill Hurley wore the #5 from 1975 to 1979. He left SU as the number one passer in school history with 3,398 passing yards. Hurley also rushed for 2,551 yards during his career, which ranks eighth on SU’s all-time list.

Marvin Graves put on the jersey for the first time in 1990. Graves completed his SU career in 1993 with the best passing statistics in school history. He holds the record for most passing yards in a game (425), season (2,547), and career (8,466). His 48 career touchdowns are the second best in SU history. Graves led the Orange to three straight bowl victories; the 1990 Aloha Bowl, 1992 Hall of Fame Bowl, and the 1993 Fiesta Bowl. He is one of just six players to win the Most Valuable Player Award at three different bowl games.

Donovan McNabb donned the number from 1995 to 1998. During his four year career, McNabb accounted for 9,950 yards, which is a Syracuse and BIG EAST record. He had 1,561 career rushing yards to add to his 8,389 passing yards, which is second only to Graves. His 77-career touchdown passes shattered the old mark of 48 by Graves and his 96 total career touchdowns is a Syracuse and BIG EAST record. McNabb led the Orange to three straight BIG EAST Championships from 1996 to 1998. He was named BIG EAST Rookie of the Year in 1995 and was selected as BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year three times (1996, 97, 98).

This season, sophomore Joe Fields will wear the #5. Fields started three games as a true freshman last season, passing for 192 yards and one touchdown.

The #20 has quickly become a popular number among standout safeties. Donovin Darius was the first to wear the number from 1994 to 1997. During his career, Darius accumulated a school-record 379 tackles (most by a defensive back) and 12 interceptions. In 1997, he was named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year and was an All-America selection. Darius was a first-round selection of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1998.

Senior safety Anthony Smith put the jersey on for the first time in 2002. Smith enters the 2005 season eighth on SU’s all-time tackles by a defensive back list with 222. His five career blocked punts ties him for first all-time by an SU player. Smith is a preseason Thorpe Award candidate, which is presented annually to the nation’s best college defensive back.

Syracuse opens the 2005 season on Sunday, September 4 against West Virginia. The game kicks off at 1:30 and will be televised nationally on ABC.

Syracuse University Athletics

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