Owen Sets the Tone for Tight Ends
8/12/2009 8:48:52 PM | Football
The tight end position is one of the deepest on the offensive side of the ball for head coach Doug Marrone. On Wednesday, Marrone focused on the production from that position throughout practice as the Orange added shoulder pads to its shorts and helmets practice gear. The 2009 Orange begin the season in the Dome on Saturday, Sept. 5 against Minnesota (12:00 p.m., ESPN2).
“One thing that I tried to focus on today was doing some things where we use our tight ends in a lot of different situations,” Marrone said. “One of the things I'm happy to say is that I feel very comfortable with the versatility of those players.”
Senior Mike Owen is the veteran of the group, having started 14 career games. Owen was the second-leading receiver in 2008 after reeling in 19 passes for 175 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
“Mike Owen does a tremendous job, he is stretching the field better than he did in the spring, that is a fact. I'm comfortable with that," Marrone said. "He has gotten much faster. From where he was last year in the spring, not throwing out the exact numbers, he is two-tenths of a second faster, which is big on the football field. I'm excited about him. He has worked extremely hard. There is a maturity and a leadership quality about Mike.”
Junior Nick Provo played in seven games last season and had four receptions, including a touchdown. In addition, the group includes converted quarterbacks Cody Catalina and Andrew Robinson, and sophomores Carl Cutler and Thomas Trendowski.
“I'm comfortable about (Nick) Provo and what he is doing, and with Cody (Catalina), as well," Marrone said. "What I mean by that, and it's not a big secret, is that we can move those guys out into receiver positions, we can put them in the backfield, they can play fullback. They have tremendous mobility back there.
“Andrew Robinson is doing well, also. He is getting more reps right now to see what he can do and how he can help us, as is Thomas Trendowski."
The depth at tight end will allow Marrone and offensive coordinator Rob Spence to utilize a wider variety of schemes to help increase productivity on offense.
“I'm happy with the versatility we have at that position in being able to put them in the backfield, put them out wide, get matchups that we're looking for and that will definitely help us at the end of the day,” Marrone said.
On the defensive side of the ball, Mike Holmes jumped out in the secondary. A 2008 starter, Holmes intercepted a pass during Wednesday's practice.
“I've always thought that Mike Holmes was a tremendous player," Marrone said. "He doesn't get enough credit in my opinion. Mike Holmes is a very, very good football player, he has the ability to play safety and corner.”
All Syracuse tickets are available online and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOMETIX). Adult Individual game tickets for all eight home games are $38 each. Youth tickets (ages 12 & under) for seven home games are $18 each. For the game against Maine on September 26, Youth & Senior Citizen day, all youth and Senior Citizens (ages 60 & over) tickets will be $15 each. Family Packs are available for all home games when purchased in advance, with the exception of games against Maine and Akron. A $99 Family Pack, which is a $28 savings, includes two adult tickets, two youth tickets (12 and under), $5 concession coupon and a $10 parking pass.
The Minnesota Two-Game Pack offers fans the opportunity to purchase a ticket to Syracuse's home-opener, which is Marrone's Dome debut, and any other home game of their choice ($66 adult/$26 youth). Fans are invited to save up to 40% on the ticket price by purchasing tickets in groups of 35 or more and 100 or more. For questions about Group Sales, please call (315-443-3212).
For further questions and details call the Carrier Dome Box Office during business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-888-DOMETIX.
