Nassib and Young Backs Impress on Day 2
8/10/2010 8:18:32 PM | Football
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In the second day of 2010 Orange preseason camp, junior quarterback Ryan Nassib and the young group of tailbacks grabbed the attention of head coach Doug Marrone. Nassib, who played in 10 games in 2009, is the first-string signal caller on the preseaon depth chart, while running backs Tyson Gulley, Steve Rene and Jerome Smith are battling for a spot in the backfield rotation. They will be in compeition with junior Antwon Bailey and senior Delone Carter, who was reinstated to the University on Monday afternoon and joined his teammates on the practice field on Tuesday.
“Obviously we're not in pads yet, and I've said this before, we want to make sure we're in pads before we start making decisions or doing anything, but if I had to pick out a specific group that I've been impressed with it would have to be the young running backs, Jerome Smith, Tyson Gulley and Steve Rene," Marrone said. “Competition at any position will push you. I am excited about those young players, they really have had good retention. Coach Wheatley has done a great job with them."
Marrone and the Orange kick off the 2010 season at Akron on Saturday, September 4 (6:00 p.m., ESPN3). SU opens at home against Maine on September 18 at 7:15 p.m. in the Carrier Dome. Season tickets are available online (click here) and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOME-TIX). starting at $100. Individual game tickets go on sale on August 11 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Bailey and Carter combined to gain 1,333 yards on 303 carries in 2009. Nassib also shared time at his position, rotating with former Orange quarterback Greg Paulus.
“The other player who has been very impressive, who we knew about in the Spring, is Ryan Nassib," Marrone said. "I'm impressed by not only his play, but his leadership and command of the offense. We're excited about where he is and going into the season with him as our number one quarterback.”
The Orange coaching staff is evaluating the young running backs as offensive weapons and for their special teams ability.
"Both Tyson Gulley and Steve Rene have the ability to participate in our return game, they look very comfortable back there," Marrone said. "We're going through the evaluation process now, but (Gulley and Rene) look good. Mike (Holmes) has always been very dependable and Max Suter is dependable back there, too. I feel more comfortable about our depth in the return game than I've felt since I've been here. That is a credit to them, to the coaches who recruited them and everyone who was involved in that process."
