Media Day Kicks off 2011 Football Season

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The expectation is clear for the 2011 Orange football team.

“Our goal as a football team, make no mistake about it, is to be able to compete for a BIG EAST Championship. That's what we're expected to do,” said head coach Doug Marrone. “Now that we're in camp, it's very important to understand that we have a philosophy that we never start where we left off. We always have to start from the beginning. So we're going to try to create a work ethic and a foundation that will give us the ability to attain our goals. Not only attain our goal just for this year, but for every year to be a competitive football team in this conference.”

The offense features eight returning starters, including quarterback Ryan Nassib, fullback Adam Harris, tailback Antwon Bailey, offensive linemen Michael Hay, Andrew Tiller, Justin Pugh and Zack Chibane.

Bailey will be featured in the backfield after the departure of NFL fourth-round draft selection Delone Carter. The Landover, Md. native rushed for 554 yards and had 306 receiving yards as a junior.

“Not just Syracuse University's offense, but every offense that has a goal to be successful and to be in the top five or the top ten, has to make big plays. We were able to do that in the last game of the season in (the New Era Pinstripe) bowl game, now we have to create a foundation for ourselves and be able to do it on a consistent basis. And that's our challenge.”

The defensive side of the ball welcomes back five starters from a year ago. Senior defensive ends Chandler Jones and Mikhail Marinovich, sophomore middle linebacker Marquis Spruill and junior safeties Phillip Thomas and Shamarko Thomas.

A key competition during preseason camp will be at the punter position due to the graduation of All-BIG EAST honoree Rob Long. Sophomore Ross Krautman, a 2010 freshman All-American, resumes place kicking duties.

All fans are invited to a sneak preview of the 2011 team at the annual Fanfest on Friday, August 12. The event begins at 3:00 p.m. and will be held on the practice fields behind Manley Field House.

The Orange will host Wake Forest on September 1st in the Carrier Dome (8:00 p.m., ESPN3). Season and individual game tickets are available online (www.suathletics.com) and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (1-888-DOMETIX).

Syracuse University Athletics

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