2013 Football Season Preview
7/31/2013 3:31:00 PM | Football
The Scott Shafer era officially kicks off in the New York's College Classic at MetLife Stadium in August, however Shafer's presence in the program has been felt since 2009 when he was named defensive coordinator for former head coach Doug Marrone. Shafer was promoted to lead the program in January 2013 after Marrone departed to lead the NFL's Buffalo Bills. Under his direction, Shafer's defenses have taken on his personality, playing tough, hardnosed football with great attitude, effort and enthusiasm. In 2013, look for the entire program to embrace the mission.
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QUARTERBACKS | The responsibility for finding a replacement for one of the program's all-time best signal callers falls on first-year quarterback coach Tim Lester. Ryan Nassib virtually rewrote the passing chapter of the Syracuse record book in his time with the Orange. |
| Syracuse has had a 1,000-yard rusher in each of the past five seasons. Jerome Smith kept the streak alive last season by pounding his way to 1,171 yards. Prince-Tyson Gulley gave SU a perfect change-of-pace from Smith. He dodged and darted for 617 yards and a squad-best seven rushing touchdowns. |
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RUNNING BACKS |
| FULLBACKS | While fullback may not be the most glamorous of positions, it remains a key piece in the playbook new offensive coordinator George McDonald is implementing. |
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WIDE RECIEVERS | Coach Rob Moore is one of the links between the 2012 and 2013 coaching staffs and he has a number of slots to fill in his wide receiver unit prior to the upcoming season opener. Gone from the lineup are first-team All- performer Alec Lemon and Marcus Sales. |
| Syracuse's tight ends have played prominent roles in the program's success over the last few years. Nick Provo (2008-11) established the school record for season and career receptions by a tight end and his primary replacement, Becket Wales, is now moving up those lists. |
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TIGHT ENDS |
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OFFENSIVE LINE |
Pat Perles, a former assistant at Michigan State and most recently with the Kansas City Chiefs, takes over the task of putting together the Orange offensive line. On his priority list is replacing two departed starters – tackle Justin Pugh and guard Zach Chibane. |
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DEFENSIVE LINE | In 2013, defensive line coach Tim Daoust can count on a consistent contribution from senior defensive tackle Jay Bromley, who has been a starter the past two seasons. |
| Linebackers coach Clark Lea takes over a unit that was an area of strength for Syracuse's 2012. Spring ball was used on a minor reconstruction project – starting middle linebacker Siriki Diabate, who finished second on the team in tackles, had completed his eligibility, creating an opening. |
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LINEBACKERS |
| SECONDARY |
While the SU secondary only loses one starter, the hole is a large one to fill. Shamarko Thomas, the club's top tackler in 2012, leaves a void at strong safety. The rest of the defensive backs who saw action last fall are back in the fold. |
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SPECIAL TEAMS | Ross Krautman has manned the place-kicking post in each of his previous three seasons with the Orange. He enters his senior season ranked fifth in career scoring (250 points), fourth in career field goals (48) and fourth in career extra points (106). |
All Syracuse fans are invited to join 'Orangenation Rising,' a state of mind where passion, tradition and die-hard loyalty intersect, by renewing their season tickets or purchasing new 2013 season tickets. Fans can use the internet (SUAthletics.com), telephone (888-DOME-TIX), or visit the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B). Season tickets start at just $99 each. Individual game tickets go on sale on August 1.
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Saturday, March 28
Juan Castillo Press Conference | Spring Ball Day 4
Wednesday, March 25
Vince Kehres Press Conference | Spring Ball Day 3
Tuesday, March 24
Demetres Samuel Jr. Press Conference | Spring Ball Day 3
Tuesday, March 24
