Spring Practice Notebook: Week 2

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – After a 10-day hiatus for spring break, the Orange football team returned to the field this past week. Syracuse practiced Tuesday and Thursday before holding its first scrimmage on Saturday. Below are some highlights from Week 2 of spring drills:

GROUND GAME PRODUCES POINTS
The Syracuse offense scored seven touchdowns in Saturday's 148-play scrimmage. All seven scores came via the team's rushing attack, as Moe Neal (2), Luke Erickson (2), Trishton Jackson (1), Dontae Strickland (1) and Otto Zaccardo (1) each had touchdown runs.

The Orange defense logged 10 sacks, including eight by defensive linemen. Josh Black and Alton Robinson led the way with 1.5 sacks each.

Full story: Cuse.com/Scrimmage1Recap
Photos: Cuse.com/Scrimmage1Photos

DOUBLING UP
Redshirt junior Sterling Hofrichter could be looking at an increased workload this fall. Now entering his third season as the Orange's starting punter, Hofrichter is also currently charted as the team's No. 1 placekicker. Since 1980, only two other Syracuse specialists have fulfilled both roles in the same season – Pat O'Neil (1993) and Mike Shafer (2000).

Hofrichter was a Freshman All-American and All-ACC selection in 2016. Last season, he helped Syracuse finish 10th nationally in net punting average. Hofrichter attempted three field goals a year ago, hitting two.

Like Hofrichter, O'Neill and Shafer were punters by trade. They each rank in the top 10 at Syracuse in career punting yardage, and O'Neill was the 1993 BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Year. During his one season as the primary kicker, O'Neill made 10-of-17 (.588) field goals. Shafer did not fare as well, connecting on 7-of-20 (.350) attempts in 2000.

CORDY THE WANDERER
After spending his first four seasons in the defensive backfield, redshirt senior Antwan Cordy opened the spring as a slot receiver. He worked with the offense for four practices, but on Thursday was back at his more familiar safety spot.

While the jury is still out on where he will line up this fall, Babers did not rule out Cordy playing both ways when asked about the possibility earlier this month.

"I wouldn't be against it," Babers said.

The Orange have not had a true two-way player in some time, but there are several recent Syracuse standouts who excelled on both offense and defense in their careers including: Diamond Ferri (RB/DB), Steve Gregory (DB/WR), Tebucky Jones (RB/DB) and Joe Fields (QB/DB).

Playing both ways was much more prevalent in the 1950s and early '60s when Orange legends like Ernie Davis, John Mackey, Al Bemiller, Walt Sweeney, Art Baker and Dick Easterly routinely affected games both offensively and defensively.

PROMISING PRO DAY
The Orange held their annual Pro Day for NFL scouts and personnel directors Monday. Eleven former Syracuse players showcased their talents during testing and position-specific workouts. Zaire Franklin stole the show, putting up numbers that rivaled the top linebackers invited to this year's NFL Scouting Combine.

Full story: Cuse.com/ProDay
Photos: Cuse.com/ProDayPics

TIME SET FOR SPRING PREVIEW
The Orange conclude spring drills on Friday, April 13 with the Syracuse Football Spring Preview. Start time is 7 p.m. inside the Carrier Dome. More details for the event, including format and fan engagement opportunities, will be announced in the coming weeks.

TICKETS, TICKETS, TICKETS
Season tickets for 2018 Syracuse football are on sale now. Tickets start at $125 and can be purchased online (Cuse.com/tickets), by phone (888-DOME-TIX) or in person at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B).

This year's campaign begins Friday, Aug. 31 on the road against Western Michigan. The home opener is set for Sept. 8 against Wagner.

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Syracuse University Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Josh Black

Antwan Cordy

Luke Erickson

Zaire Franklin

Sterling Hofrichter

Trishton Jackson

Moe Neal

Alton Robinson

Dontae Strickland

Otto Zaccardo

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