#CampCuse Position Preview: Specialists

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Special teams coordinator Justin Lustig was responsible for leading some of the most productive units in the country last season. That trend should hopefully continue in 2018, as the Orange welcome back its punter (Sterling Hofrichter), its long snapper (Matt Keller) and its primary kick and punt returner (Sean Riley).

Hofrichter, who is a redshirt junior, enters his third season in the starter's role. A member of the Preseason All-ACC Team, Hofrichter is someone Syracuse head coach Dino Babers believes has a future at the next level.

"Nothing surprises me with what he can do when the ball is on his foot," Babers said last season. "I think he's exceptional and he's going to be kicking for a long time, not only on Saturdays, but on Sundays."

Hofrichter kicked 57 times with a 43.2-yard average in 2017 and keyed a unit that ranked 10th nationally in net punting and fourth in the country in punt return yardage defense.

A Preseason All-ACC selection by Phil Steele, Keller has provided accurate snaps since arriving at Syracuse. Currently, Keller is recovering from a broken ankle suffered in the offseason. Should he not be ready for next week's opener, the snapping chores will be handed by his understudy – freshman Aaron Bolinsky from North Schuykill High School (Pa.). Neither Keller nor Bolinsky will benefit from the ball-handling skills of holder Zack Mahoney, who graduated. Redshirt sophomores Nolan Cooney and Rex Culpepper are the primary contenders to replace Mahoney.

Riley gives the Orange a breakaway threat in the return game. He ranked 12th nationally in combined kick return yards a season ago, totaling 842. Riley returned 29 kickoffs for a 24.5-yard average and 17 punts for a 7.8-yard figure. Redshirt senior Antwan Cordy could get an opportunity in the punt-return game, as well.

Syracuse needs to replace Cole Murphy, a 2017 All-ACC Third Team placekicker. He completed his college tenure ranked first in career (59) and season (20) made field goals for the Orange. Hofrichter will get the first shot at taking Murphy's former job. Hofrichter dabbled as a placekicker last season, hitting two of his three tries. Redshirt freshman Andre Szmyt, who split the uprights from 35 yards out during the 2018 Spring Preview, will push Hofrichter.

Murphy's kickoff spot is also open. Cooney and Szmyt have been battling throughout preseason camp for that role. Cooney can also handle punting chores.

Syracuse kicks off the season next Friday at Western Michigan. The Orange's first home game is Saturday, Sept. 8 versus Wagner.

Season and individual game tickets for Orange football are on sale now online (Cuse.com/tickets), by phone (888-DOME-TIX) and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B). Season tickets start at $125 for Syracuse's six home games. Single-game tickets start at $20 for Wagner and $25 for the Connecticut game on Sept. 22. For Syracuse's four Atlantic Coast Conference games, tickets are available for as little as $35.

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Syracuse University Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Aaron Bolinsky

Nolan Cooney

Antwan Cordy

Rex Culpepper

Sterling Hofrichter

Matt Keller

Zack Mahoney

Cole Murphy

Sean Riley

Andre Szmyt

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