RUNNING BACKS
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First-year running backs coach DeAndre Smith stepped into a stable full of running backs that would make anyone envious. Although the Ryan Nassib-led Syracuse passing attack has attracted most of the attention in recent seasons, the Orange offensive success has been a product of an explosive ground game to go along with the quick-strike capabilities of the air schemes.
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. He had 152 yards on 29 carries in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. 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. Gulley had three touchdowns and 213 yards rushing in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl.
Senior Steve Rene, who has contributed as a special-teams return man, and Greg Tobias add depth.
The running back arsenal does not end there. Redshirt freshmen George Morris II and Devante McFarlane both impressed the staff during spring-ball workouts. Ashton Broyld oozes star-like capabilities, thanks in part to his versatility which makes him a threat at running back, wide receiver and quarterback, the latter his high school position.
2013 Running Backs
      23    Prince-Tyson Gulley (Sr., 5-10, 190)
      30    Steve Rene (Sr., 5-7, 187)
      20    Greg Tobias (Sr., 5-10, 175)
      45    Jerome Smith (Jr., 6-0, 226)
      1     Ashton Broyld (So., 6-2, 221)
      27    George Morris (RF, 6-0, 203)
      29    Devante McFarlane (RF, 6-0, 201)
First-year running backs coach DeAndre Smith stepped into a stable full of running backs that would make anyone envious. Although the Ryan Nassib-led Syracuse passing attack has attracted most of the attention in recent seasons, the Orange offensive success has been a product of an explosive ground game to go along with the quick-strike capabilities of the air schemes.
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. He had 152 yards on 29 carries in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. 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. Gulley had three touchdowns and 213 yards rushing in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl.
Senior Steve Rene, who has contributed as a special-teams return man, and Greg Tobias add depth.
The running back arsenal does not end there. Redshirt freshmen George Morris II and Devante McFarlane both impressed the staff during spring-ball workouts. Ashton Broyld oozes star-like capabilities, thanks in part to his versatility which makes him a threat at running back, wide receiver and quarterback, the latter his high school position.
2013 Running Backs
      23    Prince-Tyson Gulley (Sr., 5-10, 190)
      30    Steve Rene (Sr., 5-7, 187)
      20    Greg Tobias (Sr., 5-10, 175)
      45    Jerome Smith (Jr., 6-0, 226)
      1     Ashton Broyld (So., 6-2, 221)
      27    George Morris (RF, 6-0, 203)
      29    Devante McFarlane (RF, 6-0, 201)
