Cooper Lutz, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and Nolan Cooney Press Conference | Nov 4

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Cooney on first. "It's been an interesting year, but I've been so lucky to learn from Sterling." He said he learned so much about game prep and practice from Hofrichter, and that led to Cooney winning the starting job this year.

Cooney had testicular cancer in high school. During that time at home, his Dad suggested he go to a camp in Worcester, Mass., and he impressed as a punter. Cooney has a soccer background.

Cooney said he's close with QB Rex Culpepper, who also beat testicular cancer. They had different experiences, but "Rex is an incredibly competitive guy." Cooney said Culpepper didn't need a lot of support because "he's as strong as anybody."

Cooney said he was put on scholarship in the spring. "I think for me it was a chance to showcase my ability." Said he felt trust from the staff to compete w/ freshman James Williams. This was not previously announced by the program. Cooney said he'll wrap up undergrad in May.

Good question there by @MinkNate. For anyone wondering, Cooney counts against the team's 85 scholarship cap, but shouldn't count against the 25 annual counters as he was a walk-on for more than two years before being bumped up.

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RB Cooper Lutz on now. Said he is confident in his pass protection and receiving ability. Called himself a "decent, aggressive runner" who handles contact well. He called freshman Sean Tucker "an elite back."

Lutz said he committed to Syracuse with "full intention" to play slot receiver. After playing running back in high school, "it was a challenge for sure" to run routes and transition to WR. "I always knew that I didn't really move like a receiver."

Lutz said he only learned RBs Abdul Adams and Jarveon Howard opted out on the first or second day of preseason camp.

Lutz said the team is still playing to win and growth is what drives him. "We have to go out there and we have to fight." He's emphasizing positivity in spite of the disappointing results.

Lutz said pass pro was the biggest challenge of transitioning to RB. He had to be able to diagnose the defense on every snap, including the front and coverage.

Lutz said his experience playing receiver helps him at running back both with "setting a defender up" and with catch consistency. The WR room preaches "run at his nose, step on his toes" and the work there has made him more elusive with the ball in his hands.

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Melifonwu said he and Garrett Williams work together breaking down film and do their best to play opposing receivers to their strengths.

Melifonwu said he tries not to look at the lack of team success and focuses on his job. "I just want to do my part and overall help the team win." He doesn't believe anyone regrets not opting out.

Melifonwu said that whenever he leaves -- could be next year -- that Garrett Williams will be the one to continue the CB tradition of working extra. Followed up about where Melifonwu stands re potentially returning as a rSr. He said he'll consider options after the season.

Melifonwu said "you can feel the difference" not having fans in attendance for third downs and on turnovers. He doesn't think it affects outcomes, but feels different. Probably a boost for the offense's ability to communicate.

 

[MadNY3]

Nothing typifies the Syracuse Football 2020 season as much as rolling out a punter, damn good CB and a sixth-string RB to represent the team at the one weekly press conference.

 

[AngryOtto]

I will take the sixth string Rb any time. He had a good game and I feel he will have another good game this week. Sometimes players just need a chance to show what they have.

 

[AngryOtto]

I will take the sixth string Rb any time. He had a good game and I feel he will have another good game this week. Sometimes players just need a chance to show what they have.

 

[FrancoPizza]

Was I the only one who thought for a moment this was to announce they were joining Trill and opting out?