Stephen Bailey @Stephen_Bailey1 27m27 minutes ago
Updates on Syracuse OL commits Cody Conway and Andrejas Duerig:
http://bit.ly/1CmrzYe
Andrejas Duerig
If there is one offensive lineman in this class who won't redshirt, it's likely Duerig. The Syracuse staff is hopeful Duerig can provide immediate assistance at the center position with John Miller having wrapped up his eligibility last fall.
The Orange returns redshirt junior Jason Emerich and sophomore walk-on Donnie Foster as the only true centers on roster. It's possible SU could slide a guard or tackle into the middle as well.
"Coach Adam said, 'If I'm good at center, really good at center, I could start at center,'" Duerig said. "But if I'm not as good, they could teach me and have me learn center or I could move somewhere else and try my luck there."
Duerig played tight end and guard primarily at Lowell (Ind.) High School before transferring to Mount Carmel (Chicago) High School one year ago. As a senior at Mount Carmel, he lined up at right tackle and started every game.
He's hoping to practice snapping this spring while balancing his obligations as a thrower on the track and field team.
"They said that's where they want me, at center," Duerig said, "but we just have to see how it works out."
Duerig spoke highly of the brotherhood at Mount Carmel. He said it didn't take long to feel welcomed and emphasized that the players and coaches were there to better each other in football and in life.
"It was better that what I thought it would be," Duerig said, "going from a public school where everyone was kind of there for themselves to a private Catholic school where they want everyone to do their best together. It was a lot better than I expected."
Weekly conversations with Syracuse offensive line coach Joe Adam and/or running backs coach DeAndre Smith made for a smooth senior season. Duerig also spoke with Lester a couple times, he said.