Grassroots effort to renew 44?

[Stevenson]

Right now it's a relic. But Tucker can bridge the old with the new and make it relevant again. We should be doing anything in our power to develop a recruiting asset. You want to "just win games"? It starts with recruiting playmakers.

agreed, and in 2021, not one high school player cares about the number 44 or who wore it.

 

[721Comstock]

I hope Syracuse doesn't mess this up.

Sean Tucker is special, but he has only played in 16 games. And although he's on track to accomplish some great things and be one of the most accomplished running backs in Syracuse history, he hasn't done that yet. I suspect this is what Wildhack meant when he said it was too early for this decision. The athletic department has already spoken to the four principal families (Brown, Davis, Little and Konrad) so I have to believe Tucker will be given the opportunity to wear 44 after the season is completed. You don't reach out and initiate "powerful conversations" with those families unless you're giving serious consideration to assigning 44 to someone.

The conversations have started, the ground work is being laid, now its up to Tucker to finish this season with strong numbers.

By the time the Orange come home to play Pitt on Thanksgiving weekend Tucker could very likely be the all-time leader at Syracuse in rushing yards gained in a season (1372) and the number of 100 yard games in a season (7). Tucker would need to average 107 yards a game and have two 100 yard games over the next four games to accomplish this. All very possible.

What does the number 44 signify? Greatness? A great season or a great career?

Career	Games	Carries	Yards	Avg./Carry	TD’s	Yds/Game	Points	100 Yd Gms
Floyd Little	31	504	2,704	5.37	35	87.2	156	13
Ernie Davis	29	360	2,386	6.63	28	82.3	168	12
Jim Brown	24	361	2,091	5.79	24	87.1	144	11
Sean Tucker	16	292	1,574	5.39	13	98.3	78	9
Joe Morris*	37	813	4,299	5.29	25	116.2	150	22

* I added Joe Morris because his career numbers are outstanding. Joe Morris holds the records for rushing yards gained (season and career) and 100 yard rushing games (season and career).

Season	Games	Carries	Yards	Avg./Carry	TD’s	Yds/Game	Points	100 Yd Gms
Floyd Little	10	193	1,065	5.6*	14	106.5	84	5
Ernie Davis	10	150	877*	7.8*	12	82.3	72	6
Jim Brown	8	158	986	6.2	13	123.3	78	7
Sean Tucker	7	155	948	6.1	9	135.4	54	6
Joe Morris	11	238	1,372	5.8	10*	124.7	60*	7

* This stat was taken from a different season.

Great stats.

Please allow me to retort.

(the chart below is a cut and paste from a post in another thread, to save retyping it)

44 was given to HS recruits who were completely unproven on the college level, for decades at Syracuse.

What were the incredibly impressive stats for guys like Stephens, Schoonover, Pan&^%#$%$^, Mandel Robinson, and Glen Moore - such that they deserved the ultimate honor of wearing 44 at Syracuse???


Here's the entire list of 44's starting w/ Jim Brown:

Jim Brown, running back, 1954-56

Thomas Stephens, halfback, 1957-58

Ernie Davis, halfback, 1959-61

William Schoonover, halfback, 1962-63

Floyd Little, running back, 1964-66

Richard Panczyszyn, quarterback, 1967-69

Mandel Robinson, running back, 1977

Glen Moore, running back, 1981-82

Michael Owens, running back, 1987-89

Terry Richardson, running back, 1990-93

Rob Konrad, fullback, 1995-98


Pretty much HALF these guys are "WHO??"-level players.

Owens, Richardson, and Konrad were all very solid college runners, who repped 44 very well.
There was zero diminishment of the history and legend of 44 by virtue of them having worn it.

We've had other very good to great RB's, who chose NOT to wear 44, even though they were more than worthy of it.
Joe Morris and Larry Czonka are 2 of the more noteworthy of those.

 

[UpstateSM]

If we're going to talk Sean's stats it needs to be noted that a majority of his games are his true freshman season against an all ACC (besides a legit top 25 Liberty) schedule behind what was a FCS-level, at best, line for most of the year. Of course, that is offset a bit by the fact that he would have had to work his way up the depth chart behind Howard and Abdul if there was a normal season.

But my point is that he is even better than his already impressive career numbers. Give the kid the number if he wants it, he's a generational talent at a school like 'Cuse.

 

[DoubleDee]

Great stats.

Please allow me to retort.

(the chart below is a cut and paste from a post in another thread, to save retyping it)

44 was given to HS recruits who were completely unproven on the college level, for decades at Syracuse.

What were the incredibly impressive stats for guys like Stephens, Schoonover, Pan&^%#$%$^, Mandel Robinson, and Glen Moore - such that they deserved the ultimate honor of wearing 44 at Syracuse???


Here's the entire list of 44's starting w/ Jim Brown:

Jim Brown, running back, 1954-56

Thomas Stephens, halfback, 1957-58

Ernie Davis, halfback, 1959-61

William Schoonover, halfback, 1962-63

Floyd Little, running back, 1964-66

Richard Panczyszyn, quarterback, 1967-69

Mandel Robinson, running back, 1977

Glen Moore, running back, 1981-82

Michael Owens, running back, 1987-89

Terry Richardson, running back, 1990-93

Rob Konrad, fullback, 1995-98


Pretty much HALF these guys are "WHO??"-level players.

Owens, Richardson, and Konrad were all very solid college runners, who repped 44 very well.
There was zero diminishment of the history and legend of 44 by virtue of them having worn it.

We've had other very good to great RB's, who chose NOT to wear 44, even though they were more than worthy of it.
Joe Morris and Larry Czonka are 2 of the more noteworthy of those.

Did Csonka choose not to wear it? He was on the same team as Little.

 

[capeorange]

I mean she cares about Floyd more than SU which is obvious and there is nothing wrong with that. Its a little insensitive to be asking her about this when Floyd is being honored TBH.

If the grandson works hard for 3 years as a PWO its fine if he wears it as a senior regardless of performance. If he wants it sooner he'll have to drop a few 100+ yard big games.

I disagree that a PWO should ever wear 44. The number should represent excellence not lineage.

 

[Crusty]

Call me crazy.

Bring 44 back to Syracuse Football

If we cannot change the decisions made some years ago with this retirement, the legacy of 44 will slowly become a distant memory when those that know it die off. It’s time to make sure we change the history of the program, and give it back its only real tradition.

sign.moveon.org

Done. Thanks

 

[qdawgg]

I hope Syracuse doesn't mess this up.

Sean Tucker is special, but he has only played in 16 games. And although he's on track to accomplish some great things and be one of the most accomplished running backs in Syracuse history, he hasn't done that yet. I suspect this is what Wildhack meant when he said it was too early for this decision. The athletic department has already spoken to the four principal families (Brown, Davis, Little and Konrad) so I have to believe Tucker will be given the opportunity to wear 44 after the season is completed. You don't reach out and initiate "powerful conversations" with those families unless you're giving serious consideration to assigning 44 to someone.

The conversations have started, the ground work is being laid, now its up to Tucker to finish this season with strong numbers.

By the time the Orange come home to play Pitt on Thanksgiving weekend Tucker could very likely be the all-time leader at Syracuse in rushing yards gained in a season (1372) and the number of 100 yard games in a season (7). Tucker would need to average 107 yards a game and have two 100 yard games over the next four games to accomplish this. All very possible.

What does the number 44 signify? Greatness? A great season or a great career?

Career	Games	Carries	Yards	Avg./Carry	TD’s	Yds/Game	Points	100 Yd Gms
Floyd Little	31	504	2,704	5.37	35	87.2	156	13
Ernie Davis	29	360	2,386	6.63	28	82.3	168	12
Jim Brown	24	361	2,091	5.79	24	87.1	144	11
Sean Tucker	16	292	1,574	5.39	13	98.3	78	9
Joe Morris*	37	813	4,299	5.29	25	116.2	150	22

* I added Joe Morris because his career numbers are outstanding. Joe Morris holds the records for rushing yards gained (season and career) and 100 yard rushing games (season and career).

Season	Games	Carries	Yards	Avg./Carry	TD’s	Yds/Game	Points	100 Yd Gms
Floyd Little	10	193	1,065	5.6*	14	106.5	84	5
Ernie Davis	10	150	877*	7.8*	12	82.3	72	6
Jim Brown	8	158	986	6.2	13	123.3	78	7
Sean Tucker	7	155	948	6.1	9	135.4	54	6
Joe Morris	11	238	1,372	5.8	10*	124.7	60*	7

* This stat was taken from a different season.

Great post and I completely agree.

 

[FloridaFan]

Great post and I completely agree.

You agree with the part that he needs to prove himself even though 44 was given to freshman before they did anything?

 

[qdawgg]

You agree with the part that he needs to prove himself even though 44 was given to freshman before they did anything?

I don’t have an issue with a player having to earn it. I remember when I started watching SU as a middle schooler that the recent history of 44 were mostly busts. I also think Tucker has earned it at this point.

 

[SUDadx2]

You agree with the part that he needs to prove himself even though 44 was given to freshman before they did anything?

That was before it was "retired".

I think he will get it. I'm staying positive. The fact that the athletic department has started those conversations tells me they have an interest in giving Tucker 44. I think Tucker can solidify his position among the greats by continuing to put up numbers that are comparative to the greats. I think he will do that. But until he actually does it, I understand the "way too premature" comment as well.

Tucker is on record as having said "it would be an honor to wear 44." So, he wants it.

This could be a win-win for the athletic department and for Sean Tucker; selling Syracuse jerseys with his name (NIL) and the number 44.

Wouldn't it be nice if tucker set a new single season rushing record while the team is on the road at Louisville or NC State, then to recognize the accomplishment award Tucker 44 for the team's last home game of the season against Pitt? But, he needs to set the record first. It is very possible. Actually very likely.

Awarding him 44 would be great because not only would he have established himself as one of the greats, but I think it would go a long way to securing him for the 2022 season at Syracuse.


In the off season let the "Tucker for Heisman" campaign begin. #TuckerForHeisman

 

[DoubleDee]

Just passed 100. Let’s keep it going.

 

[OburgOrange]

Just passed 100. Let’s keep it going.

Shouldn’t your handle be 44DoubleDee?

 

[kcsu]

If they dont give it toTucker in the spring its because it has been decided that 44 is permanently retired.
We wont ever have a kid as deserving as this kid a class act who wants it.
Maybe Alabama will let him wear it.

 

[Tango32]

Maddening... 2 decades of dead program trash football but let's ho hum over wether our generational talent, nations leading rusher RB is worthy... Where is ADJWs spine and leadership.

 

[MSOrange]

If they dont give it toTucker in the spring its because it has been decided that 44 is permanently retired.
We wont ever have a kid as deserving as this kid a class act who wants it.
Maybe Alabama will let him wear it.

Would it be possible for you to stop posting that transfer nonsense until there is actually something to it? Maybe post something of substance if you want attention. Thanks in advance.

 

[kcsu]

Would it be possible for you to stop posting that transfer nonsense until there is actually something to it? Maybe post something of substance if you want attention. Thanks in advance.

I wont post nonsense.

 

[All4SU]

agreed, and in 2021, not one high school player cares about the number 44 or who wore it.

If that’s true - and I’ll disagree with you, I don’t think it’s true - what do you have to lose? If it means nothing, then seriously what’s the downside?
Make 44 Great Again!

 

[DoubleDee]

Make 44 Great Again!

It’s 2021 and I promise you someone was just triggered.

 

[DoubleDee]

 

[721Comstock]

View attachment 209059

Sorry. Had to down-vote that.

 

[David321]

If Tucker finishes his CFB career here he will have the best stats of any SU RB of all time. There, I said it. He obviously most likely won’t have any major bowl game victories, but if we’re looking at individual records, he’s going to shatter them.

 

[RandomGuy]

If Tucker finishes his CFB career here he will have the best stats of any SU RB of all time. There, I said it. He obviously most likely won’t have any major bowl game victories, but if we’re looking at individual records, he’s going to shatter them.

Nahh. He"ll go pro after next year. Only 2.5? Seasons of carries. Would put him #2 behind Morris. Leading yearly rusher? Indeed. Hopefully × 2.

 

[FAL]

View attachment 209059

Jeezuz…couldn’t you at least make the damn hat ORANGE????

 

[DoubleDee]

Here is the article where Axe talked to me.

Axe: Who gets a voice in bringing back 44? ‘This number doesn’t belong to anyone but the university’

Brent Axe examines the process of getting the No. 44 back on the field for Syracuse and who the number really belongs to.

www.syracuse.com

 

[dollarbill44]

I think Floyd’s widow needs to be brought back to reality. She cannot logically argue that it should stay in retirement perpetually unless someone is an exemplary human being according to her own standard, but her grandson can also automatically have it. It comes across as selfish.

I think we should maybe cut Floyd's wife some slack. She was asked about this during an emotional week for the family, so I can understand if she got caught up in the moment and said things that came off in an unintended way. I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt.