Syracuse's new transfer offensive lineman details decision, process.
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Tyler mentioned when he spoke to Schmidt on the phone/zoom, they told him they see him as a Right Tackle in the offense.
We are in a pretty weird situation. We have a lot of experienced linemen who have either started or been in college programs for years. But as of today, not very many have set positions.
I think we can write Bergeron’s name in at LT in pen.
We can probably Dakota Davis’ name in at LG with ink as well, assuming he is 100%. He was hurt last year and while he returned late in the season, I don’t think he was at his best then. When he is right, I think he has proven he can be a good option at OG.
I expect Chris Bleich, if healthy, is going to start at RG. I don’t think he could have played last season even if the NCAA made him eligible. And I am not sure even today, he is 100%. But it looks like he is making progress and there is reason to think he will be where he needs to be come September.
I believe Airon Servais is going to start. He has way too much experience and talent not to. He did not play well last season but he played hurt to help the team and he is a lot better player than he showed last season.
I think the only question with him is where he starts. He has started at center and right tackle in the past. I think he is about the same level player at both positions. It might come down to where things stand with the other centers and tackles on the roster. If a center comes forward and plays really well, Airon probably ends up at RT. If a tackle emerges as a really strong player, Airon probably ends up at center.
I think the options at center are Carlos Vetterello, Josh Ilaoa, Wil Froumy and Airon. Carlos has experience but got dominated pretty badly last season. Serious improvement is needed for him to keep his starting job. Looks like Ilaoa might also be working at center. Froumy was going to be a big factor at center last season before he got hurt and Servais has a lot of experience at center as well.
I think any of these guys could win this job. Vet and Servais are probably most mobile. Froumy is the biggest and strongest.
At tackle, there are a lot of candidates. Servais is probably the favorite.
If Vet gets beat out at center by Servais, maybe he moves there. He started at tackle before moving inside.
Willie Tyler has prototype size and even though he has 3 years of eligibility left, he has been participating in college programs for years. I think it will be very tough for him to win a job immediately though not being here in the spring. The guys already here have a huge advantage.
The same applies to Enrique Cruz and the other frosh, along with JUCO transfer Jakob Bradford. It is going to be really hard to come in and win a starting position from day one.
I like the incoming guys a lot but it is asking a lot for one to step up immediately.
Maybe one of the returning players can set up. Garth Barclay, Pat Davis, or more likely, Mark Petry can do it.
In the end, I think Servais is going to end up at RT. It just seems unlikely to me someone else will be in a position to win the starting job,
I am thinking center is wide open. I could see players like Pat Davis and Darius Tisdale getting a shot, along with Vet, Ilaoa, Froumy and even walk on Josh Kosciol all in the mix. In the end, I think Froumy gets the job because I think he is the strongest, most physical option we have. We have been pushed around and abused inside for too many years. Dakota, Wil and Chris would be a pretty fearsome inside grouping. Can’t see any of them get pushed around or blown up. I can see them consistently opening holes and getting a push.
Wish there was more coverage available on what is going on. I like having a new OL coach. I think he will be a huge upgrade and will bring a new perspective and approach that is desperately needed to the unit.
Come on SUAD! Announce a spring game open to the public! Please! We fans have been waiting forever to see our team. Please don;’t make us wait until September.
