Matt Schneidman@matt_schneidman 22m
℅ 2015 TE/WR West Lindor (
@WestL33) works to fit the mold of SU's new hybrid tight end, my story:
http://bit.ly/1nAyKl3
By
Matt SchneidmanAsst. Copy Editor
12 hours ago
As the role of the Syracuse tight end expands, the recruiting specifications for the position do the opposite.
The SU coaching staff has detailed the qualities it looks for to fulfill the tight end’s transforming identity, mainly an athlete with the speed and size to take on a multitude of offensive responsibilities, including blocking out of the back field.
The only tight end or wide receiver that has committed to the Orange’s Class of 2015 thus far — Affton (Mo.) High School senior West Lindor — currently poses a dominant pass-catching and route-running threat. But in order to round out his game to contribute when he arrives at SU next year, he said that his speed and blocking need to be improved in his final high school season.
“If you have a tight end that can block for the run and also take off, the linebackers are going to have to have another thing on their mind besides just stopping the run,” Lindor said. “If a football team knows how to utilize the tight end, it can really benefit them.”
Ever since verbally pledging to the Orange on July 9, Lindor has been aware of the role he’s expected to play. He’s been working to fit that mold, one that running backs coach and Lindor’s main recruiter, DeAndre Smith, has been urging him to become.
Before he heads to Syracuse next summer, Lindor says he’d like to refine his already potent speed, but most notably his pass- and run-blocking abilities.
“I’ve been improving on my blocking because I want to be ready for the next level,” Lindor said. “I need to learn how to block better, especially at the next level with bigger pass-rushers.”
To become even faster, Lindor said that he and his team will begin running sprints with resistance parachutes. He’ll also take longer runs to build up his endurance and lung capacity, vital for anyone hoping to play in Syracuse’s new no-huddle offense.
At their request, this network is being blocked from this site. lists the 6-foot-4.5, 215-pounder as having run a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, which is even better than what SU tight ends coach Bobby Acosta desires for the position.
“If we could get that big kid that could run a 4.6-4.7,” Acosta said, “he could do what the tight ends used to do here, blocking line and also be a pass receiver.”
In the new role, Lindor may also have to line up alongside a tackle to block while the quarterback drops back to pass. Other times, he’ll have to retreat as a fullback and protect in the run game.
Affton offensive tackle Davondre Love will be lining up next to Lindor for a fourth year this fall, and while he too said Lindor’s blocking can improve, he expects him to succeed with the Orange.
“He’s not the best run blocker, but for his position, I think he’s a pretty good run blocker,” Love said. “Tight ends can be some of the most dangerous players. They can help you with the run game and, of course, the passing game.
“I think he’ll be really good for Syracuse.”
Lindor is anxious to assume a role in the Orange’s transformed offense, as his game already partially fits the need for not just a tight end, but also a wide receiver.
Even with the position undergoing major changes, Lindor is excited about how he may be used.
“I would say that the tight end is a very underrated position,” Lindor said. “Most colleges have slowed down on that roll, but I think the tight end position is actually a very important role.”
Stephen Bailey@Stephen_Bailey1
