Way too early look at next years roster.

[tep624]

I'd love to see a JUCO tackle. I have high hopes for Denzel Ward, but you never know. He'll have big shoes to fill [although Ward is a pretty big freaking dude himself, and perhaps the highest rated OL prospect we've signed in a long time].

If Lasker can nail down that 3rd OT position, behind either of them, it would really solidify depth. But given the number of injuries at OL we had this year, I'm not comfortable going into next season having to rely upon Burton / McGloster / true frosh.

We lose both Foy and Lasker to graduation as well so it would be nice to have another vet around going into the following year.

 

[anomander]

Unfortunately Miller is gone. I thought Hayes was getting work at center? I was really impressed with what I saw from him last Saturday. Our depth for interior line is probably the best at any position on the team. That's one area we are set. Definitely worried about the OT opposite Foy though. I really hope we don't go to JC route though. Unless you are bringing in 4 and 5 star studs like the SEC does I don't think they are worth it. I'd rather use the scholarship on a HS senior and develop them. JC guys just seem like stop gaps, which can only get you so far. The ones that can really play are going to the big boy schools. We just get the leftovers.

I have been looking to 2015 as our breakout year for a while now. I'll admit this year has shaken me though. Even though our defense is losing some key contributors, I think it could be just as good. We will be much younger, but it easily should be an upgrade in terms of speed, and athleticism. We really need one of the young cb's to step up though. Be it Hudson, Dowels, or Cordy. I am very excited to see how some of the young kids develop. I wouldn't be surprised if we start 2 red-shirt Freshman and a true Sophmore at LB. I think Franklin starts at the MIKE, Bennett starts at WILL, and Jonathan Thomas starts at SAM. I could also see Moskal start at MIKE, and Franklin replace Thomas. Regardless I think the 2 guaranteed to start are Franklin and Bennett. I'm sure Hodge will play, but I haven't been impressed with him 1 bit. Franklin is significantly better.

 

[cuseguy]

Unfortunately Miller is gone. I thought Hayes was getting work at center? I was really impressed with what I saw from him last Saturday. Our depth for interior line is probably the best at any position on the team. That's one area we are set. Definitely worried about the OT opposite Foy though. I really hope we don't go to JC route though. Unless you are bringing in 4 and 5 star studs like the SEC does I don't think they are worth it. I'd rather use the scholarship on a HS senior and develop them. JC guys just seem like stop gaps, which can only get you so far. The ones that can really play are going to the big boy schools. We just get the leftovers. I have been looking to 2015 as our breakout year for a while now. I'll admit this year has shaken me though. Even though our defense is losing some key contributors, I think it could be just as good. We will be much younger, but it easily should be an upgrade in terms of speed, and athleticism. We really need one of the young cb's to step up though. Be it Hudson, Dowels, or Cordy. I am very excited to see how some of the young kids develop. I wouldn't be surprised if we start 2 red-shirt Freshman and a true Sophmore at LB. I think Franklin starts at the MIKE, Bennett starts at WILL, and Jonathan Thomas starts at SAM. I could also see Moskal start at MIKE, and Franklin replace Thomas. Regardless I think the 2 guaranteed to start are Franklin and Bennett. I'm sure Hodge will play, but I haven't been impressed with him 1 bit. Franklin is significantly better.

The schedule is still daunting, though, as we know.

Need to win at South Florida or we could be looking at a 4-8, 5-7 year.

We've also got Virginia on the road.

 

[tep624]

Unfortunately Miller is gone. I thought Hayes was getting work at center? I was really impressed with what I saw from him last Saturday. Our depth for interior line is probably the best at any position on the team. That's one area we are set. Definitely worried about the OT opposite Foy though. I really hope we don't go to JC route though. Unless you are bringing in 4 and 5 star studs like the SEC does I don't think they are worth it. I'd rather use the scholarship on a HS senior and develop them. JC guys just seem like stop gaps, which can only get you so far. The ones that can really play are going to the big boy schools. We just get the leftovers.

I have been looking to 2015 as our breakout year for a while now. I'll admit this year has shaken me though. Even though our defense is losing some key contributors, I think it could be just as good. We will be much younger, but it easily should be an upgrade in terms of speed, and athleticism. We really need one of the young cb's to step up though. Be it Hudson, Dowels, or Cordy. I am very excited to see how some of the young kids develop. I wouldn't be surprised if we start 2 red-shirt Freshman and a true Sophmore at LB. I think Franklin starts at the MIKE, Bennett starts at WILL, and Jonathan Thomas starts at SAM. I could also see Moskal start at MIKE, and Franklin replace Thomas. Regardless I think the 2 guaranteed to start are Franklin and Bennett. I'm sure Hodge will play, but I haven't been impressed with him 1 bit. Franklin is significantly better.

Unless you're convinced that Burton and McGloster are going to provide quality depth next season in the event of injury next year, a stop-gap is exactly what we need at T. At this point your starters are a RF at LT that hasn't played a snap yet and has had weight issues and an injury prone Foy at RT. But I agree if we go JUCO it has to be a difference maker and not depth chart fodder. At a minimum, a Michael Hay type (without the dumb penalties) that is solid depth and can step in and start if need be and not be a massive dropoff in performance. Maybe Lasker turns the corner and becomes that guy next year, but if him and Moore are the 3 and 4 on the 2 deep they have as many question marks as the 1 and 2.

 

[tep624]

Also, based on what Winfield has done on specials this year (aka heat seeking missle), I like him getting converted to FS way more than the idea of Whigham.

Whigham is rail thin and I just don't see him being effective against the run and playing the position like Esk did.

My hope is that Dowels or Hudson are ready to compete for the starting role at CB so along with Whigham and Morgan we'll have a pretty effective 4 man rotation. Then you have Cordy as a nickelback.

 

[RICuse44]

Unfortunately Miller is gone. I thought Hayes was getting work at center? I was really impressed with what I saw from him last Saturday. Our depth for interior line is probably the best at any position on the team. That's one area we are set. Definitely worried about the OT opposite Foy though. I really hope we don't go to JC route though. Unless you are bringing in 4 and 5 star studs like the SEC does I don't think they are worth it. I'd rather use the scholarship on a HS senior and develop them. JC guys just seem like stop gaps, which can only get you so far. The ones that can really play are going to the big boy schools. We just get the leftovers.

I have been looking to 2015 as our breakout year for a while now. I'll admit this year has shaken me though. Even though our defense is losing some key contributors, I think it could be just as good. We will be much younger, but it easily should be an upgrade in terms of speed, and athleticism. We really need one of the young cb's to step up though. Be it Hudson, Dowels, or Cordy. I am very excited to see how some of the young kids develop. I wouldn't be surprised if we start 2 red-shirt Freshman and a true Sophmore at LB. I think Franklin starts at the MIKE, Bennett starts at WILL, and Jonathan Thomas starts at SAM. I could also see Moskal start at MIKE, and Franklin replace Thomas. Regardless I think the 2 guaranteed to start are Franklin and Bennett. I'm sure Hodge will play, but I haven't been impressed with him 1 bit. Franklin is significantly better.

Agree on Hayes. Did a really nice job at guard. Should have plugged him in against nc state.

 

[OrangePA]

Love McGloster's size and apparent athletic ability.

Love Winfield.

Hope Denzel Ward steps up.

And Jonathan Thomas.

 

[SUalldway]

Yesterday's DO:

http://www.dailyorange.com/2014/11/syracuse-football-recruiting-continues-to-evolve/

Shafer, while not touching on the academic aspect, said he most likely won’t dip into the junior college pool unless there’s an immediate need at a position. Class of 2015 tight end Trey Dunkelberger may be one of those, as he said Shafer told him one of this year’s tight ends will be moving to the offensive line in the spring, the time when Dunkelberger would arrive at SU.

The guess is that Moore is being moved, since he's filled in on the OL before.

Back when we were good at football, the TE was a key part of the passing game.

 

[SmilinBob]

Unfortunately Miller is gone. I thought Hayes was getting work at center? I was really impressed with what I saw from him last Saturday. Our depth for interior line is probably the best at any position on the team. That's one area we are set. Definitely worried about the OT opposite Foy though. I really hope we don't go to JC route though. Unless you are bringing in 4 and 5 star studs like the SEC does I don't think they are worth it. I'd rather use the scholarship on a HS senior and develop them. JC guys just seem like stop gaps, which can only get you so far. The ones that can really play are going to the big boy schools. We just get the leftovers.

I have been looking to 2015 as our breakout year for a while now. I'll admit this year has shaken me though. Even though our defense is losing some key contributors, I think it could be just as good. We will be much younger, but it easily should be an upgrade in terms of speed, and athleticism. We really need one of the young cb's to step up though. Be it Hudson, Dowels, or Cordy. I am very excited to see how some of the young kids develop. I wouldn't be surprised if we start 2 red-shirt Freshman and a true Sophmore at LB. I think Franklin starts at the MIKE, Bennett starts at WILL, and Jonathan Thomas starts at SAM. I could also see Moskal start at MIKE, and Franklin replace Thomas. Regardless I think the 2 guaranteed to start are Franklin and Bennett. I'm sure Hodge will play, but I haven't been impressed with him 1 bit. Franklin is significantly better.

Hodge played out of position and moving him to the outside will do wonders for him.

 

[Crusty]

I am most concerned about our OL and our RB's. If our OL is not better/healthier than this year we're pretty much screwed, I would think. There are so many question marks it is hard to forecast how good the OL will be next year. There is no Hickey or Pugh in this group and the guard play has been poor. I understand we have had many guys playing injured and out of position, but the concern remains. Ward needs to be as advertised and perhaps we will have a couple of nice surprises out of Roberts, Darney or Hindy. I think this could be a greater challenge that people think. I wonder if the expected emphasis on TE is a recognition of our OL line challenges.

Without Hunt's rushing numbers, our running game is as big a problem as our passing.In conference games we rank 11th out of 14 in rushing. PTG was our only reliable back and he will be gone. GMII disappeared altogether and DM is not an every down back. Erv averaged only 3.7 yards per carry and seems more like an H-Back to me.

We have averaged 3.2 sacks per game in conference play thus far this year., which has also got to improve.

Lester may very well have limited choices in what he can and cannot play next year.

 

[JackBauer44]

Unfortunately Miller is gone. I thought Hayes was getting work at center? I was really impressed with what I saw from him last Saturday. Our depth for interior line is probably the best at any position on the team. That's one area we are set. Definitely worried about the OT opposite Foy though. I really hope we don't go to JC route though. Unless you are bringing in 4 and 5 star studs like the SEC does I don't think they are worth it. I'd rather use the scholarship on a HS senior and develop them. JC guys just seem like stop gaps, which can only get you so far. The ones that can really play are going to the big boy schools. We just get the leftovers.

I have been looking to 2015 as our breakout year for a while now. I'll admit this year has shaken me though. Even though our defense is losing some key contributors, I think it could be just as good. We will be much younger, but it easily should be an upgrade in terms of speed, and athleticism. We really need one of the young cb's to step up though. Be it Hudson, Dowels, or Cordy. I am very excited to see how some of the young kids develop. I wouldn't be surprised if we start 2 red-shirt Freshman and a true Sophmore at LB. I think Franklin starts at the MIKE, Bennett starts at WILL, and Jonathan Thomas starts at SAM. I could also see Moskal start at MIKE, and Franklin replace Thomas. Regardless I think the 2 guaranteed to start are Franklin and Bennett. I'm sure Hodge will play, but I haven't been impressed with him 1 bit. Franklin is significantly better.

I think you're going to see A LOT of Jonathan Thomas next year. I've heard the staff really likes him (and he's doing well academically too).

 

[Finwad32]

I am most concerned about our OL and our RB's. If our OL is not better/healthier than this year we're pretty much screwed, I would think. There are so many question marks it is hard to forecast how good the OL will be next year. There is no Hickey or Pugh in this group and the guard play has been poor. I understand we have had many guys playing injured and out of position, but the concern remains. Ward needs to be as advertised and perhaps we will have a couple of nice surprises out of Roberts, Darney or Hindy. I think this could be a greater challenge that people think. I wonder if the expected emphasis on TE is a recognition of our OL line challenges.

Without Hunt's rushing numbers, our running game is as big a problem as our passing.In conference games we rank 11th out of 14 in rushing. PTG was our only reliable back and he will be gone. GMII disappeared altogether and DM is not an every down back. Erv averaged only 3.7 yards per carry and seems more like an H-Back to me.

We have averaged 3.2 sacks per game in conference play thus far this year., which has also got to improve.

Lester may very well have limited choices in what he can and cannot play next year.

Joe Adam is a wonderful guy, and I really like him. But, I want a guy who eats nails and shats steel to coach the OL. A guy with loads of experience. There are no better line coaches than the guys who've been around it for 30 years. They're a breed of their own.

 

[SmilinBob]

Agree with most of your post GoSU. I'm worried about Raymon and Williams staying healthy and the redshirt guys really have to step up in that DT position. Still have to find a long snapper as well and finding a guy to snap the ball to SU's 4 qb's is much needed too. If Moore can do it as he has in the past that will work for me. Whigham at FS might work if SU can find a corner guy but I think Julian will turn it around in 2015. He's in the right spots just needs to work on his finding the ball, strength and tackling which all can be accomplished.

 

[Crusty]

Joe Adam is a wonderful guy, and I really like him. But, I want a guy who eats nails and shats steel to coach the OL. A guy with loads of experience. There are no better line coaches than the guys who've been around it for 30 years. They're a breed of their own.

Adam has experience coaching DB's. Perhaps Adam, who has good recruiting skills, needs to replace Reed who doesn't. I could be wrong but Reed appears to be the weak link on the D staff.

I think there will be changes on the staff.

On a side note, I would love to see Macky as a GA on this staff.

 

[RF2044]

Agree with most of your post GoSU. I'm worried about Raymon and Williams staying healthy and the redshirt guys really have to step up in that DT position. Still have to find a long snapper as well and finding a guy to snap the ball to SU's 4 qb's is much needed too. If Moore can do it as he has in the past that will work for me. Whigham at FS might work if SU can find a corner guy but I think Julian will turn it around in 2015. He's in the right spots just needs to work on his finding the ball, strength and tackling which all can be accomplished.

I'm not as worried about DT as I am DE. Raymon / Williams, plus the redshirt frosh, plus Coleman, plus Johnson / Thompson if they need them there.

Outside, while neither Robinson or Welsh are superior upfield pass rushers, those guys have been long term productive starters who make things happen. Would love to see Thompson slide outside to one DE position. Not sure who the other will be, let alone depth behind them--as there literally is NO proven depth.

DE and Secondary are the two big question marks heading into next year, in my mind.

 

[SmilinBob]

Jeepers...I don't think I can remember a time when I was worried about depth at RB, good point. I'm really hoping that Morris/McFarland work their tails off and see this carrot dangling in front of them and seize this thing.

 

[SmilinBob]

I'm not as worried about DT as I am DE. Raymon / Williams, plus the redshirt frosh, plus Coleman, plus Johnson / Thompson if they need them there.

Outside, while neither Robinson or Welsh are superior upfield pass rushers, those guys have been long term productive starters who make things happen. Would love to see Thompson slide outside to one DE position. Not sure who the other will be, let alone depth behind them--as there literally is NO proven depth.

DE and Secondary are the two big question marks heading into next year, in my mind.

I agree sliding Johnson/Thompson outside would be nice but it's not talent for me for Raymon and Williams but staying on the field. I really believe SU will find a heck of a DE out of what they have.

Also don't forget about Rodney Williams for FS.

 

[javadoc]

Joe Adam is a wonderful guy, and I really like him. But, I want a guy who eats nails and shats steel to coach the OL. A guy with loads of experience. There are no better line coaches than the guys who've been around it for 30 years. They're a breed of their own.

http://imgix.At their request, this network is being blocked from this site./21/213436.jpg

 

[SUFan44]

I am most concerned about our OL and our RB's. If our OL is not better/healthier than this year we're pretty much screwed, I would think. There are so many question marks it is hard to forecast how good the OL will be next year. There is no Hickey or Pugh in this group and the guard play has been poor. I understand we have had many guys playing injured and out of position, but the concern remains. Ward needs to be as advertised and perhaps we will have a couple of nice surprises out of Roberts, Darney or Hindy. I think this could be a greater challenge that people think. I wonder if the expected emphasis on TE is a recognition of our OL line challenges.

Without Hunt's rushing numbers, our running game is as big a problem as our passing.In conference games we rank 11th out of 14 in rushing. PTG was our only reliable back and he will be gone. GMII disappeared altogether and DM is not an every down back. Erv averaged only 3.7 yards per carry and seems more like an H-Back to me.

We have averaged 3.2 sacks per game in conference play thus far this year., which has also got to improve.

Lester may very well have limited choices in what he can and cannot play next year.

We have averaged 3.2 sacks per game in conference play because our QB's don't know what the heck is going on and our line is a bunch of backups. There's no Pugh or Hickey next year, yes, but the other four spots should all be at the very least serviceable.

 

[RMH44]

I'm not as worried about DT as I am DE. Raymon / Williams, plus the redshirt frosh, plus Coleman, plus Johnson / Thompson if they need them there.

Outside, while neither Robinson or Welsh are superior upfield pass rushers, those guys have been long term productive starters who make things happen. Would love to see Thompson slide outside to one DE position. Not sure who the other will be, let alone depth behind them--as there literally is NO proven depth.

DE and Secondary are the two big question marks heading into next year, in my mind.

If Raymon and Williams are healthy, we'll be fine at DT. The rotation will include some proven back-ups (Coleman & Sloan) along with RF Samuels and Harvey. If this scenario plays out, that leaves Thompson and Johnson at DE working in rotation with Simmons and Slayton. Not a bad DE group but we might need another body or two to step-up.

I have three positions of concern...OT, CB and QB. We've been spoiled with great LT's like Pugh and Hickey. Is there anyone on the roster to carry on this trend? Denzel Ward?

CB is wide open and, unfortunately, we might need our January enrollees to contribute right away. If only Reddish would have taken a redshirt!

The QB situation scares the hell out me. Inconsistency is the only constant. All bring certain attributes to position but none are the complete package. Personally, I think Kimble is the most talented but his nagging back (an old HS injury) dropped to to 4th on the chart. Alin Edouard come on down!

 

[TheCusian]

If Raymon and Williams are healthy, we'll be fine at DT. The rotation will include some proven back-ups (Coleman & Sloan) along with RF Samuels and Harvey. If this scenario plays out, that leaves Thompson and Johnson at DE working in rotation with Simmons and Slayton. Not a bad DE group but we might need another body or two to step-up. I have three positions of concern...OT, CB and QB. We've been spoiled with great LT's like Pugh and Hickey. Is there anyone on the roster to carry on this trend? Denzel Ward? CB is wide open and, unfortunately, we might need our January enrollees to contribute right away. If only Reddish would have taken a redshirt! The QB situation scares the hell out me. Inconsistency is the only constant. All bring certain attributes to position but none are the complete package. Personally, I think Kimble is the most talented but his nagging back (an old HS injury) dropped to to 4th on the chart. Alin Edouard come on down!

QB is terrifying. I'm hoping a full offseason in Lester's yet to be installed offense might help. They all are familiar with what he wants from reads, checks, throws... Shouldn't be as a big an adjustment as a brand new OC.

Unless Alin is the next McNabb, I think it's Hunt on a short leash, followed by AJ.

 

[javadoc]

QB is terrifying. I'm hoping a full offseason in Lester's yet to be installed offense might help. They all are familiar with what he wants from reads, checks, throws... Shouldn't be as a big an adjustment as a brand new OC.

Unless Alin is the next McNabb, I think it's Hunt on a short leash, followed by AJ.

Can't be overstated enough. Without good, consistent QB play, we are going to stink next year as well. Ask Chad Morris, who didn't suddenly become a bad OC in the middle of this season.

 

[tep624]

Can't be overstated enough. Without good, consistent QB play, we are going to stink next year as well. Ask Chad Morris, who didn't suddenly become a bad OC in the middle of this season.

Yep. The biggest hole on this team. The Line and the QB are directly linked though.

 

[kcsu]

I think that we will be solid but thin at most positions. CB is our weak link for sure and i would love to see the staff bring in a solid Juco to help out.

The Oline looks strong and i believe we see Trudo at center which will also help him with the draft having played two positions.

RB sees Strickland getting some serious PT and i wouldnt count out Shy making the two deep at LB and pushing for time.

At QB my sense is that Alin takes a RS if he has it available and i believe we have a two dog fight between Hunt and AJ with Hunt getting the nod.

 

[anomander]

Unless you're convinced that Burton and McGloster are going to provide quality depth next season in the event of injury next year, a stop-gap is exactly what we need at T. At this point your starters are a RF at LT that hasn't played a snap yet and has had weight issues and an injury prone Foy at RT. But I agree if we go JUCO it has to be a difference maker and not depth chart fodder. At a minimum, a Michael Hay type (without the dumb penalties) that is solid depth and can step in and start if need be and not be a massive dropoff in performance. Maybe Lasker turns the corner and becomes that guy next year, but if him and Moore are the 3 and 4 on the 2 deep they have as many question marks as the 1 and 2.

Trust me i'm not really confident in anyone outside of Foy. It's pretty scary, but i'd be willing to bet any JC OT that we would be able to pick up right about now wouldn't be much better then the options we already have. I remember when they thought they needed to offer Lasker as a Sophmore because they didn't think they'd be able to sign him if he played another year at Junior College. I guess what I am saying is the type of kid we would bring in unless it's a Chad Mavety type stud , it would be a crap shoot anyways. Just looking at the guys we have brought in, other then Darius Kelly, who has been really really good, I don't think any were much more then bodies. I guess i'd rather just use the scholarship on a HS kid, who you can get back as a Sophmore with 2 years of development in the program. If we were contenders for the conference title I would be for JC guys, but us still trying to build up the program, I think you have to do that with player development. Just my opinion.

I think you're going to see A LOT of Jonathan Thomas next year. I've heard the staff really likes him (and he's doing well academically too).

Good to hear. He was one of my favorite commits last year. Kind of wish he would have used a red shirt this year, but hopefully the experience he gained on ST's, and traveling with the team will help.

Adam has experience coaching DB's. Perhaps Adam, who has good recruiting skills, needs to replace Reed who doesn't. I could be wrong but Reed appears to be the weak link on the D staff.

I think there will be changes on the staff.

On a side note, I would love to see Macky as a GA on this staff.

I don't think I think Reed has done a good job. I thought he did a good job of tightening up the secondary this season. Maybe some of that was personnel wise, but Reddish has made significant improvements, and our safety play has been really strong. I think we won't know his full coaching capabilities until next year when we get some kids in their who are truly his guys, and are going to be needed to step up to play good football.