John Raymon had another setback Saturday when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Syracuse’s 56-0 loss to Georgia Tech.

The defensive tackle has already overcome a difficult upbringing and a transfer from Iowa. Shafer spoke strongly of Raymon on Wednesday.

“Johnny’s special to all of us,” Shafer said. ” … We’re looking forward to him continuing to progress academically this semester, have a little bit more time to focus on that, even if he’s going to have to be trudging through campus on crutches and wheelchairs, and that sort of thing — which isn’t easy to find for a big guy at 325 pounds.”

Shafer said he’s seen players grow from similar debilitating injuries, and hopes Raymon can do the same. The football team and SU community have been very supportive, Shafer said.

“Football’s a very difficult sport with injuries,” Shafer said. “Unfortunately, it showed its ugly head on John on Saturday. I’m extremely disappointed, but also understand that it’s a life lesson that’s going to make John a stronger person. He’ll get through it.”