Football

Syracuse football: 5 takeaways from 1st post-spring practice depth chart

Sam Maller | Staff Photographer

Head coach Scott Shafer has his first depth chart at his fingertips, and it includes some interesting player placements on both sides of the ball.

By Matt SchneidmanSenior Staff Writer

Syracuse released its first post-spring practice depth chart Wednesday afternoon. Here are five takeaways from the pecking orders that may open a few eyes heading into the preseason.

1) Redshirt freshman Kayton Samuels starting over senior Wayne Williams

On the Atlantic Coast Conference spring coaches’ teleconference, SU head coach Scott Shafer praised the improvement of Samuels on the defensive line. The starters were presumed to be Williams and senior John Raymon – who’s listed as the starter at defensive tackle – but for now, Samuels has the nod over Williams at the nose tackle spot instead.

2) Senior Ashton Broyld listed as third-string H-back

Syracuse and offensive coordinator Tim Lester are looking to do big things with the “hybrid” position this year, and Broyld doesn’t seem to be at the forefront of those plans just yet. Sophomore Ervin Philips and junior Ben Lewis are ahead of Broyld on the depth chart, and the senior is coming off a season where he only played four games due to injury.



3) Austin Wilson ahead of AJ Long in quarterback pecking order

When Terrel Hunt went down with a fractured fibula last year, Long was the one to step in. He completed 54 percent of his passes in six games and threw two touchdowns against then-No. 1 Florida State on Oct. 11. But Wilson – a sophomore who played in five games and completed 56 percent of his passes last year – will be Hunt’s backup for now.

4) Walk-on Cameron MacPherson listed as backup tight end

The junior transfer from Georgetown hasn’t played a snap yet for the Orange – he sat out last season due to transfer rules. But he’s still listed ahead the likes of JUCO transfer Trey Dunkelberger and sophomore Tyler Provo, and looks to be getting a chance as Josh Parris’ backup to start the preseason.

5) Freshman Matt Keller in the primary long-snapper spot

It’s rare to see a recruited long-snapper, but that’s what Keller is. He spent the spring at SU after finishing high school early, and was placed ahead of returners Keith Mitsuuchi and Nathan Hines on the depth chart. For now, it looks like Keller will be the one tasked with replacing all-around man Sam Rodgers.





Top Stories