In the Huddle: Clemson

in the • november 13–14, 2015

huddle

syracuse vs. clemson

Mara Corbett

Brett Samuels

Whitness protection

Freshman safety Kielan Whitner is helping protect the SU secondary while learning from his mistakes. He’s gradually improved during his first year at

See page 7

Thomas the tank

Jonathan Thomas’ first sport was soccer, but he’s progressed with football at SU as he makes the most of the reps he’s given as a backup linebacker. See page 13

How SU’s bowl hopes fell in Mahoney’s hands against No. 1 Clemson

Terrel Hunt only spoke at every other media opportunity during the preseason. He was the face of a program turnaround that would’ve been swamped every day to shed light on his, and Syracuse’s, quest for redemption. Seven minutes and 27 seconds into that quest, a torn Achilles ended his season before it even began.

Since then, the fate of Syracuse’s offense has rested mainly in the hands of a freshman often critiqued by coaches for taking too many hits on the run, with a game and a half belonging to a walk-on and eight passing attempts to a third-stringer. Add in a medically disqualified sophomore who started five games last year and SU’s quarterbacking corps has taken as many hits as Eric Dungey out of the pocket. Hunt. Dungey. Zack Mahoney. Austin Wilson. AJ Long. Quarterback-turned-wide receiver-turned-cornerback-turned-emergency quarterback Kenterius Womack is currently third in line. Now, Dungey is out after another hit to the head. Syracuse is 3-6 with three games remaining and it’s up to Mahoney, the walk-on

from the College of DuPage whose only other start came against LSU, to salvage SU’s bowl hopes against No. 1 Clemson this Saturday.

“Have I ever been around a situation where a walk-on gets to start against two high-caliber teams like LSU and Clemson?” SU head coach Scott Shafer said Thursday, referring to a question he got earlier in the week, “and I was like ‘… nope, haven’t seen that.’”

Here’s how that came to be, with a look at the evolution of Syracuse’s quarterback situation this year.

Preseason: After fracturing his fibula on Oct. 3, 2014 against Louisville, Hunt is primed to make up for a lost year. He’s grown more comfortable in a leadership role and held himself and his teammates more accountable in the offseason.

“I really don’t care what anybody says. The media can write what they write. The fans

can say what they say,” Hunt said before the season. “But my teammates believe in me. And they know that I believe in them. It really doesn’t matter what’s being said. I feel like I got way better. I got smarter.”

Week 1: Hunt tears his Achilles doing what he wanted to prove he could do more of, escaping

the pocket. He’s replaced by Dungey in the first quarter against Rhode Island and the freshman throws for two scores before being relieved by

Wilson in the third quarter of a 47-0 SU win.

“We really didn’t anticipate or want to throw him to the wolves like this so quick,” Shafer said after the game. “But God love him … I liked his reads, he was on the right side of the field with a lot of his preparation.”

Week 3: After Dungey throws for 221 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 2 win against Wake Forest, he leaves in the second quarter of SU’s Week 3 win against Central Michigan after taking a hit to the head. Wilson and Mahoney share snaps and the latter eventually guides the Orange to an overtime win.

“I saw him get hit, the helmet-to-helmet thing, and you know it’s unfortunate,” offensive coordinator Tim Lester said after the game. “He laid down for a minute and he started getting up and I got excited. But he’s safe and he seems to be doing good.”

Week 4: Then-No. 8 LSU only beats Syracuse by 10 and Dungey doesn’t play. After a shoddy first half, Mahoney throws for three touchdowns in the second but likely sees his

Clemson Q&A with The Post and Courier’s Aaron Brenner

By Paul Schwedelson asst. copy editor

Syracuse (3-6, 1-4 Atlantic Coast) hosts No. 1 Clemson (9-0, 6-0) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in the Carrier Dome and the game will be broadcast on ABC or ESPN2. The Orange is 1-9 all-time against No. 1-ranked teams, its only victory coming against Nebraska, 17-9, in 1984. Follow along with all of The Daily Orange’s Syracuse-Clemson coverage here and on Twitter @DOSports.

To learn more about the Tigers, The Daily Orange spoke with The Post and Courier beat writer Aaron Brenner.

The Daily Orange: Quarterback Deshaun Watson is widely considered one of the best players in the country. What makes him so good?

Aaron Brenner: Watson is a zone-read quarterback at his core; fans and media are only beginning to see his full capabilities as a runner in the last few games as he’s hovered around the 100-yard mark on the ground three times in Clemson’s last six games. But he also

throws a terrific deep ball, and makes lightning-quick decisions at the line of scrimmage to exploit the best matchup, even if that means a simple inside handoff or a quick screen pass to the perimeter. Beyond his physical skills, Watson has the “it” factor, leading his teammates everywhere they go and saying all the right things in front of the media.

The D.O.: Syracuse’s secondary has struggled throughout the entire season. What would it take from the Orange’s defense for wide receiver Artavis Scott not to have a monster game?

A.B.: Well, to be honest, Scott’s statistics aren’t always on fire, so that particular quest might not actually be too difficult for Syracuse. Scott is a little banged up right now, too, but his teammates are more than capable of exploding for long scores or big yardage games. But to the heart of the question, Scott is extremely difficult to bring down in space. Even though he’s built more like a lightning bug, he’s surprisingly strong, which might catch the Orange defenders off-guard. Mainly, as any good defensive coordinator would tell

you, they’ll have to take correct angles and tackle well, even if that requires two or three defenders at a time.

The D.O.: Cornerback Mackensie Alexander is one of the best cornerbacks in the country. In what ways have opposing offenses tried to limit his effect on the game?

A.B.: Alexander backed up his talk in the Notre Dame game when he shut down Will Fuller; that’s still the only game in which Fuller has not found the end zone. However, opponents have tried their hand at testing Alexander more this season than last, perhaps because it’s just not viable to ignore half the football field against a defense as talented as Clemson’s.

The D.O.: Who are a few players on Clemson that might not be in the spotlight as much but Syracuse fans should be aware of?

A.B.: I’d keep an eye on Clemson first-year left tackle Mitch Hyatt, who just became the first true freshman in Clemson history to win ACC Lineman of the Week against Florida State. He’ll be matched up on Ron Thompson. Also look out for freshman receiver Deon Cain, who

has stepped in for the injured Mike Williams and scored in each of his last two games. On Clemson’s defense, freshman defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is a full-grown man, even though he’s only 19 years old. He’s also from the northeast, a Connecticut kid. And finally, walk-on placekicker Greg Huegel will try to stay perfect in ACC play, having made all 13 field-goal attempts so far. He, too, is a freshman.

The D.O.: What area would Syracuse have to expose in order to pull off the upset?

A.B.: On offense, Syracuse will have to find a way to run the ball effectively; Matt Dayes (N.C. State) and Dalvin Cook (FSU) pulled off some long gains the past two weeks. On defense, I’d advise the Orange to take some chances and see if it can’t force some turnovers; though Watson’s been better lately, he does have seven interceptions this year. And on special teams, it’s all about the kick returns, as Clemson has been dreadful on kick return coverage this year. Brisly Estime certainly has the Tigers’ attention, and he’ll probably be the best punt returner Clemson sees this season.

pmschwed@syr.edu | @pschweds

last meaningful snaps for the foreseeable future. Syracuse has a bye week and Dungey looks good to return against South Florida.

“He threw for three touchdowns,” Shafer said. “That’s not too damn bad for a young man that we were just figuring out his name here a few months ago.”

Week 5: Long is medically disqualified after suffering multiple concussions at SU. In an interview with The Daily Orange, he says Shafer told him to be ready to play against LSU. Long was participating in practice after recovering from a hand injury, but a concussion suffered the Wednesday before playing the Bulls further thins SU’s QB situation.

Week 6: Syracuse loses to one-win Virginia in triple overtime after falling to one-win USF the week before. The highlight of the game comes right before halftime when Dungey hurdles All-American safety Quin Blanding before being leveled in the head and spinning into the end zone. Despite coaches’ instructions to slide more or throw the ball away on the run, Dungey doesn’t oblige.

“They want me sliding and not taking any shots,” Dungey said after the game. “It’s not really in my nature.”

Week 8: A blowout loss to Florida State follows a game decided on the last play against Pittsburgh. Syracuse loses but the talk again centers around Dungey’s head. He takes a hit in the third quarter and lies motionless on the ground for several seconds. Trainer Denny Kellington has to restrain Dungey from going back on the field but the freshman eventually finishes out the 23-20 loss.

“Obviously, we are hypersensitive to our guys getting hit and not getting up,” Shafer said after the game. “He popped right up and wanted to go right back in, but our medical staff did a nice job.”

Now: Dungey is out after suffering yet another hit to the head in a 41-17 loss to Louisville last Saturday. He was knocked out of the game with 4:21 remaining and the Orange down 31, but Shafer thought Dungey could jumpstart a comeback. Mahoney has looked good in practice, coaches say, and is less nervous than the week leading up to LSU.

“He knows who he is and he knows who he isn’t,” Shafer said of Mahoney.

Mahoney is a quarterback also held back from the media, this time to gain a competitive advantage against the country’s best team. Who he isn’t is the one Syracuse expected to try and save its season.

mcschnei@syr.edu | @matt_schneidman

Floyd Little happy to have No. 44 statue:

By Sam Blum sports editor

Floyd Little got a glimpse of the structure that will forever enshrine him on the Syracuse University campus. A look, just to see, before a ceremony on Saturday would make its existence official. A statue of Little that people will walk by and always know what he meant to the football program and the school.

what is plaza 44

He wanted his look to be quick. He wanted the moment on Saturday to still feel novel, as if he was seeing it for the first time, just like everybody else.

“To see a statue,” Little said, before pausing. “I don’t know how to feel, because it’s something that’s totally different. To realize that you’ve lived long enough to see a statue of you on the campus of Syracuse University in perpetuity. All the kids for years to come will be able to see an image of me on the campus. That’s huge for me.”

On Saturday at 11:45 a.m. outside the Ensley Athletic Center, Little will be honored along with Jim Brown and the late Ernie Davis. Each will have a statue side by side in what is being dubbed Plaza 44. When the groundbreaking took place in May, the school announced the restoration of the No. 44 out of retirement, but its future has been in ambiguity ever since.

Later in the day at 3:30 p.m., Syracuse (3-6, 1-4 Atlantic Coast) will host No. 1 Clemson (9-0, 6-0) in the Carrier Dome. It’s a moment that Little says is a “separate entity” from the festivities that morning. And one he’s looking forward to because his entire extended family will be there to support him.

“To be able to go back and honor our three great legends of 44 … is sensational,” Cliff Ensley said. “Floyd was always my hero and still is.”

Director of Athletics Mark Coyle and Chancellor Kent Syverud will both be in attendance. Brown had yet to respond about his attendance as of Monday afternoon, but Little said he’d love for the fellow Syracuse icon to come.

Regardless, Little said being cemented in Syracuse history next to two other No. 44

All the kids for years to come will be able to see an image of me on the campus. That’s huge for me.

Floyd Little assistant to the athletic director

legends is all that he could ask for.

“It’s important we recognize some of the heroes,” Little said. “It’s like the Pro Football Hall of Fame, to honor the heroes of the game. That’s what this is all about. Honoring the heroes of the game.” sblum@syr.edu | @SamBlum3

‘That’s huge for me’

Shafer addresses recruiting pitch amid job controversy

By Paul Schwedelson asst. copy editor

When recruits ask Syracuse head coach Scott Shafer about his job security, he tells them what he knows: He has one year left on his contract and wants to keep his job for longer.

“‘If you join us, you’ll help us be here for a long time,’” Shafer said. “So that’s what I tell them. It’s as simple as that, nothing more.”

Syracuse (3-6, 1-4 Atlantic Coast) has gone 13-21 in Shafer’s nearly three seasons and is potentially facing back-to-back 3-9 years. As questions about his job security have been raised among fans, recruiting is at the forefront of discussions regarding the effect of a coaching change.

In 2013, after then-head coach Doug Marrone left for the Buffalo Bills’ job, Shafer had to scramble to complete the recruiting class. Syracuse’s 2016 class currently includes 15 players and its 2017 class includes two, but if a head coaching change was made, they may choose other schools and leave the new coach scram-

bling the way Shafer was in his first offseason. Uncertainty among recruits about who will be the head coach could factor in to them ultimately choosing a different school.

If you join us, you’ll help us be here for a long time, so that’s what I tell them. It’s as simple as that, nothing more.

Scott Shafer su head coach

“When I talk to kids in recruiting, whether it’s a couple years ago when I first started at it or today, tomorrow, it’s the same message,” Shafer said. “Here’s where we’re going, here’s how we’re going to ramp up the program, here are the models that we’ve been a part of or we think are comparable to ours and this is where you fit in.” pmschwed@syr.edu | @pschweds

Cortaca, undefeated Iowa highlight slate of national games

By Brett Samuels

No. 12 Oklahoma at No. 6 Baylor, 8 p.m.

Saturday

Baylor (8-0, 5-0 Big 12) is undefeated, but ranked No. 6 in the College Football Playoff rankings due to its weak schedule. It begins a stretch of games against ranked opponents when it faces a respectable opponent when No. 12 Oklahoma (8-1, 5-1 Big 12) visits Waco, Texas. Baylor’s prolific offense is paced by wide receiver Corey Coleman, who leads the nation with 20 receiving touchdowns.

No. 2 Alabama at No. 17 Mississippi State, 3:30 p.m. Saturday

The Crimson Tide (8-1, 5-1 Southeastern) are rolling after handling then-No. 2 LSU, 30-16, last week. Now, Alabama travels to Starkville, Mississippi, as the newly ranked No. 2 in the College Football Playoff. The Tide will take on No. 17 Mississippi State, (7-2, 3-2 SEC). The Bulldogs have won four straight games, though only two of those were against conference opponents.

Oregon at No. 7 Stanford, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday

For the past half-decade, this game has typically decided the Pac-12 North division champion. That’s not the case this year, as Oregon (6-3, 4-2 Pac-12) visits Stanford as an underdog. The Cardinal (8-1, 7-0 Pac-12) are two games up in the standings, and have gone undefeated after losing its season-opener on the road to No. 18 Northwestern. Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey is quietly building a Heisman Trophy case, averaging 6.1 yards per carry on 198 attempts so far this season.

No. 21 Memphis at No. 24 Houston 7 p.m. on Saturday

Memphis (8-1, 4-1 American Athletic) was a dark horse to make the College Football Playoffs up until last week, when the Tigers were blown out by Navy, 45-20. Undefeated Houston

(9-0, 5-0 AAC) is ready to replace Memphis as the non-power conference front-runner. Both teams have high-powered offenses, with Houston averaging 43.5 points per game this season, and Memphis tallying 42.5 points per game thus far.

Minnesota at No. 5 Iowa, 8 p.m. Saturday

The Hawkeyes (9-0, 5-0 Big Ten) have flown under the radar to this point, riding two road wins against top 25 teams to the No. 5 spot in the most recent College Football Playoff rankings. In order to reach its best start in school history, Iowa will have to defeat Minnesota (4-5, 1-4 Big Ten). The Golden Gophers have had a rocky season and head coach Jerry Kill stepped down two weeks ago for health reasons. But Minnesota could turn things around with a road victory over No. 5 Iowa.

SUNY Cortland at Ithaca College, 12 p.m. Saturday

In the biggest of central New York football rivalries, Cortland takes on Ithaca in the annual showdown for the Cortaca Jug. It’s the 57th matchup between the two schools, with Ithaca leading the Jug series 34-22. Cortland won last season’s game in dramatic fashion, 23-20, after a botched field goal snap led to an improbable touchdown pass on the game’s final play.

Columbia at Cornell, 1 p.m. Saturday

In a battle of Ivy League basement-dwellers, Cornell (0-8, 0-5 Ivy) travels to Ithaca to take on the Lions (2-6, 1-4 Ivy). Both teams close their seasons the following week, leaving the Big Red just two more opportunities to capture its first victory of the season. In 2014, it was Columbia finishing 0-10 on the year, while Cornell went 1-9. blsamuel@syr.edu | @Brett_Samuels27

Kielan Whitner learns from mistakes to grow as freshman

By Paul Schwedelson asst. copy editor

An unlucky bounce led to a fumble, a missed tackle led to a touchdown and an unintentional personal foul contributed to an eventual 21-point loss. Each one brought more attention to freshman safety Kielan Whitner for the wrong reasons.

Syracuse had a shot in the fourth quarter against South Florida on Oct. 10 but mistakes piled up and Whitner’s were the most glaring. After the game, veteran teammates Ron Thompson and Julian Whigham consoled him in the locker room. Whitner tweeted an apology to his team. He was distraught on the plane. Whitner responded the same way he does after every game. He went to his South Campus apartment, prayed, and only let it sit with him Gathering more playing time due to injuries to other safeties, Whitner has recorded 18 total tackles in the last five games and is coming off his best performance. Against Louisville, he had nine tackles, a forced fumble and a pass breakup.

As the freshman continues to adjust to the college game, his progression on the field reflects it.

“They’re going to make those mistakes, but do they learn from them?” defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough said. “Now he’s where he’s supposed to be; if he’s supposed to be in the middle of the field, he’s in the middle of the field.”

The most important aspect Whitner is working on is reading opposing offenses. Depending on the play call, he has different assignments of where to look. Whitner said if his reads aren’t perfect, he might not be able to make the play. At Mountain View (Georgia) High School, he could get away with it. In college, he can’t.

He has to trust his eyes more than ever and Bullough has been impressed with his play just nine games into his career. Whitner’s tackling could improve, he said, but if he’s not in the right position to begin with, that chance doesn’t exist.

In high school, Whitner played both safety positions, cornerback and even occasionally outside linebacker.

His versatility prepared him for the role

he has now. Whether it’s giving breathers to Cordy at strong safety or Rodney Williams and Chauncey Scissum at free safety, he’s learned to play both spots at the collegiate level.

“I’m just kind of a utility guy,” Whitner said. “Whatever they need me to do, I’m going to go do it.” Whitner was told during his recruitment that

he’d have a chance to play right away. He thought about it all offseason and has been listed as the second-string strong safety behind Antwan Cordy since the beginning of the year. In the first four games, he recorded only three tackles and no other stats. Since, his game has clicked.

“Unfortunately, it’s going to be baptism by fire,” Syracuse head coach Scott Shafer said, “… (but) Whit’s doing a great job. I’m excited about his future.”

His willingness and ability to play strong and free safety has created opportunities. And recently, Whitner’s taken advantage.

Whitner knows there’s still a lot to improve on. He only spent 24 hours after Louisville thinking about the game and he’ll only spend 24 hours after playing Clemson thinking about that.

That mindset is what’s gotten him to this point and, like his improvement, he doesn’t plan on changing.

“You can’t be too high, you can’t be too low,” Whitner said. “You just got to stay steady.” pmschwed@syr.edu | @pschweds

POSTER SERIES

DATE OPPONENT TIME

Saturday, Nov. 14 Clemson 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 21 at North Carolina State 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 28 Boston College TBA

Eric Mac Lain switches from tight end to guard for Tigers

By Chris Libonati asst. copy editor

A young Eric Mac Lain ran off the peewee football field to his father because he was upset. He couldn’t touch the ball because Ohio peewee football rules prevent players over a certain weight from being ball carriers.

“I said, ‘What’s the matter?’” his father, Mike Mac Lain recalls asking him.

“They’re calling me names, daddy,” Eric responded.

“Well, that’s just because he’s not a good sport, he’s a poor sport,” Mike recalls firing back. “Just keep knocking him down. You’re doing what you’re supposed to do and people are going to call you names.

“That really bothered him,” Mike said.

Peewee football that season was the only time Eric had ever played on the offensive line before reaching Clemson many years later. Rated the No. 59 overall recruit in the country and the sixth-ranked tight end by Scout.com, running routes past defensive backs has since been replaced by making blocks on defensive linemen.

After a rough start injury-wise for Eric during his sophomore season, he volunteered to make the switch to guard.

“There was tons of times where I was doubting if that was the right move for me, if this was really best for me and the team, or if I really wanted to do it,” Eric said. “So there was a

bunch of come-to-Jesus meetings I had with myself and my roommate Ryan Norton.”

All Eric wanted to do was be like former Tennessee Volunteers tight end Jason Witten, so his dad helped groom him to fit that mold. He weighed 245 pounds in high school and his father would never let him lift weights because he didn’t want Eric to weigh 300 pounds as a sophomore in high school. As a redshirt senior with the Tigers, he’s now 315.

Jason (Witten) was a big white boy that played tight end for Tennessee. Big country boy. We were Tennessee people… He wanted to play football for Philip Fullmer…You have a responsibility as a father to allow your kids to pursue your dreams.

Mike Mac Lain eric’s father

Mike said if his son lifted weights as heavily as some high-school teammates, Eric likely

would have tipped the scales at 300 pounds.

Despite being such a highly ranked tight end coming out of high school, his pass-catching ability rarely went used in a run-heavy offense. He had to go to various camps, including the Volunteers’, as a rising freshman in high school, to get exposure.

“Jason (Witten) was a big white boy that played tight end for Tennessee,” Mike said. “Big country boy. We were Tennessee people … He wanted to play football for Phillip Fulmer … You have a responsibility as a father to allow your kids to pursue your dreams.”

His father is adamant that Eric has the best hands for Clemson even after spending the last three years at guard. But those skills flew out the window when offensive linemen Gifford Timothy and Tyler Shatley went down against North Carolina State in 2012. The Tigers’ depth was sparse and head coach Dabo Swinney had already told Eric that he would take fewer snaps at tight end given his size and speed not matching up with the Clemson offense, Mike said.

Eric sat down with Norton, Clemson’s center, and discussed whether a move to guard would be better for the team. He then went to Swinney, who was “all about it.”

The wide-open space that Eric had to operate as a tight end has been cut down between hulking linemen up front. Instead of caring where the safety is, Eric has to worry about how the defensive line is positioned, who is

going to blitz and line checks to be made.

“You really don’t have any particular line calls you make as a tight end, so (it’s like) learning a completely new language,” Mike said. That’s on top of learning how to hand fight in the trenches and acclimate to the precise footwork it takes to release from the line of scrimmage.

38

At least twice a practice, the team practices hand fighting. Even after three years at the position, Eric is still trying to master his footwork.

He’ll leave games each week with stories about how he asked an opponent a math problem or told them they had bad breath. No longer are the stories about leaning too far forward or missing a step. He’s planting in the right places, getting his hands on defensive linemen’s pads and now he’s the one with his jaws moving.

“Tackle might have been a little bit easier, but there’s so many little nuances on the offensive line with technique that take you a lifetime to perfect. I got a fast-forwarded version of it.”

cjlibona@syr.edu | @ChrisLibonati

Covey excels for Utah in final season before 2-year mission

By Liam Sullivan staff writer

As Britain Covey quarterbacked his high school team to its second straight Division 4A state championship, Utah wide receiver Kenneth Scott watched the game on television. Escaping collapsing pockets, making defenders miss in the open field and possessing a nose for the end zone, Covey impressed his future teammate.

Set to join Utah for the following season, Scott knew Covey’s talents would allow him to make an immediate impact.

“I was like, ‘this kid can play — he’s elusive and explosive,’” Scott said. “I knew right away that he’d help in the slot.”

Even with his quarterbacking ability throughout high school, Covey’s exceeded expectations this season for No. 10 Utah. He leads the team with 450 receiving yards. He has four touchdowns on 37 receptions. His 235 yards on 18 punt returns — an average of 13.1 yards — is first in the Pacific-12.

But despite clawing his way into the starting lineup and finding success, Covey — a devout Mormon — plans to leave football for a two-year church mission at the season’s end.

“He’s been a big bright spot for us and we’re going to miss him in two years as he goes,” said Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham. “… He’s been everything we’ve hoped for and more.”

Though his brother Stephen played football at BYU, Covey felt drawn to play football for Utah. Being the first big program to express interest and offer a scholarship coupled with

the Utes history of dynamic slot players made it the obvious choice.

While Covey’s 5-foot-8 frame makes him a natural candidate for slot receiver, the transition from high school quarterback didn’t happen organically. Covey knew throughout high school he would never play as a Division I quarterback and used free time to run routes with his brothers, Stephen and Christian.

Each a quarterback in high school, the trio spent early mornings on their high school’s field. Covey’s older brothers threw passes to him while he ran routes.

Preparing for his inevitable position change proved challenging, but a commitment to running hard, sharp and clean routes helped Covey learn to separate from defenders and catch passes.

“I have a good level of quickness. I have good hands,” Covey said. “But where I really excel is when I get the ball in my hands and can make guys miss.”

His size led Covey to believe he needed to prove himself to his teammates, prove that he belonged. During the final week of summer conditioning, he ran the 40-yard dash.

Covey ran one of the fastest times on the team — 4.4 seconds. As teammates congratulated him on the accomplishment and the gritty work ethic from which it stemmed, Covey felt validated and could turn his attention to the field.

Still, people questioned his decision to leave Utah behind at season’s end in favor of a two-year long church mission. Covey, who’s assigned a destination in December, doesn’t

BY THE NUMBERS

HIS KINGDOM

Freshman Britain Covey leads No. 10 Utah in several receiving categories this season despite standing at just 5 feet, 8 inches.

450

Receiving yards for Covey to lead Utah

13.1

Yards per punt return for Covey, second most in the Pac 12

doubt his decision. He wants to film his teammates’ reactions when he tells them where he’ll be serving.

He’s been a big bright spot for us and we’re going to miss him in two years as he goes, He’s been everything we’ve hoped for and more.

Kyle Wittingham utah head coach

37 Receptions

4 Touchdowns

235

Punt return yards

his pleasure.”

Faith has always opened doors for him and he decided before the season started that, regardless of his success at Utah, he would still partake in the journey he’s dreamed about as a kid.

One of Covey’s favorite quotes comes from the movie “Chariots of Fire” and reads, “I believe that God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast and when I run, I feel

Eric Dungey

For the freshman receiver, this mantra holds true to football. Football’s given him a platform to spread the word of his Mormon faith and with three years of eligibility left upon his return from the mission, Covey isn’t done with the sport.

“I’m not dumb. I definitely am giving up some great opportunities by going on this mission,” Covey said. “… But football’s fleeting and being able to do good lasts a lot longer.”

lpsull01@syr.edu

and

6 others out for SU’s matchup with Tigers

By Matt Schneidman asst. sports editor

Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey is out for Saturday’s game against Clemson, according to the injury report released by Syracuse on Thursday night.

The freshman quarterback took another hit to the head last Saturday against Louisville, knocking him out of the game late in the fourth quarter. Sophomore walk-on Zack Mahoney is the next in line and will make his second start of the season. He made his first against then-No. 8 LSU and threw for three touchdowns in the second half of Syracuse’s 34-24 loss.

Dungey took his fourth noticeably big hit to his head area against the Cardinals after suffering ones against Central Michigan, Virginia and Pittsburgh. SU head coach Scott Shafer was asked Thursday morning if any thought has gone toward shutting Dungey down for the season. Here’s how he answered:

“With Eric and all of our players, the No. 1 priority is to make sure that they’re healthy

before we put them on the field and listen to the doctors,” Shafer said. “And if there’s a green light, we play them. And if they tell us that we shouldn’t, we won’t. It’s as simple as that.”

4

The number of games Eric Dungey will have entirely missed or been knocked out of this season, including the Clemson game.

Wide receiver Sean Avant, cornerback Corey Winfield, linebacker Parris Bennett, defensive end Luke Arciniega, safety Daivon Ellison and tight end Kendall Moore were also all ruled out.

Syracuse (3-6, 1-4 Atlantic Coast) kicks off against No. 1 Clemson (9-0, 6-0) at 3:30 p.m. in the Carrier Dome on Saturday. mcschnei@syr.edu | @matt_schneidman

Thomas develops as football player after soccer career

By Sam Blum sports editor

Each week during the summer, Syracuse linebacker Jonathan Thomas went to the soccer fields on South Campus and kicked the ball around with SU soccer midfielders Juuso Pasanen and Julian Buescher.

It’s hard to find time during the fall season, with little free time between both teams’ games and practices. But for Thomas over the summer, playing soccer gave him a taste of the sport he grew up on.

“He only played two years of football (in

TRENDING UP

high school),” SU head coach Scott Shafer said. “He was a very good athlete, a soccer player coming up. His ability to figure out this game at this level is something that I’ve been pleased with.”

His transition from soccer to football has been far from seamless, and he says he’s still learning the game. After a friend and football coach recruited him to play football after his sophomore year of high school,

Thomas stuck with both sports during the same season at Collins Hill High School in Georgia. He didn’t want to completely give up a sport that he was second-team all state, and

Sophomore linebacker Jonathan Thomas has made the most of increased playing time with 11 total tackles in the past two weeks following an injury to fellow linebacker Parris Bennett.

first team all-region in.

Now a contributor in his second season for Syracuse (3-6, 1-4 Atlantic Coast), Thomas has found more playing time with injured linebacker Parris Bennett sidelined. Against Florida State on Oct. 31, Thomas recorded a career-high seven tackles.

“It was tough last year because it was different, mentally and physically than in high school,” Thomas said. “Because in high school, I was almost bigger than everyone else. When you get here, freshman year, you’re the littlest kid.”

After football practice, he would go to soccer

practice. After Friday night football games, he would make sure to get a good night sleep for the soccer game the day after. After switching from free safety, he was moved to linebacker and was able to dominate from the sheer size and strength advantage that he had over opponents.

Syracuse was Thomas’ first offer and he received it on Halloween of 2013. He committed during his official visit in January 2014, and was on the field playing for Syracuse later that year. He didn’t redshirt despite his lack of experience. In November, he forced his first fumble.

“He’s learning to be a linebacker, a football player actually,” defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough said. “As he keeps progressing from last year to this year, he made a huge jump in terms of playing football.”

Before the Florida State game, linebacker and team captain Zaire Franklin said Thomas was “just on” in whatever drill he did.

He’s become more comfortable moving his body around. He started to use his hands more, something he would have avoided while playing soccer.

Thomas said during practice, he just likes to play. He does his thing, and tries to have fun. It’s when he looks at the film later, with linebackers coach Clark Lea — the man who recruited him — that he actually makes improvements to his game, which is perpetually a work in progress.

“There’s still a lot for me to improve on,” Thomas said. “Just being an overall better player.” sblum@syr.edu | @SamBlum3

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown (High School/Previous School/Club)

1 Julian Whigham CB 6-1 200 Sr. West Palm Beach, Fla./ Dwyer

2 Eric Dungey QB 6-3 202 Fr. Lake Oswego, Ore. / Lakeridge

2 Wayne Morgan CB 5-11

4

5

5

6

7

7

8

8

9

Jr. Brooklyn, N.Y. / Erasmus Hall

3 Ervin Philips RB 5-11 181 So. West Haven, Conn./West Haven

4 Zaire Franklin LB 6-0 230 So. Philadelphia, Pa./La Salle

1 Kearse, Jayron S 6-5

1 Thompson, Trevion WR 6-2

2 Alexander, Mackensie

2 Bryant, Kelly QB 6-3

3 Scott, Artavis WR 5-11

4 Watson, Deshaun QB 6-2

5 Hopper, Germone WR 6-0

6 O’Daniel, Dorian

7 Williams, Mike WR 6-4

8 Cain, Deon WR 6-2

11 Bell, Shadell

(High School/Previous School/Club)

Jr. Fort Myers, Fla. (South Fort Myers HS)

R-Fr. Durham, N.C. (Hillside HS)

R-So. Immokalee, Fla. (Immokalee HS)

Fr. Calhoun Falls, S.C. (Wren HS)

So. Clearwater, Fla. (East Lake HS)

So. Gainesville, Ga. (Gainesville HS)

R-Jr. Charlotte, N.C. (Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology)

R-So. Olney, Md. (Our Lady of Good Counsel HS)

Jr. Vance, S.C. (Lake Marion HS)

Fr.

13

18

18 Johnson, Jadar

19 Muse, Tanner

21

21

22

24

24

25

26

27

29

30

31 Carter, Ryan

32 Cote, Kyle

32 Teasdall, Andy

(Sumter HS)

(Lower

(Blythewood

28

29

39

41

42

42

43

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

55

56

57

58

60

61

Ind. / Mount Carmel

63 Evan Adams OG 6-6 314 Fr. Norwalk, Conn. / Norwalk

63 Rony Charles NT 6-2 312 Sr. Medford, Mass. / St. Clement

64 Colin Byrne OT 6-5 303 Fr. Coral Springs, Fla. / St.

65

67

68

69

72

33 Davis, J.D.

34 Joseph, Kendall

34 McCloud, Ray-Ray

35 Hall, Quintin LB 6-0

Fr. Clemson, S.C. (Daniel HS)

Belton, S.C. (Belton-Honea Path HS)

Fr. Tampa, Fla. (Sickles HS)

Sr. Piedmont, S.C. (Wren HS)

36 Lakip, Ammon PK/P 5-10 200 R-Sr. Johns Creek, Ga. (Chattahoochee HS)

37 Davis, Judah LB 6-1 230 Fr. Clemson, S.C. (Daniel HS)

37 Scott, Cameron S 5-10 205 R-Fr. Florence, S.C. (Wilson HS)

38 Goodnature, Brennan RB 5-11 205 R-Sr. Naples, Italy (Naples American HS)

38 Trapp, Amir CB 5-8 155 Fr. Clemson, S.C. (Daniel HS)

39 Bianchi, Jordan WR 6-6 215 R-Sr. Greer, S.C. (Riverside HS)

39 Groomes, Christian PK/P 5-10 185 RFr. Central, S.C. (Daniel HS)

40 Brice, Jaquarius DE 6-1 215 R-So. Lancaster, S.C. (Lancaster HS)

40 Byers, Roderick DT 6-4 295 R-Sr. Rock Hill, S.C. (Northwestern HS)

41 Burrell, T.J. LB 6-0 215 R-Jr. Goose Creek, S.C. (Goose Creek HS)

42 Wilkins, Christian DT 6-4 315 Fr. Springfield, Mass. (Suffield (Conn.) Academy )

43 Smith, Chad LB 6-4 235 Fr. Sterling, Va. (Dominion HS)

44 Goodson, B.J. LB 6-1 250 R-Sr. Lamar, S.C. (Lamar HS)

44 Williams, Garrett TE 6-2 235 Fr. Orlando, Fla. (The First Academy )

45 Register, Chris DE 6-2 245 R-Fr. Browns Summit, N.C. (Dudley HS)

46 Magwood, Jarvis LB 6-0 215 R-Fr. Greenville, S.C. (James F. Byrnes HS)

47 Spence, Alex PK 6-1 190 So. Florence, S.C. (West Florence HS)

48 Reader, D.J. DT 6-3 325 Sr. Greensboro, N.C. (Grimsley HS)

49 Brown, Beau S 6-0 195 R-Sr. Beaufort, S.C. (Beaufort HS)

49 Yeargin, Richard DE 6-3

R-Fr. Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. (University School of Nova Southeastern University)

50 Falcinelli, Justin OL 6-3 305 R-Fr. Middletown, Md. (Middletown HS)

50 Robinson, Jabril DT 6-2 280 R-Fr. Leland, N.C. (North Brunswick HS)

51 Hearn, Taylor OL 6-5 330 R-Fr. Williston, S.C. (Williston-Elko HS)

52 Prevost, Connor LB 6-0 220 R-So. Raleigh, N.C. (Cardinal Gibbons HS)

52 Spence, Austin LS 6-2 195 Fr. Florence, S.C. (West Florence HS)

53 Aiken, Martin LB 6-2 225 R-Jr. Smoaks, S.C. (Bamberg-Ehrhardt HS)

54 Riggs, Zach OL 6-5 275 R-So. Greer, S.C. (J.L. Mann HS)

55 Crowder, Tyrone OG 6-2 330 R-So. Marston, N.C. (Richmond Senior HS)

56 Pagano, Scott DT 6-3 295 R-So. Honolulu, Hawaii (Moanalua HS)

57 Guillermo, Jay OL 6-3 325 R-Jr. Maryville, Tenn. (Maryville HS)

58 Norton, Ryan C 6-3

285 R-Gr. Simpsonville, S.C. (Mauldin HS)

59 Mauldin, Collins DE 6-1 240 R-Gr. Rock Hill, S.C. (Northwestern HS)

59 Tatko, Bradley LS 6-0

60 Bevelle, Kelby DE 6-4

R-So. Greenwood, S.C. (Greenwood HS)

R-So. Apopka, Fla. (Apopka HS)

61 Cockerill, William OT 6-6 270 Sr. Sumter, S.C. (Sumter HS)

61 Estes, David LS 6-1 200 R-Jr. Mauldin, S.C. (St. Joseph’s Catholic School)

62 Bevelle, Kaleb DE

63 Fruhmorgen, Jake

64 Godfrey, Pat OL 6-3

65 Stone, Daniel OT 6-5

67 Huggins, Albert DT 6-4

69 Morris, Maverick OG 6-5

70 Penner, Seth OG 6-3

71 Green, Noah OL 6-5

72 Tisch, Logan OL 6-2

73 Gore, Joe OT 6-6

75 Hyatt, Mitch

76 Brown, Jim

77 Giella, Zach C 6-5

78 Mac Lain, Eric OG

79 Tucker, Harrison OL 6-4

80 Richard, Milan TE

81 Seckinger, Stanton TE 6-5

82 Dunn, Adrien WR

83 Fisher, Jesse

84 Smith, Cannon TE

85 Rogers, Dane

85 Ryan, Seth

86 Thomason, Ty WR

87 Greenlee, D.J. TE 6-2

88 Mac Lain, Sean WR 6-4

R-So. Apopka, Fla. (Apopka HS)

Fr. Tampa, Fla. (Plant HS)

Fr. Greenlawn, N.Y. (Harborfields HS)

Sr. Simpsonville, S.C. (Southside Christian School)

Fr. Orangeburg, S.C. (Orangeburg-Wilkinson HS)

R-So. Broxton, Ga. (Coffee HS)

Fr. Naples, Fla. (First Baptist Academy)

Fr. Boiling Springs, S.C. (Boiling Springs HS)

Fr. Chapel Hill, N.C. (Chapel Hill HS)

R-Gr. Lake Waccamaw, N.C. (East Columbus HS)

Fr. Suwanee, Ga. (North Gwinnett HS)

R-Gr. Walterboro, S.C. (Pinewood Prep School)

Fr. Lincolnton, Ga. (Augusta Christian Schools)

R-Gr. Hope Mills, NC (Jack Britt HS)

R-Sr. Ninety Six, S.C. (Ninety Six HS)

R-Fr. Savannah, Ga. (Calvary Day School)

R-Gr. Isle of Palms, S.C. (Porter-Gaud School)

RSo. Clemson, S.C. (Daniel HS)

R-Fr. Columbia, S.C. (Hammond School HS)

N.C. (Crest HS)

N.J. (Summit HS)

Fr. Greenville, S.C. (Eastside HS)

R-So. Clemson, S.C. (Daniel HS)

S.C.

Time machine: SU head coach resigns following 116-45 loss

Editors’ note: This was an editorial published in the Nov. 24, 1936 edition of The Daily Orange after Syracuse lost 11645 to Colgate and football head coach Vic Hanson resigned.

The resignation of Vic Hanson as head coach of the football team is a definite indication that Syracuse, like so many of her sister institutions has decided to take the gay, bedecked, calliope-lined road to the three ring circus of professionalization. Howling by disgruntled alumni has finally gained enough volume to blow Hanson and the athletic system under which he worked right off the campus.

Syracuse is now definitely headed for the “big time.” No official announcement to that effect has been made, of course. Yet who would be naïve enough to deny it?

One could predict, without dire fears of eventually being proved wrong, that the great metropolitan papers will carry stories in a few months — if not sooner — about Syracuse’s new “big time” coach, Syracuse’s reversal of athletic policy, Syracuse’s decision to climb on the gaudy bandwagon headed for the big top.

“Ah — that’s what we want! Large type, banner headlines, publicity. Something to put our school on the map …” So go the comments.

And where does all this glorious publicity get the school?

Certainly it has had little effect on the enrollment of most other colleges. Long and intensive studies by university officials thruout the country have proved that.

And those who should know have pointed out that the expense of outright subsidization is so great that the total profits under such a system are usually no greater than they are under the present middle-of-the road system.

Buy an expensive coach. Then what? Buy his expensive retinue of assistant coaches. Then what? Buy an expensive contingent of young football stars, which every expensive coach demands. Then what? Send those stars to an expensive prep school for training for a year or two.

Then what? Your traditional gridiron rival goes you one better. You try to keep up. So it goes — until the fantastic bubble breaks.

The University of Chicago is one of the finest educational institutions in the country. It prepares its students to lead happy, enriched lives after graduation. How many of its graduates are sorry they attended Chicago just because its football team doesn’t crash the headlines?

A certain Southern university has one of the best football teams in the nation. But the

school’s academic rating is laughably low. The alumni may be proud of their team—but as for the school itself, watch those alumni blush.

The point is this: The team may lose, but is the team everything? The publicity may be lacking, but is publicity everything?

The Daily Orange does think the football players do deserve some financial consideration for their entertainment of the Satur -

blown out

An 116-45 defeat sent Vic Hanson on his way out of Syracuse after seven seasons as the head football coach. Hanson compiled a 33-21-5 record during those seasons. The 116-45 loss is the second worst in program history and is only rivaled by a 75-0 drubbing by Union in 1891.

day afternoon crowds. Certainly they do not deserve any scholastic concessions—at least no more than does anyone working his way thru college.

Certainly Syracuse should continue to be an educational institution with a football team— not a football team with an educational setup hanging on.

But the die is cast. All aboard for the trip across the Rubicon — where the circus holds sway.

PREGAME PLAYBOOK

key players they said it beat writer predictions

peaking

syracuse

CORDELL HUDSON

cornerback

HT: 5’11” WGHT: 182 YEAR: R-FR.

In his first career start, Hudson recorded a team-high nine tackles and an interception that he returned for 18 yards. It wasn’t nearly enough to dig the Orange out of a massive hole, but gave signs of optimism as he heads into his second start against Clemson.

swerve

ERVIN PHILIPS

hybrid

HT: 5’11” WGHT: 181 YEAR: SOPHOMORE

Philips scored Syracuse’s first touchdown in last weekend’s 41-17 loss to the Cardinals and has nine touches in each of the last four games. He’s been more of a threat in the passing game, with four of his five touchdowns coming in the air, and could pose a threat to a vaunted Clemson defense.

megawatts

DESHAUN WATSON

quarterback

HT: 6’2” WGHT: 210 YEAR: SOPHOMORE

The Tigers’ quarterback is first in the ACC in total offense, amassing 302.9 yards per game on the ground and in the air. He’s run for four scores and passed for 21, also good for most combined touchdowns in the conference. It’s fair to say Syracuse will have its hands full.

SHAQ LAWSON

defensive end

HT: 6’3” WGHT: 270 YEAR: JUNIOR

shaq attack

Lawson leads Clemson with 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He ranks sixth and fourth in the conference, respectively, in those categories and will likely get a few chances to terrorize Mahoney when he lines up under center for the Orange.

last time they played

The Orange traveled to Death Valley for the first time in program history and ultimately fell short despite keeping it close entering the fourth quarter. AJ Long threw for just 82 yards and had two interceptions as the Tigers held on to its 10-point lead.

We know that we have one heck of a challenge with the No. 1 team in the country coming into the Dome. It’s a great opportunity for us to go head to head with the best.

Scott Shafer su head coach

There’s

nothing on

the tape that says these guys have three wins. All you do is just watch them play.

Dabo Swinney clemson head coach

Fourteen of Syracuse’s scoring drives have lasted less than two minutes this season. In 2014, the Orange only had four scoring drives lasting less than two minutes.

You can’t be too high, you can’t be too low. You just got to stay steady.

Kielan

Whitner su safety

When I talk to kids in recruiting, whether it’s a couple years ago when I first started at it or today, tomorrow, it’s the same message. Here’s where we’re going, here’s how we’re going to ramp up the program, here are the models that we’ve been a part of or we think are comparable to ours and this is where you fit in.

Scott Shafer su head coach

Years since Syracuse upset No. 1 Nebraska at the Carrier Dome, 17-9, the program’s only win against a team ranked No. 1 in the nation.

SAM BLUM

clemson 59, syracuse 14

House arrest

What’s that old Scott Shafer saying about locking opponents in the Dome? Well, on Saturday, it will be Syracuse that’s imprisoned in its own nightmare and not even officer Zack Mahoney can help break the Orange out.

JESSE DOUGHERTY

clemson 52, syracuse 9

They mooore than gooood... they’re GREAT Syracuse will not be able to keep up with Clemson. Not in its own stadium, not on the road, not in its dreams. Cole Murphy accounts for all of the Orange’s offense, and it’s on to North Carolina State for New York’s College something or other.

MATT SCHNEIDMAN

clemson 48, syracuse 13

What do Tigers dream of?

Playing Syracuse. Clemson is the No. 1 team in the country and Syracuse isn’t. Clemson has a Heisman contender as its quarterback and Syracuse doesn’t. Clemson has allowed over 24 points once and Syracuse has allowed over 40 in four of the last five games. Have a nice day everyone.

PAUL SCHWEDELSON

clemson 52, syracuse 10

The real game is in Ithaca

Syracuse will be blown out by the No. 1 team in the country as the most exciting college football game in New York on Saturday will be the Cortaca Jug between Cortland and Ithaca. Deshaun Watson continues his push to be the nation’s best quarterback and the Orange defense allows more than 40 points for the fifth time in the last six games.

SU has lost nine of its 10 games against the AP’s top-ranked team.