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Dan's working on his spring practice recap for Tuesday's action. In the meantime, here's some links, notes and vids to get you up to speed.
With only one practice remaining before the Spring Game, the Orange are all about focus, learning and preparation. Doug Marrone still has a lot to accomplish and it's cram session time:
"Today we worked on goal line, short yardage, and two minute," said head coach Doug Marrone. "We had a lot of different situations today. We’re going along with the plan. We’re going to get a good day in on Thursday, then we’re going to split the teams up and get ready for Saturday (the Spring game). But, I want to keep Saturday where it is not a distraction for the players."
ESPN's Brain Bennett was on hand for practice Tuesday and has likes what he saw out of Ryan Nassib, Antwon Bailey and Marcus Sales. He sees a lot of potential in the Orange:
The Orange are well-stocked on the offensive line, at defensive end and at safety and will have a veteran quarterback and some potential playmakers at running back. They will need the young guys at linebacker and defensive tackle to really come on, and for the passing game to improve over last year. But it's not unrealistic to consider them a Big East contender in 2011.
Bennett chatted with Mr. Pinstripe, Marcus Sales, about how Syracuse's top receiver will parlay the bowl game success into his senior year.
Bennett also chats with Chandler Jones about the defense. When asked about expectations for this season, Chan says "you can never be satisfied" with last year's results and the team wants to do even better.
Sophomore running back Jerome Smith is still sitting out practice after suffering a head injury on April 2. If he doesn't practice Thursday, he won't play in the Spring Game.
Finally, one more walk-on bites the dust. Junior walk-on running back Colin Reno has left the team to concentrate on running track.