Syracuse Football: Beckett Wales Returns, Mario Tull Moves

Doug Marrone released his post-spring depth chart today (available here). There aren't very many surprises apparently, though Nolan Weidner notes a couple interesting tidbits:

The last few years we've seen Syracuse move offensive players to linebacker. This time it's the other way around. Sophomore Mario Tull has been moved from linebacker to running back. Marrone apparently thinks so highly of the incoming freshmen at that spot (Cameron Lynch and Oliver Vigille) that he moved Tull who wouldn't find much PT.

We don’t see him, as a staff, getting on the field as a linebacker," Marrone said.  "It’s not that we’re overstocked at that position – we’re not at all.

"When we look at our players, we’re always looking at places to put them where they can help our football team and give them an opportunity to get on the field," Marrone said. "I’m trying to do what’s best for Mario Tull."

Beckett Wales, who left school for personal reasons in March, has informed the coaching staff that he'll be back in August.

Marrone said he and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett both talked to Wales, and "we feel very comfortable that he’ll be back."

Redshirt senior Kevyn Scott and sophomore Keon Lyn are currently the starting cornerbacks.

One note courtesy of Brian Bennett on the one spot that seems to concern Doug Marrone more than any other, defensive tackle.

Overall, Marrone said he was happy with the progress of the offense this spring and really liked the way the defense came together despite having to replace several starters. The strengths of the defense, he said, will be the defensive ends and safeties. Defensive tackle is still a question mark, and he said it would be manned by committee.

In other words, Cory Boatman, you're on notice.