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Name: Steve Rene
Position: Running Back/Returner
Year: Senior
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 187
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
High School: Canarsie
2012 Stats: Returned some kicks and punts (his primary role for the early part of the season), while rushing five times for eight yards total.
2013 Projections: He's not going to run the ball at all, given how stacked the Syracuse backfield is. Expect him to be doing more on the kick returning front, especially if Jeremiah Kobena transitions to a bigger role in the passing game.
How'd He Get Here?: Rene was on the 2009 New York City All-Star team after recording 778 all-purpose yards and eight scores during this senior year. Syracuse beat out fellow New York schools Stony Brook and Hofstra for his services, the latter of which no longer sponsors football.
What'd Scout/Rivals Say?: Rivals and Scout both gave him two arbitrary stars.
Money Quote: Without getting into the story about his December arrest, some further proof that Rene's quite the feisty fellow, Former SUNJ linebacker Khaseem Greene talking about how a late-hit penalty against Rene fueled his improved play in last year's contest between New York's College Team and his team that plays in New Jersey:
"He was just on top of me and I just tried to get him off me. But you know what, I had to show that I was a smart player. I’m not a guy that’s going to late hit anybody. I’m more or less trying to defend myself."
Links of Wonder: Some thoughts on the Syracuse return game from training camp... not looking favorable for Rene's playing time.
What Does Shafer Think: Scott Shafer's post-spring depth chart had no special teams listed, which makes sense since Syracuse doesn't play special teams anyway. If the Orange did participate in that portion of the game of football, Rene would likely be on that part of the depth chart.
Interesting Nugget O'Interest: Rene was one of 15 true freshmen to see the field for the Orange in 2010, and originally started his time with SU as a wide receiver.
Let Us Get a Good Look Atchya: Here's Steve making a fair catch on a punt against USC. Steve wasn't the best at punt returns last year, but SU fans did not mind this result.