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Some interesting news today coming out of Syracuse football's spring practice. CNY Central's Kellie Cowan spoke to Orange QB A.J. Long, and it's been revealed that he will redshirt in 2015.
My first reaction: "Wow." My second: "Oh, that totally makes sense."
When we previewed the quarterback position for spring practice last week, it was already common knowledge that Terrel Hunt was getting the ball unless something major happened. The plan all along last season was for Long to redshirt, but injuries got in the way. Now that everyone's healthy again, it makes sense to put that shirt right back on for his true sophomore season, unless Hunt has to miss time again (especially early, when SU can still reverse its fortunes). Then, like the coaching staff wanted when Long first stepped onto campus, he comes into 2016 as the likely starter, with three years of eligibility left.
Now, this isn't a ringing endorsement for or against Long by any means. If anything, it just solidifies the fact that no one is knocking Hunt out of the top spot on the depth chart.
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So how do we feel about this? Again, not necessarily unexpected at one point, but still crazy to hear this sort of talk -- especially this early. Is this the right move? Or should Long have been given a shot to compete against Hunt before the redshirt was officially put on?