:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46552302/usa-today-8154525.0.jpg)
Name: Josh Parris
Position: Tight end
Year: Redshirt junior
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 244
Hometown: Stone Mountain, Ga.
High School: Stephenson
2014 Stats: Just 49 yards on nine catches.
He missed five games, including the first three because of knee surgery. Parris had a season-high 34 receiving yards in his second game back, but couldn't become a consistent target from there on. It's difficult to fairly judge Parris' season given the aforementioned injuries and other factors out of his control like the quarterback changes, a bad offense around him and a system that hasn't emphasized the tight end in the passing game.
2015 Projections: Well, here's what we know. Parris is projected to be Syracuse's starting tight end again this season. He's playing in a new offense that's expected to use more two tight end sets. And he's a 6-foot-4 target in an offense that was really, really bad in the red zone. Those are all signs that point to a bigger role for Parris. But, remember, he's got competition from Kendall Moore and Jamal Custis and a quarterback who's used the tight end position much less than Ryan Nassib.
How'd He Get Here: Parris committed and then de-committed from USF, who wanted him to convert to fullback. He chose Syracuse over Boston College, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt.
What'd Recruiting Sites Say: Three stars from Rivals, Scout and ESPN.
Money Quote: "Josh (Parris) is probably the closest to what we’re looking for," (then) tight ends coach Bobby Acosta said. "He can run block, he could be a passing receiver, he could be a fullback in the backfield."
Links of Wonder: He graduated high school with more than a dozen Division-1 recruits, including two players who went to Florida and two to South Carolina.
Twitterfeed: N/A
What Does Shafer Think of Him: "He gets better every day, has a great attitude. He has soft hands, too. He has soft hands for a big ol' dog."
Interesting Nugget O'Interest: Parris is one of six players from Georgia on the roster. The only states that have produced more Syracuse players are Florida (12), New York (20) and Pennsylvania (8). Who says Shafer can't recruit Atlanta?
Let's Get a Look Atcha: