ESPN’s ACC Blog has been profiling each position group across the conference, ranking the top five for each, and also noting some under-the-radar groups too.
The Syracuse Orange received a nod for the quarterback position, which they ranked No. 3 overall, behind Louisville and Florida State:
3. Syracuse: Eric Dungey showed potential in Dino Babers' offense before getting injured last season. With ESPN 300 quarterback Tommy DeVito now in the mix (along with redshirt freshman Rex Culpepper and experienced backup Zack Mahoney), the Orange could have the deepest quarterback group in the conference.
Depth is certainly an asset for the group this year, just a season removed from seemingly having little of it. As we mentioned in our own spring quarterback preview here, that depth should create a lot of questions behind Dungey this year.
SU also got a mention as an under-the-radar linebacker group, though not among the top five. David Hale actually profiled the impact of Parris Bennett and Zaire Franklin on ESPN the other day as well. Both seniors recorded 100 tackles last year despite what was seen as an awkward transition in defensive styles from the old scheme to the new one.
Thankfully, the Orange were not mentioned among the “Achilles Heel” teams for any one position group, though the case could’ve been made for offensive line, defensive line or secondary after last year.
The one spot where some may raise an eyebrow about not being included is the wide receiver position. ESPN had Clemson, Louisville, Florida State, Miami and Pittsburgh (hey, we face ALL of those teams this year...) fill out the top five. There’s no question all five groups are extremely talented, but the absence of Amba Etta-Tawo and Brisly Estime may have SU a bit overlooked going into 2017.
Steve Ishmael and Ervin Philips are both among the best pass-catchers (per career receptions) of all-time at Syracuse, and they’ll have experienced help behind them in Sean Riley and Devin Butler (and maybe Dontae Strickland too?). Ravian Pierce comes in as a four-star JUCO addition at tight end. They may not be better than the five listed above, but they’re probably closer than most realize.
Any other Syracuse position groups you feel deserve top-five mentions? Share your perspective below.