The Orange named its team captains for the football season yesterday, and there are really no surprises on the selections.  The offense and defense are both represented by two players each, and all four players will be relied upon heavily throughout the year.
Terrel Hunt
The fifth-year starting quarterback is undoubtedly the most important cog in the Orange’s offense.  Coming off of a year marred by a fractured fibula, 2015 will be his third year under center after taking over for transfer Drew Allen in 2013.  While the offense hasn’t looked perfect with Hunt under center, fans definitely got a glimpse of how poor the attack can be without Hunt’s legs powering it.  If the Orange is to be successful in any facet this year, it’s going to be directly related to Hunt’s performance.
Rob Trudo
Another fifth-year senior, Trudo will be the leader on the Orange’s offensive line.  He played guard through his first three seasons at SU, but will switch to center for the upcoming season.  After redshirting, Trudo has started at least nine games every year and has made an appearance in every one.  As always, Syracuse’s offensive line will be a strength for the team, with four seniors starting in week one against Rhode Island.  Expect Trudo to be a force on the line and a big part of Hunt’s protection and the running game’s success.
Luke Arciniega
Arciniega transferred to SU before 2013 and played linebacker during his first two years in Orange but will be lining up at defensive end next week.  As a junior, Arciniega is actually listed behind Ron Thompson on the depth chart, but he could end up starting opposite Thompson very soon.  The other starting defensive end is fifth-year Donnie Simmons.  The Orange definitely needs help on the defensive line, and if Arciniega can make a clean transition to his new role, it will seriously help the team’s depth up front.
Zaire Franklin
As just a sophomore, Franklin has quickly become one of the Orange’s leaders on defense.  Both he and Hunt were selected as player representatives at ACC Media Day, and has been receiving a ton of attention since.  Like Arciniega, Franklin will need to step up and be a leader on the defense, which is replacing nearly every starter from last year.  Franklin looks to be a rock in the middle of the defense and will anchor a linebacker core that is talented, but lacks depth.
