Seven true freshmen took part in Syracuse’s demolition of Colgate last Friday. Moe Neal made the biggest impact rushing for a 49-yard second quarter touchdown.
Leading up to the game, Dino Babers called freshman defensive end Kendall Coleman one of the most impressive first year players he had ever seen in his 31 years of coaching. The defensive end made four tackles in the opener.
In addition to Neal and Coleman, Andrew Armstrong, Carl Jones, Kenneth Ruff, McKinley Williams and Sean Riley all played roles for the Orange against the Raiders.
“It means everything to me,” Armstrong said this week when asked about his playing time. “My goal at the beginning of camp was to find my way onto the field anyway I could. To be rewarded and be on the field for my first game was awesome.”
Riley caught four passes in the fourth quarter against Colgate and was also grateful for the opportunity from Babers.
“Him having the faith in me to get into the game, that just means a lot to me,” he said. “Playing in my first college game felt really good.”
When asked if he had any advice for SU recruits who also want to get on campus and play early Riley said, “Run after practice every day because if you come to Syracuse you’re going to be running.”
Clearly, conditioning is key in the Babers’ system. The seven true freshmen have worked hard this offseason and are now being rewarded.
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Posted: Connor Morrissette
