Syracuse fans can breathe a little bit easier now that star running back Delone Carter will be back for the 2010 season. Carter, of course, was the leading rusher last season, and there's no reason to think he wouldn't be this year. However, Syracuse also has a young crop of running backs that should be ready to step in when called upon.
Junior Antwon Bailey will return this season, the only other running back with actual experience. Bailey rushed for 312 yards last year on 67 carries with 1 touchdown. Bailey should expect more play this year since last years backup running back Averin Collier will not be returning due to academic issues.
Jerome Smith, a freshman out of Delaware, also hopes to make an impact this year. He attended Pencader High School, where he started as running back and safety. Smith tallied over 1300 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns in his senior year alone as running back. Smith chose to come to Syracuse over Wisconsin saying, "It felt like family and that made the decision easy."
Another freshman joining the backfield this year is Tyson Gulley. Gulley attended Garfield High School in Akron, Ohio. Gulley also played on both sides of the ball as a running back and a defensive back, and thrived in both roles. In just his senior season, he rushed for 932 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also contributed 51 tackles, a blocked field goal, and even played a little quarterback as well. Gulley also had interest from Kansas, Ohio, and big east rival Cincinnati.
Junior walk on Ricky Azzoto also hopes to get some carries this year. Azzoto was a captain playing for Liverpool High School where he ran the ball and played linebacker.
Syracuse opens their season on September 4th at Akron. Syracuse's first home game is September 18th against Maine.
