Poll Question: Which SU Football player would you like to see step up his game even further this season?
One of the main challenges to a new college football season is always replacing what you've lost through graduation. SU Head Coach Doug Marrone has already acknowledged that one of the biggest goals on defense is replacing the leadership that was lost. On offense, arguably the most glaring loss is that of running back Delone Carter, drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the off-season. Left to lead the way now at that position is Antwon Bailey, who says it's not that weird not having Carter around to start the season.
"I got over that in the spring," says Bailey, "we did a lot of good things together but, you know, it's time to go now."
The position was greeted with a definite set back to start the season when Prince-Tyson Gulley was stabbed at an on-campus party in late July. Gulley is close to recovered from his injuries, but will not be able to practice for another week or so. Bailey isn't worried about how that might affect Gulley's progress heading into the season.
"He'll bounce back no problem, Prince-Tyson is a competitor, think of the most competitive guys you know and that's the type of person Prince is, so he'll be fine once he gets everything healed up, he'll be ready to go."
"I can do some of the things that Delone can," says Gulley, "but he's really big you know what I'm saying, I'm not really big like that so I can bring both (styles) to the table."
Marrone's goal of finding leaders on defense may start at the linebacker position. Marquis Spruill is the only returning starter at that position, and is ready to put into action, and pass on, everything that graduates like Doug Hogue and Derrell Smith taught him.
"Doug and Derrell helped me a lot off the field," admits Spruill, "kept me in my playbook, helped me out with anything else I was having trouble with, and that's what I plan to do with our incoming freshmen so our defense can be the best it can be."
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