Syracuse Football: Positional grades heading into 2017 season

Five receptions for 34 yards. Thanks Cameron Macpherson. That’s what the tight end position produced last season, per Cuse.com. While the rest of the Orange is the new fast was shattering long standing offenses records.

So what changes this year?

Familiarity in Babers’ system. Plus a new piece in Ravian Pierce and no he isn’t a freshman. Instead a JUCO transfer who comes in with a 6’3 and 237 pound body that is ready to contribute as both a blocker and a receiver.

Also another guy to keep an eye on is freshman Aaron Hackett. On paper he fits the bill, great size (6’3, 230 pounds) and I really think he can be a star. But baby steps and that starts with three key areas.

1. Red zone
2. Security blanket
3. Attacking the seam

That is what a good tight end provides an offense. I think Pierce can do all these things for the Orange. It’ll cut down on turnovers, it’ll help provide a big target in the red zone as a weapon or even a decoy, and attacking the seam and taking advantage of mismatches. Pierce is too fast for a linebacker and too big for a safety to cover.