Syracuse Football: Is the Orange’s Chris Elmore a tight end or a fullback?

Earlier in the 2021 season, Syracuse football senior Chris Elmore announced he would redshirt and return in 2022. Chris missed multiple games this season due to injury as well as unknown reasons earlier in the season.

Chris Elmore, also known affectionately as The Rhino, was one of the returning 5th-year seniors and a player I felt could be a key player. Unfortunately, we did not see him much but when we did, he did have some impact on the game.

Elmore has played defense, special teams, offensive line, fullback and tight end in his time at Syracuse. His ability to play multiple positions along with his personality has made him a leader on this team which could be very helpful in 2022.

This ability also allows head coach Dino Babers to continue to play chess with opposing coaches as well. Where will they play him in 2022? Will they line him up at fullback and block for a possible Heisman candidate in running back Sean Tucker? Will he line up at tight end where he can help block at the line and also catch passes?

Syracuse football player Chris Elmore will be a pivotal piece next season.

Cuse.com currently lists him at fullback, which does make sense if you think about assisting Sean Tucker possibly having an even better season than he did in 2021. It also could help on short-run situations like 4th and inches or goal line stances needed to just punch it in.

But having listened to every press conference this year, I recall Coach Babers also stating that he’s had talks with Rhino about how playing tight end could be best for him and his future.

Rhino at tight end does fill a position that as of late has been primarily a blocking position. And should the need arise, quarterback Garrett Shrader could check down to him and know he has the ability to catch it and make a play. It may also still aid Tucker should he decide to cut to the outside knowing Rhino is out there blocking for him and following behind him.

With Luke Benson transferring to Georgia Tech, there is a void at the tight end position with the only other returning tight end being sophomore Max Mang. The backfield position though has secured New Mexico State transfer Juwaun Price as well as signing the New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year, LeQuint Allen, as part of their early signing day for the 2022 cycle.

So will we see Rhino at tight end or fullback (or maybe even offensive line again) in 2022? The world may never know until they have to because Coach Babers does like to keep everything close to the vest if he thinks it’s an advantage. However, if I had to guess, my instinct is that Rhino will likely see more playing time at tight end though there may be play packages or injuries that could change that.

Even though the Syracuse football offense in the past couple of seasons has seen a lack of utilizing this position as an offensive weapon, having Rhino at that position allows Syracuse the ability to have a dependable leader at the position should they need to or just know they have a reliable and effective blocker. But either way, this fan is happy to get one more season of Rhino in Orange and I’m excited to hopefully see him healthy and on the field in 2022.