No Syracuse running back or receiver touched the ball more than Prince-Tyson Gulley and  Ervin Philips on Saturday.

Gulley is a fifth-year senior and starting running back playing his final home game, a 27-10 loss to No. 22 Duke in the Carrier Dome. Philips is a true freshman with an ever-evolving and growing role in the Syracuse offense. His 10 touches — six rushes for 36 yards and four receptions for 16 yards — were just another step in a growth process that’s pleasantly surprised offensive coordinator Tim Lester.

“Erv’s a guy that we keep trying to play more,” Lester said.

Lester said that he tried to get as many running backs into Saturday’s loss to Duke as possible, using “20” — two running backs — and “30” — three — personnel against the Blue Devils. The running backs form one of the team’s healthiest and most talented position groups, Lester said.

But that means Philips has had to learn how to play as a slot receiver, Lester said.

Each week, the number of plays Philips can run has grown. At this point in the season, Lester said, he’s competent as a lead blocker and receiver in addition to running with the ball.

Philips started SU’s second and seventh drives of the game with 9-yard runs. In the third quarter on second-and-7 from his own 48-yard line, Mitch Kimble flipped him the ball on an option to the left and Philips tore down the field for 17 yards.

Said Lester: “It’s really impressive what he’s been able to do as a true freshman as far as how much he can grasp of the offense, because we’ve really moved him around a ton and he doesn’t make mistakes.”

Published on November 10, 2014 at 12:12 am

Contact Jacob: jmklinge@syr.edu | @Jacob_Klinger_