The once familiar faces of the Syracuse football team’s defensive line have suddenly been replaced by younger — and healthier — ones.

Josh Thomas and Christian Ferrara, the line’s two returning starters, have both been hampered by injuries. But sophomore Brian Hooper and redshirt freshman Ryan LaCasse filled in nicely in Syracuse’s 30-22 loss to North Carolina on Saturday, drawing praise from coaches and teammates.

‘I’m very pleased with the way that Brian Hooper went in and played,” Syracuse head coach Paul Pasqualoni said. “He not only played, he made an impact on the game. Brian Hooper took a step forward in his career at Syracuse.

“(LaCasse) did an excellent job of spying on the quarterback. For everything we asked him to do, Ryan did well.’

Hooper, a sophomore, slid in at nose tackle for Ferrara, who sat out with a knee injury. Pasqualoni said he expects Ferrara to begin his comeback during practice this week.

LaCasse, a redshirt freshman, started at the opposite end of Thomas. Because Thomas struggled with a foot injury for much of the game, LaCasse played more than expected.

Thomas, who is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game against Rhode Island, has torn muscles and connective tissue in the arch of his left foot.

“It was feeling pretty good during the first part of the game,” Thomas said, “but then I must have stepped on it the wrong way. It just didn’t get any better.”

The junior defensive end broke his left foot during his redshirt freshman season and said foot problems have plagued him since. Thomas said he wears protective soles in his shoes.

By the fourth quarter Saturday, Thomas said he could no longer walk.

“I was discouraged during the game,” he said. “I had to take myself out. I pushed it as much as I could. That hurts, seeing the team and wanting to be out there. I want to get better.”

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Welcome to the show

In addition to LaCasse, several other first-year players saw action Saturday, including three true freshmen.

Redshirt freshman cornerback Steve Gregory — who on a depth chart released yersterday moved past senior Latroy Oliver and into the starting spot — played significantly and defended several passes. He returned kickoffs with true freshman Damien Rhodes, who also rushed for 63 yards on 13 carries.

The two combined on a freshman mistake late in the fourth quarter, though. On the kickoff following the Tar Heels’ last touchdown, Gregory and Rhodes nearly collided trying to field the ball. Gregory eventually caught it, but he fumbled near the 20-yard line, and North Carolina recovered.

“My only concern with the freshmen is they try to do too much,” Pasqualoni said. “The classic example is the last kickoff. Damien Rhodes said, ‘I’m going to catch it and go for a touchdown.’ But Steve said, ‘No, I’m going to catch it and run for a touchdown.’

“I love that mentality though. They’re not even close to what they’re going to be someday.”

True freshmen Rashard Williams, a wide receiver, and Anthony Smith, a defensive back, also played. Because each has now made an appearance, neither is eligible to redshirt.

In 2000, wide receiver Johnnie Morant appeared in just three games as a true freshman and did not catch a pass. Still, Morant lost a year of eligibility.

Pasqualoni said because of bumps and bruises at wide receiver, the team needed an extra receiver in addition to the regular five. In Smith’s case, he said, SU needed an extra safety because Will Hunter will be used mostly at corner.

“We need Rashard in the game,” Pasqualoni said. “He’s also an excellent punt returner and could be an excellent kickoff returner. We decided we’ll play Anthony and try to get him into the game to develop at safety. And he’ll play on special teams.’

Oliver suggested the increased number of young players in the secondary may have led to some of the early-season coverage problems.

“Some of the responsibility falls on (the young guys), and it’s new and different for them,” Oliver said. “Sometimes they struggle with it, and as a result, we’re struggling. We’re trying to help them, and we’re really not focused on our jobs.”

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This and that

Although quarterback R.J. Anderson finished just 4-of-11 passing for 71 yards, Pasqualoni said he improved from last week. ‘From a technique standpoint, Robin had his best game of the two so far,” the coach said. “There are some things that he needs to correct and keep getting better at. He’s getting his focus.” When asked if he had considered reopening competition for the starting spot, Pasqualoni said simply: “No, not at all.” … Running back Walter Reyes’ 86 rushing yards marked a career high.

Published on September 9, 2002 at 12:00 pm