Football beat writers David Wilson, Stephen Bailey and Trevor Hass are counting down the days until Syracuse football opens its season against Penn State on Aug. 31. They’ll show you what you can expect from each position as the Orange moves toward its Atlantic Coast Conference debut, with the top position showcased in the DO’s annual season preview guide to be released on Aug. 29. The guide will also feature a more in-depth look at the quarterback position.

No. 10: Kick returners/punt returners

No. 9: The secondary

No. 8: The defensive line

No. 7: Tight ends

No. 6: The quarterbacks

No. 5: Wide receivers

Macky MacPherson stood outside  Manley Field House on Wednesday, proudly discussing the growth of his younger offensive linemates.

MacPherson, the senior center, sophomore left guard Rob Trudo and junior left tackle Sean Hickey are all proven, returning starters. The right side of the line — sophomore guard Nick Robinson and sophomore tackle Ivan Foy are the newcomers.

But MacPherson likes what he’s seen through training camp.

The group will be relied on to protect an inexperienced quarterback and pave the way for a powerful running game.

“They’ve all worked their butts off to be the best players they can be,” MacPherson said. “In the same rite, they’ve earned their spots. …  It’s a hard transition going from a No. 2 guy to suddenly being a starter.”

Key returning players

MacPherson is one of the best centers in the country. Grandson of legendary Syracuse head coach Dick MacPherson, Macky was named to the watch list for 2013 Rimington Award, given to the nation’s best center.

He’s started 25 straight games for the Orange after working primarily as the snapper on field goals and PATs as a freshman.

Hickey started all 13 games last season, playing the first four at left tackle and final nine on the right side after Justin Pugh returned from an upper-body injury.

Trudo started nine games at left guard last season.

“We definitely have a chemistry,” Trudo said. “We started our chemistry way back in spring. Macky’s done a great job of pulling us all together.”

Reasons for optimism

MacPherson was practically bred to run an offensive line. And he said the system first-year offensive coordinator George McDonald put in place isn’t any more complicated than what Nathaniel Hackett ran last season.

So from an organizational standpoint, don’t expect too many errors from the front five.

“We don’t have a bunch of checks, a bunch of crazy things going out there,” MacPherson said. “We have a bunch of plays that we can run, and run them well. And that’s something we pride ourselves on.”

Hickey’s experience playing the left side last year will be important in protecting the passer. Whether its Drew Allen or Terrel Hunt back in the pocket, they’ll need time to find an open target, especially considering there’s no throw-it-up-there-and-I’ll-get-it kind of guy on the roster.

Reasons for concern

A whole new right side could be problematic for the Orange.

Foy started four games at right guard last year, but manning the tackle spot traditionally means paving the way for the power run game. And Syracuse will be running the ball a lot this year.

The 6-foot-4, 313-pound Foy has adjusted to the new role well, MacPherson said. Both Foy and Robinson are carrying their own weight on the line.

“They’ve put their nose in the playbook and worked their way to (starting),” MacPherson said.

From a health perspective, Trudo missed practice on Aug. 12 with an undisclosed injury. He returned to participate fully the next day, though, as the first-team line has gotten plenty of chances to work together during training camp.

The verdict

All in all, the group seems to be doing well under first-year offensive line coach Pat Perles. The man swears more than anyone else on the field, but inside the film room, Trudo raved about his passion and ability to connect with the players.

“He’s a mad man,” Trudo said. “He’s crazy, but I love him.”

While the offense needs strong play from the front five, the bigger questions truly lie at the quarterback and wide receiver position. If the line stays healthy, it will be a strength on the team.

Grade: B+

Check back at DailyOrange.com tomorrow to see what position checks in at No. 3.

Published on August 25, 2013 at 11:51 pm

Contact Stephen: sebail01@syr.edu | @Stephen_Bailey1