Syracuse’s defensive front controlled the middle of the field against Villanova and more help could be on the way.

Junior nose tackle Wayne Williams didn’t see the field against the Wildcats and head coach Scott Shafer confirmed that he was available. After that, Shafer added that the 6-foot-4, 326-pound lineman may be in the mix at Central Michigan.

“He’s working to try and get some reps and I think he will get some reps in this game,” Shafer said on his weekly teleconference Tuesday. “How many will probably be dependent on how he practices today and tomorrow.”

Shafer said that the next step for Williams is to improve upon a “few things” and added that Williams has been “diligent” in doing so. When asked to clarify, Shafer continually circled back to “consistency” and said that Williams has room to grow in both the pass and run games.

“Consistency’s a big thing on defense and when he’s consistent, he’s a pretty good football player,” Shafer said. “It just needs to be amped up a little bit.”

Defending the run game is a big point of focus heading into the weekend, as Chippewas’ running back Thomas Rawles has had a quick start to the season. Rawles carried the ball 31 times and collected 155 yards and two touchdowns in Central Michigan’s 38-17 win over Purdue on Saturday.

SU’s new depth chart listed Ron Thompson and Eric Crume as the team’s starting defensive tackle and nose tackle, respectively.