The Next Guy is Screwed.........

Ah the Greg Robinson era at Syracuse - years from now when we look back fondly on it, what we will remember most? The repeated thrashings at the hands of opponents we used to dominate like Rutgers? The abysmal offense that for 3 straight years has produced less points than a good pop warner team? The horrific offensive line that nearly got Andrew Robinson killed last year? How about the bend but then break defense?

With so many items to choose from, it will be hard choice to make. However, the real lasting legacy very well could be the inability to keep guys on the field. The latest bit of news is that is that linebacker Matt Jones has failed to qualify academically and will not be on the team this fall. This comes on the heals of the weird, weird Deandre Preaster story that unfolded this week.

It hasn't been a good summer for SU players and their school work, we all know Mike Williams, the team's best offensive player and starting defensive end Brandon Gilbeaux have already been shown the door due to academic shortcomings. Now two incoming recruits have followed suit.

As the roster woes of the program continue, we need to note there wasn't anything Robinson could do to prevent injuries to guys like Delone Carter, Curtis Brinkley and Taj Smith in 2006 - and no one could have predicted the health issue that would keep star recruit Jermaine Pierce from ever taking the field, but the ever-shrinking roster is going to make rebuilding this mess that much harder.

By my count there are only 5 guys in the junior class on the current roster that will contribute this year. That doesn't say much for Greg's first full recruiting class - it also leaves who ever the next coach is with an incredibly tough task. That person will be working with a senior class that will have at the most 5 or 6 functional guys. Imagine that - taking a job with 5 guys who are seniors that will be able to contribute - it's frightening.

In addition to losing guys on the current roster, the uncertainty surrounding the program will make recruiting this year very tough, and if things go in the tank early, it will make things virtually impossible. No kid in their right mind is going to sign up with Greg when he's a dead man walking.

Who ever ends up leading the Orange next year, whether it's this guy, or someone else, is going to have to find a way to get players fast, and keep them eligible. As Robinson has proven, that's harder than it seems. It's too bad Max Meisel doesn't have any eligibility left, they could probably use him.