The Daily OrangeFOOTBALL| SU expects big year from 'Gentle Giant'
By Adam Kilgore
Posted: 4/6/05, 10:21 PM EST Section: Sports
Every day during the winter, Syracuse football team senior defensive end James Wyche heard the same question from head coach Greg Robinson:
"What do you weigh?"
Wyche always fired back with a number a little bit lower than the desired 267 pounds, prompting Robinson to remind Wyche to gain a few more pounds.
"He made sure I ate breakfast every day," Wyche said.
Wyche not only hit the cafeteria line at least three times a day, but also the weight room daily. His three seasons at Syracuse have been consistent, but never stellar. Wyche's 15 tackles for losses and 5.5 sacks led SU last year.
With one season left Wyche seems intent on maximizing the potential of his 6-foot-7-inch frame. He will anchor a defensive line that returns three starters, including both tackles - senior Kader Drame and sophomore Tony Jenkins - and a defensive end Ryan LaCasse, who registered five sacks last year.
"(Wyche) sets the tempo. He comes out with energy and a spark," senior offensive lineman Steve Franklin said. "He wants to be a better defensive end this year."
Wyche's work ethic throughout the winter will certainly help, but a change in defensive philosophy might aid the senior even more. Robinson uses a 4-3 defensive alignment that will attack the ball with more aggressive schemes and additional blitzes.
Wyche won not only the 100-and 200-meter dash in track as a senior in high school, but was also the anchor on the 4X100 medley relay. His speed should come into play more if the new staff lets him attack the quarterback.
"We're focusing on getting to the ball," Wyche said. "We're all going to come out after turnovers. It's going to be great. It's going to be a better performing defense."
New defensive line coach Tim Cross, who was the strength coach at Texas with Robinson, loves what he sees from Wyche. Cross and Wyche have developed a close relationship in three months with Wyche likening Cross to an additional father whom he can speak with at any time.
"What do you weigh?"
Wyche always fired back with a number a little bit lower than the desired 267 pounds, prompting Robinson to remind Wyche to gain a few more pounds.
"He made sure I ate breakfast every day," Wyche said.
Wyche not only hit the cafeteria line at least three times a day, but also the weight room daily. His three seasons at Syracuse have been consistent, but never stellar. Wyche's 15 tackles for losses and 5.5 sacks led SU last year.
With one season left Wyche seems intent on maximizing the potential of his 6-foot-7-inch frame. He will anchor a defensive line that returns three starters, including both tackles - senior Kader Drame and sophomore Tony Jenkins - and a defensive end Ryan LaCasse, who registered five sacks last year.
"(Wyche) sets the tempo. He comes out with energy and a spark," senior offensive lineman Steve Franklin said. "He wants to be a better defensive end this year."
Wyche's work ethic throughout the winter will certainly help, but a change in defensive philosophy might aid the senior even more. Robinson uses a 4-3 defensive alignment that will attack the ball with more aggressive schemes and additional blitzes.
Wyche won not only the 100-and 200-meter dash in track as a senior in high school, but was also the anchor on the 4X100 medley relay. His speed should come into play more if the new staff lets him attack the quarterback.
"We're focusing on getting to the ball," Wyche said. "We're all going to come out after turnovers. It's going to be great. It's going to be a better performing defense."
New defensive line coach Tim Cross, who was the strength coach at Texas with Robinson, loves what he sees from Wyche. Cross and Wyche have developed a close relationship in three months with Wyche likening Cross to an additional father whom he can speak with at any time.
