There are 38 letterman at Mac's command from last year's 5-6 disappointment, including the gifted Joe Morris, top returning career rusher at an NCAA major program this fall. Morris, the quick-accelerating, 5-9, 180-pounder, has already broken all of the SU rushing records that were made by such famed ball-carriers as Jimmy Brown, the late Ernie Davis, Floyd Little, and Larry Csonka. With 3,105 rushing yards already in the bank--despite missing half of last season due to injuries--Morris seems a shoo-in to wind up over the 4,000-yard mark.

   Teaming with him will be senior QB Dave Warner, who had a penchant for tossing the interception (16). But Dave does offer a cool head, good ball-handling, plus solid option running. He'll be backed up by the veteran Jeff Fischer. Glenn Moore and Jaime Covington, a pair of flashy sophs, offer solid credentials as Morris's backups. And in certain of MacPherson's multiple sets, they could even team with Joe. Fullback could be a problem, though massive Joe Gilligan, a soph, had a good spring. Marcus Hackett and Paul Zambuto are the best of the wide-outs, though Tim Wilson could get some playing time.

   Up front the line looks solid, led by All-America tackle candidate John McCollom. Tony Hazzan and John Lally return at guard, while Gerry Feehery will again be over the ball. Gord Gronkowski, Jim McAndrews, Joe Nett, and Bob Manning shore up the reserve.

   The Orange came on defensively last fall, though they still gave up better than 3,900 yards and more than 200 points. Jamie Kimmel should be a standout at one flank, while Mike Charles has the girth for tackle. Others who started some up front are Herb Butzke and Ralph Joline, with Steve Santora back after missing 1980 with injuries. Bill Pendock and Blaise Winter could move into starting roles.

   The linebacking looks improved with Craig Bingham a winner at one side. Guy Ruff has quickness and Tony Romano has strength inside. Tom Seibert and Mike Zunic have experience and both have started. Co-captain Ike Bogosian returns to the deep secondary along with safety Derek Frederickson and Jerry Kilpatrick.

   The Orange have an exceptional place-kicker in senior Gary Anderson, who owns one of the better legs in the land, but punting will fall to an inexperienced kicker, either Russ Carpentieri or Joe Ross.

   The Orange, under MacPherson, had a wholesome spring, with much of their confidence seemingly restored. If Morris can stay healthy and if Warner can avoid the interception, they have a shot at a winning mark.

 

Street and Smith's Official College Football Yearbook 1981, pages 101-102