As Syracuse head football coach Greg Robinson began his final week of preparation for the 2005 season on Monday, he was asked if he would need a moment before the West Virginia opener Sunday to get pumped up.

‘I really don’t think I’ll need anything to psyche myself up,’ Robinson said.

‘Go the bathroom,’ former SU Head Coach Dick MacPherson joked from the back of the room.

Though Robinson may be a little nervous to begin his first head coaching job, he is focused and prepared for the Mountaineers.

Robinson and his staff got a chance to discuss personnel Sunday for the upcoming season. On Monday, he unveiled his depth chart for 2005. Several positions were finalized, but the starting place kicker job has not been finalized.

‘I’m gonna wait for a couple more practices,’ Robinson said. ‘I feel confident that we’re going to be solid in the kicking game.’

The three-way battle is between redshirt sophomore Ricky Krautman, freshman Patrick Shadle and freshman walk-on John Barker.

Krautman’s only game action came in 2003 when he filled in for an injured Collin Barber in a 39-14 win over Boston College. In the game, Krautman missed a field goal and an extra point.

There was some concern that Krautman injured his leg last week, but Robinson said that wasn’t the reason for delaying the choice of a starting kicker.

‘I think Ricky’s fine,’ Robinson said. ‘He’s hitting good, but I don’t know if it’s about an injury. It’s about three guys just continuing to work.

‘I don’t think there’s any reason to (choose a kicker) right now. I just want to keep the pressure on these guys and have them keep kicking. Wednesday or Thursday we’ll decide. We won’t wait until game day.’

Shadle is from Morgantown, W.Va., where the Mountaineers play their home games. When asked if that added an incentive for him to earn the starting job, Robinson said no.

‘We have two young freshmen in here. The longer they can get acclimated, I can get a better feel,’ he said. ‘I’m not gonna put him in just because he’s from Morgantown.’

Ready to run

One of the fiercest position battles this offseason was for the backup running back spot.

In the end, Robinson chose redshirt freshman Kareem Jones to backup senior captain Damien Rhodes.

‘Kareem Jones really had a tremendous summer,’ Robinson said. ‘He came back in so much better shape. He came with a better mindset than spring ball.’

Jones beat out junior Tim Washington, who earned time last year as the backup when Walter Reyes was hurt, and classmate Paul Chiara. Though Jones’ carries may be limited behind Rhodes, SU’s star back, Robinson said his different running style may help.

‘He’s a little different,’ Robinson said. ‘He’s got good vision, good acceleration. He can make a cut and get up field. He’s a good blocker in pass protection.’

Go deep

Syracuse’s most-hyped freshman, Lavar Lobdell, was not listed on SU’s opening four-wide receiver depth chart.

This offseason, he sustained a couple of minor injuries to his shoulder and his hamstring that have kept him out of practice. Robinson said he had not considered redshirting him for the 2005 season, though.

‘In regards to redshirting, we don’t have any plans for any specific player right now,’ Robinson said. ‘The situation will always be possible. Lavar was knicked up, but he came back and the last two days he looked really good.’

Lobdell’s teammate at Christian Brothers’ Academy in Syracuse, Bruce Williams, was listed as a backup at wide receiver.

This and that…

Sophomore Dowayne Davis beat out Reggie McCoy for the starting strong safety position. … Steve Gregory regained his starting cornerback position over senior DeAndre LaCaille and junior Marcus Clayton.

Published on August 29, 2005 at 12:00 pm