Orange head coach Fran Brown coach shared insight on his plans for the freshman wide receiver.
After a 15-day break, Syracuse Orange football (1-2) will return to action this Saturday against the UConn Huskies (2-2).
In addition to simply trying to get a win to break a two-game losing streak, this Saturday's game should also feature the debut of Syracuse freshman wide receiver Calvin Russell III.
Head coach Fran Brown spoke recently about the plan for talented five-star recruit.
Here's what you need to know:
The Calvin Russell III file
One of the top recruits in Syracuse football history, the five-star from Florida is expected to make a major impact on the team's offense potentially as soon as Saturday. Russell will become one of the rare athletes in school history to play both football and basketball. After enrolling in school in early January, Russell suited up for the hoop team, playing in one game.
In March, Russell suffered a torn Achilles during a spring football practice. This injury usually requires an average of 9-12 months of recovery before a return to physical competition, but Russell's pending debut will barely have been at the six-month mark.
Russell will play alongside wide receivers Justus Ross-Simmons and Umari Hatcher in an effort to create a more downfield threat for quarterback Steve Angeli, who is still slated to start.
What did Fran Brown say about Calvin Russell's status?
The head coach of the Orange spoke to the media on Monday and addressed the plans for Russell's usage Saturday afternoon. Brown said:
"As much as possible, As much as his body allows him to play, which the training room now says he can. He has a player load we want to make sure he continues to hit. He hit it all last week. ... I’m really happy and excited about Calvin playing."
What type of impact could Russell have for the Syracuse offense?
Angeli struggled in his two most recent starts for the Orange, tossing five total interceptions. Syracuse is looking to find any options to improve the offense and Russell could be just that. It's also possible that Amari Odom sees playing time during Saturday's game. Brown said that Odom will see some time during the contest, but will not start.
The hope is that as Russell gains experience, he will grow into one of the best playmakers in the ACC.
What's next for Syracuse football?
Kickoff on Saturday is set for noon ET in East Hartford, Conn. Roundtable will have coverage leading up to the matchup all week long.
