Greg Paulus' one year as a Syrcause football player is going to start just the way he envisioned-under center for the first snap of the season.
Orange head coach Doug Marrone announced Paulus would be Syracuse's starting quarterback to begin the season, even though Paulus hasn't played competitive football since 2004. The Syracuse, N.Y. native played point guard at Duke for four seasons before deciding to use his fifth year of eligibility on the gridiron.
The 2004 Gatorade High School Player of the Year in football, Paulus beat out sophomore Ryan Nassib, the No. 1 quarterback in spring practice, Cam Dantley, last season's starter, and freshman Charley Loeb for the job.
Syracuse kicks off its season Sept. 5 against Minnesota at home.
At Duke, Paulus started at point guard in his first three seasons and reached the Sweet 16 as both a freshman and a senior. He served as the team's tri-captain as a sophomore and senior.
His best statistical season came in 2006-2007, when he averaged 11.7 points per game, but Paulus' role diminished his senior season as Nolan Smith and then Elliot Williams took his starting spot. Paulus averaged 4.9 points and 1.3 assists per game in his final season in Durham.
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