Syracuse released its two-deep depth chart for its season opener against Rhode Island on Sept. 4, and walk-on Seamus Shanley turned up as the first-team right guard.
Shanley, a senior who went to nearby West Genesee (New York) High School, currently sits one spot in front of redshirt freshman Aaron Roberts. Roberts started at right guard in Syracuse’s spring game and seemed to be in line to hold the position during training camp.
Then Shanley’s steady play drew the Syracuse coaches’ attention and, for now, trust.
“He played well, he played better than the other guys that were competing at that position,” SU head coach Scott Shafer said at a Saturday press conference.