Robinson and Catalina Transitioning Well
Tight end Andrew Robinson (88) blocks defensive end Chandler Jones during practice.
4/8/2009 8:07:36 PM
Head Coach Doug Marrone Transcript
Junior Andrew Robinson and sophomore Cody Catalina are travelling the same path. The pair of former quarterbacks are transitioning to tight end during Syracuse's 2009 Spring football practice. Robinson has played tight end for the past six Spring practice sessions, while Catalina moved prior to the start of Spring practice. Head coach Doug Marrone, who named redshirt freshman Ryan Nassib the first-string quarterback 12 days ago, said he sees improvement in both Robinson and Catalina every day.
“I think Andrew is progressing well," Marrone said. "Again, it's a position change, but he's a very, very professional type of player from the standpoint of how he handles his business. It doesn't surprise me that he's made some plays today and it won't surprise me if had a tremendous role for our team in some capacity, as long as he keeps developing."
Robinson was the starting quarterback as a sophomore and then backed up Cameron Dantley last season. Catalina played situationally at quarterback in one game in 2008, while seeing significant playing time on specil teams.
“I think his transition has gone well," Marrone said of Catalina. "I think he's someone on the football field who has a very good, or I should say natural, pass catching ability. He's caught balls all over the football field. From that standpoint, it's been very encouraging and it's been encouraging the way he's been going after it as far as the blocking scheme. I'm encouraged with the development from Cody."
Robinson said his quarterback experience has been an asset in the transition.
“It definitely helps. I know I can walk out there and just give a quick glance to the safeties and know what the defense is trying to do, particular plays," he said. "It’s a little bit different being down in the trenches sometimes, especially on run plays, but I do have a general knowledge of what the defense is doing, walking up there and looking at certain spots and looking at different things. It definitely helps with reading coverage and knowing what the defense is trying to do."