COLLEGE FOOTBALL Walter Reyes springs to top of Syracuse depth chart

The sophomore from Struthers is the fastest and biggest tailback for the Orangemen.
BY JOHN KOVACH
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Walter Reyes is the fastest and biggest tailback for the Syracuse University football team.
The promising sophomore from Struthers High is hoping that his combination of speed and size, coupled with an improved offensive line as was demonstrated this spring, will spring him into the clear for many big gains next season.
"It [this spring] went very well for me," said Reyes, who led the rushing attack in the Syracuse University Spring Game April 27 in the Carrier Dome, to help the offense defeat the defense, 50-23.
"The team played well," Reyes said. "The biggest question was our offensive line. I think they made a big statement in the spring game by not allowing a sack and opening holes for myself and our quarterback, allowing the offensive team to rush for 150 yards."
Reyes, a 5-foot-10, 210-pounder who has been timed in 4.27 seconds in the 40-yard dash, was one of nine ball carriers utilized by the offense, and had a game-high 40 yards on nine carries.
Can be hub of attack
His performance was a good indicator that he can evolve into the leader of the ground attack for the Orangemen this coming season, which opens Aug. 29 at Brigham Young.
Reyes already demonstrated that he can carry the load on the high school field while at Struthers, where he set the school career rushing record with 3,005 yards and 40 TDs.
He also made all-state second team both as a junior and senior, and also was a SuperPrep All-American and All-Midwest.
"I am the starter at running back. I was told that before the spring game that I was the No. 1 tailback, and that I will be the starter at BYU," said Reyes, a 2000 graduate of Struthers.
Reyes, who also will return kickoffs, said his 4.27 speed this spring "was faster than when I came [here]. When I first came to Syracuse, I had a 4.3. [And] I strongly believe that I can get faster."
Special role in backfield
Because of his speed, Reyes said he will play a special role in the backfield.
"I am the fastest running back that we have. All the running backs here have different styles in running, [with] me being the fastest and the biggest," he said. "We have other backs who are slashers and like to make sharp cuts. They have good speed but not the speed to take it 80 or 90 yards."
The quick development of Reyes' relationship with the offensive line this spring has made him even more optimistic.
"The chemistry was there, and that was the biggest thing that we worked on in all spring, to get the timing with down blocks and pulling guards," Reyes said. "I am really a strong believer in my line, that without my line you can't do anything, and I have faith they will get the job done."
Last year as a red-shirt freshman, Reyes played in 12 games and rushed for 139 yards in 41 carries and one TD.
Also, while playing on special teams, Reyes recovered a blocked punt to set up a TD against Virginia Tech.
He helped the Orangemen, coached by Paul Pasqualoni, to a 10-3 record, including a 26-3 win over Kansas State in the Insight.com Bowl.
Bigger and stronger
But he credits his redshirt year of 2000 for setting the foundation for his opportunity.
"I was able to travel with the team and go to various stadiums to see how other players prepare for the game. I was able to put on 10 pounds while I was redshirted, and I just think that it helped me tremendously," he said.
Reyes was asked if he heard any talk around the campus comparing him in any way to Jimmy Brown, the former Syracuse and Cleveland Browns' star.
"That's a big comparison. He was one of the greatest backs ever," Reyes said.
"If there was any comparison, it would be of Ernie Davis. I'm built just like him [Davis] and we have similar running styles," Reyes said. "He was the first black Heisman winner [1961]. I think I have long way to go to coming close to his name."
Reyes said he will be joined by another area player this year.
"Anthony Smith from Hubbard is coming in August. He is coming to play safety," Reyes said. "He will be my roommate. You know, we area guys have to stick together. I was his host when he visited the college."
Reyes has a 2.63 grade-point average majoring in communications. He is the son of Marylou Reyes-Tinsley and Herbert Tinsley, and Walter Henderson. Reyes' coach at Struthers was Gary Zetts.
kovach@vindy.com