Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett
In Greg Robinson's postgame news conference after last week's loss to Connecticut, the embattled Syracuse coach tried to paint an optimistic picture of the future. One of the players he singled out as a reason for hope was sophomore Max Suter.
Suter has been known for his special teams prowess. Last year, he set an NCAA single-season record for kickoff return yardage (partly a result of Syracuse's terrible defense) and averaged 25.5 yards per return.
But Suter proved he was more than just a kickoff specialist against UConn. Pressed into service at free safety after senior Bruce Williams got hurt, Suter had a career-best seven tackles, including two for loss and his first career sack.
"I've been waiting a long time to get in there and show what I can do," he said. "I just did what I'd been taught. It was pretty exciting."
Suter could be in line for his first career start at Notre Dame if Williams -- who was on crutches after the UConn loss -- can't go.
"Max is the type of guy in practice who's flying all over the place," senior linebacker Jake Flaherty said. "He practices at the same tempo he does in the game. He really plays the game with passion."
Suter also made another big special-teams play against UConn, blocking a punt that was recovered in the end zone for a Syracuse touchdown. He could be busy on special teams and on defense at Notre Dame, which will challenge the Orange secondary with Jimmy Clausen and Co.
"We've been waiting for this game for a while," Suter said. "The guys are pretty psyched up."
Robinson won't be back next year, but maybe Suter can be part of a brighter future for Syracuse.
"I can't want to come back here in two years and see how guys like him have developed," Flaherty said.
Bennett joined ESPN.com in August 2008 after nine years at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., where he covered college sports and the University of Louisville beat. He lives in Louisville.
