Football

Ervin Philips bolsters Syracuse offense with return to lineup

David Salanitri | Staff Photographer

Sophomore hybrid Ervin Philips will return to action on Saturday against South Florida. He could provide a spark for Syracuse's offense.

Ervin Philips ran an out route at Sunday’s practice, his first full one since injuring his left knee in Syracuse’s season opener on Sept. 4. He caught the ball and cut on the same knee, an identical sequence to the one preceding his 32-yard touchdown against Rhode Island that sidelined him for three and a half weeks.

“Once I did that I was like, ‘alright, OK, so now I’m good,’” Philips said.

The sophomore scored two first-half touchdowns against the Rams, but his injury left the hybrid duties to junior Ben Lewis and freshman Dontae Strickland. He watched the Orange play Louisiana State from the stands, which he said “messed with him mentally.” He tweeted earlier this week that he’d be back for the South Florida game this Saturday — possibly a premature announcement that was later taken down.

But with head coach Scott Shafer declaring Philips ready to go on Tuesday’s local media teleconference, and with a week of full practice under Philips’ belt, the Orange (3-1, 1-0 Atlantic Coast) returns arguably its most dynamic offensive weapon ahead of its matchup with the Bulls (1-3, 0-1 American Athletic) at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in Tampa, Florida.

“He made some Erv Philips cuts in practice yesterday,” Shafer said. “… and I said, ‘It’s the new normal, buddy.’”



Philips, who would normally be deep on kick returns with Brisly Estime, is being limited just to offense for now. If needed on returns he’d be back there, Shafer said, but the head coach wants to restrict Philips’ reps as he becomes re-integrated.

In the time Philips was out, Strickland accounted for three touchdowns — tied for most on the team through four games. As a slew of nicks and bruises sidelined starters at four other offensive positions, Philips watched. He admitted to rushing his rehab in anticipation of returning, a process trainers had to slow down.

“It was a process, but it was a learning process,” Philips said. “… but I’m glad to get where I need to be now.”

With Philips back, Syracuse is better equipped to fulfill the third goal of its offense. Pound the rock, protect the ball and make big plays were the three objectives offensive coordinator Tim Lester listed off. Nothing changes drastically in terms of play-calling, but Lester admitted Philips’ return adds more variety to the playbook. Outside Estime and wide receiver Steve Ishmael, nobody has reeled off a play of more than 34 yards.

Philips thought he was playing one of the best games of his career when it screeched to a halt 30 minutes into the season. He was nervous making an identical cut on Sunday and still feels occasional stiffness. But with his return, the sophomore counted on to help redefine Syracuse’s offense now has a clean slate to do so.

“Erv looks great,” Lester said.. “You always assume there’ll be some hesitation but I’ve been extremely excited about the way he’s moving.”





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