On Mondays over the summer, The Juice Online is going to highlight individual players on the 2014 Syracuse football team. This week, we’re profiling wide receiver Ashton Broyld.
Syracuse receiver Ashton Broyld didn’t hesitate.
When asked about the lightening fast pace of the offense in the 2014 spring game, Broyld nearly cut the reporter off.
“That’s us. That’s the way we play,” Broyld said. “That’s what we’re comfortable with. I’m pretty sure that’s how we’re going to start the season, and finish it.”
While there wasn’t an official MVP named for the game, Broyld cemented himself as the defacto winner. Broyld caught eight passes for 126 yards and a pair of touchdowns as part of the second-team offense, as Team Offense defeated Team Defense 34-27.
One of those touchdowns came on a bubble screen pass that Broyld took 54 yards down the field for the score.
“We didn’t show the world what we’ve got — yet,” Broyld said. “We don’t want anything to try to steal our stuff, to game plan for us.”
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Still, teams will likely have to game plan for Broyld.
Last season, Broyld caught 52 passes for 452 yards. More will be expected of Broyld this year, including plays where he gets the ball in space and uses his athleticism.
“Right now we’re just working on the little things,” Broyld said. “Get five yards to get the first down. That’s what we’re getting good at.”
Inside slant: Broyld has been searching for a steady role on the team, and he may have found it. In his freshman year, he spent most of his time at running back before lining up mostly as a receiver last year. With a full year under his belt and a stronger understanding of offensive coordinator George McDonald’s playing style, Broyld will likely be a frequent underneath target for QB Terrel Hunt.
Vitals:
- Birthdate: January 1992
- Hometown: Rochester, NY
- High School: Rush Henrietta HS/Milford Academy
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Class: Junior
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 223 lbs
Career highlights: Broyld appeared in all 13 games for the Orange last year, highlighted by a five-reception, 64-yard game in a loss to Clemson. His 52 receptions ranked second on the SU record list for catches by a sophomore. Broyld finished the season strong, notching five receptions for 47 yards as Syracuse defeated Minnesota to win the Texas Bowl.
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