Whether Syracuse will have one of its top defensive backs for the game against Clemson and its high-octane offense won’t be known until shortly before kickoff, head coach Scott Shafer said Thursday.
Cornerback Brandon Reddish suffered what was only described as a lower-body injury in the win over Tulane Sept. 21 and did not play in the second half. Even after a bye last weekend that allowed the corner some extra time to heal, Shafer and his medical staff are taking the cautious approach when it comes to a return to the field.
“He wants to play, but we want to put what’s in the best interest of the team first and then Brandon second and make a good decision for the rest of the season as we get close,” the coach said according to the Syracuse Post-Standard.
Reddish is considered a co-starter along with Ri’Shard Anderson and Keon Lyn. He played in 24 games the last two seasons with three starts. This season, he’s returned a fumble 46 yards for a touchdown.
If Reddish is unable to go, Julian Whigham would assume the freshman’s role in the secondary.