Four players join SU football for spring practice

Syracuse football ended with the Orange winning the Texas Bowl on Dec. 27, but head coach Scott Shafer is already gearing up for 2014.

Wide reciever Corey Cooper, orginally a 2013 commit, spent last semester at Jireh Prep School after failing to meet the academic qualifications to enroll at SU in fall. Cooper will bolster a recieving core that loses Christopher Clark to graduation, and looks to be an intriguing option for Terrel Hunt, should Hunt retain the starting job. A three-star recruit according to Rivals.com, Cooper had 41 receptions for 461 yards and six touchdowns during his senior year at Millbrook High School.

A.J. Long, who graduated a semester early from Friendship Christian School in Lebanon, Tenn., joins a crowded quarterback unit that includes 2013 starter Hunt, quarterback-turned-wide-reciever John Kinder, freshman Mitch Kimble and Austin Wilson and walk-on freshman Troy Green. Nevertheless, Long told Syracuse.com he was "gunning to be the starter," despite being the youngest quarterback on the roster. During his time at Friendship Christian School, he threw for over 10,000 yards and led his team to two Tennesee Class 2A State Championships. Long, a four-star recruit was one of the first 2014 recuits to commit to SU.

Defensive tackle Wayne Williams spent two years at ASA College before coming to SU. Williams committed to play for the Orange back in 2012, but academic issues forced him to spent two years in a junior college. With the loss of Jay Bromley in the middle of the defensive line, former three-star recruit and Brooklyn native Williams should fit immediately in Shafer and defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough's defense.

When one MacPherson leaves, another steps in his place. Cameron MacPherson, brother of senior center Macky MacPherson, transfered from Georgetown University after playing quarterback for two games for the Hoyas in 2012 and 2013. Like his older brother, MacPherson attended Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, N.Y., where he was the 2011 Sectional Championship Game Most Valuable Player, after throwing five touchdown passes. He won't be joining Long in the quarterback huddle, instead switching positions to tight end.