Paulus becomes BIG distraction for Cuse

Any PR is good PR? I'll give in to the old maxim. But ESPN's Brian Bennett says the buzz created by Duke point guard Greg Paulus choosing Syracuse to play one year of Division I football makes the Orange relevant again.

He's full of crap. I normally agree with Bennett, but he's off on this one. Paulus has been away from the game for four years and he may be lucky to beat out Ryan Nassib, who was named the starter for this season early in spring practice.

I understand Bennett's point. National media will follow this story all season. And if he finally plays or even starts it will lead ESPN's coverage. I'm sure they are already planning some big feature on Paulus for Game Day and Bennett will probably do daily or weekly updates on Paulus.

Also, Paulus may help draw more fans into the Carrier Dome, and give opposing fans plenty to get riled up about each week.

But this will be destracting for everyone else involved with Cuse football and won't have any long-lasting implications for future recruiting.

Now this could work out real well for first-year coach Doug Marrone. He gets a former top-rated prep prospect for one season as he tries to rebuild the Orange. But it's more likely to backfire and cause some dissension in the lockerroom.

I believe Nassib is a gutsy guy who'll relish the competition. But freshmen quarterbacks can also be a bit fragile. Openly courting Paulus may not sit well. Still, Syracuse was 3-9 last season and everything is free game.

Also, Paulus did say all the right things on ESPN radio and added that he couldn't pass up playing for Marrone and the academics of Syracuse as he works on a graduate degree in communications.