Syracuse, N.Y. -- Syracuse football fans have waited years for their program to develop a tight end defenses had to account for in the passing game.
In short order, coach Dino Babers mined the junior-college ranks and delivered such a player in Ravian Pierce.
The Florida native, a plug-and-play addition last season, became one of the best tight ends in the ACC, recording 29 receptions for 263 yards and four touchdowns.
Even more is expected this fall.
Pierce was placed Friday on the watch list for the John Mackey Award, presented annually at the end of the season to the nation's best tight end.