Frank Ordoñez/The Post-Standard

By Dave Cooperman

Maybe it was a challenge to Marcus Sales or maybe it was just the plain truth, but when Doug Marrone said that walk-on wide receiver Cody Morgan was playing his way into a role with his offense, the writing appeared to be on the wall for the enigmatic Sales.  This is great news for the 5’8 sophomore and lousy news for anyone who had any hopes of watching Sales finally live up to the high expectations that followed him from high school.

Sales finally appeared to turn the corner after a dominating spring practice, but that memory has quickly faded as his challenge for playing time is no longer with Alec Lemon and Van Chew, but with walk-ons and converts like Morgan and Dorian Graham.  Hofstra transfer Aaron Weaver appears to have solidified his spot as the third wide receiver leaving hardly any time for Sales to be a difference maker in the offense.  You can’t ignore the fact that we wouldn’t be having this conversation at all if Jarrod West didn’t get hurt.  Sales might be battling for the 5^th spot.

Marrone talked about needing more consistency from Sales, but that appears to be a wish that belongs alongside world peace.  At this point in his career, consistency should no longer be the issue, yet it is, which leads me to believe that talent might be the issue that trumps all.  If at times you look great and other times you look bad, then you are just an average football player and they generally get listed fifth on your depth chart.

On June 30^th, the Army was asked who the offensive MVP would be this upcoming season in the absence of Delone Carter and I chose Marcus Sales and I wasn’t alone.  I hate to admit this especially before a game has been played but I am going to be wrong.  The two who picked Averin Collier – well they are going to be wrong too.  And Euclid 419er chose Nick Provo, which makes him a genius because he chose someone who will actually get on the field.

This isn’t a football obituary just yet for Sales, but it might be wise to clear some room for one.  The high school star who was given #5 upon entering Syracuse to signify his status as a rising star now wears the number to signify his spot on the depth chart – and it appears likely he will wearing #6 before #4 any time soon.