Syracuse football coach Dino Babers added his voice Monday to the conversation about running back Sean Tucker's worthiness to wear the hallowed No. 44 jersey previously worn by SU legends Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, and Floyd Little. And he makes it very clear that, in his opinion, it's not his prize to award.

"It's not mine to give, and I don't think it's the media's to give," said Babers during his weekly press conference Monday morning. "I think Jim Brown, and [former SU running back Rob] Konrad, and those guys get together, and they decide that thing."

What You Need To Know

  • There is currently a debate about whether or not Syracuse RB Sean Tucker should be given the No. 44 jersey

  • SU coach Dino Babers says the decision should rest with the former No. 44s, which includes the likes of living legend Jim Brown

  • Rob Konrad ('99) is the last person to wear No. 44 at Syracuse before the number was retired

  • Tucker ranks No. 2 in the NCAA in rushing yards (536) and all-purpose yards (711) in 2021

The debate was sparked in the preseason when SU fullback Chris Elmore suggested Tucker would be worthy of the honor, and the second-year freshman's stellar start to the 2021 season has only added fuel to the fire. Tucker ranks second in the nation in rushing yards (536) and all-purpose yards (711) and has scored six of his eight touchdowns in the last two games. 

The Maryland native was asked last week for his thoughts on wearing the legendary number. While he certainly won't campaign for it, the humble and soft-spoken Tucker also admits it would be an honor.

"Just the tradition and legacy behind it, and meeting Floyd Little once on an official visit," Tucker said, "having the opportunity one day would be great."

Babers says his young star would probably wear the jersey with a great deal of pride, but he's not sure if it's the right time for that decision to be made. The Orange (3-1) haven't played an ACC game yet this season, which means there's a chance that Tucker's early successes may not continue against tougher competition. 

"To me, it's something that we've got to see," Babers said regarding the timing. "If you're asking me this question four weeks from now, I may have a big ol' smile on my face. He's got four games against ACC competition. I hope you're asking me this four weeks from now, that'll be really exciting."

If he continues at the pace he's on, Tucker will shatter the school's single-season record of 1,372 yards set in 1979 by SU's all-time leading rusher, Joe Morris. Averaging 134 yards per game so far, Sean is on pace to finish the season with 1,608 rushing yards and score 24 touchdowns. That kind of production would seem to make him a prime candidate to become the first since Konrad in 1998 to wear No. 44, but Babers reiterates that should up to the guys who've already worn it, not him.

"Let those guys look at him, and I'll pull tape together," he said. "If they think he's worthy, let them vote on it. To me, that's the way it should be done forever."