Syracuse University head football coach Greg Robinson named Major Applewhite Orange quarterback coach. A standout quarterback at the University of Texas, Applewhite joins the Syracuse staff after spending two years as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Texas where he assisted the offensive coaching staff.

“Major is a person who through his playing days displayed the unique qualities as a quarterback that are proving to be tremendous qualities as a coach,” Robinson said. “His development of the physical skills necessary to be a productive quarterback, coupled with his innate abilities to grasp the mental aspect of the game and his ability to function under adverse conditions, are what make him a valuable member of our staff.”

Applewhite, who was 22-8 as a starter at Texas, set school records for passing yards (8,353), TD passes (60), total offense (8,059), completions (611) and attempts (1,065) from 1998-2001. The Longhorns team captain in 2001 and 2001 Holiday Bowl Offensive MVP, Applewhite was the Big 12 co-Offensive Player of the Year in 1999 and earned league freshman of the year honors in 1998.

“I am grateful and appreciative of this opportunity to work with Greg at Syracuse,” Applewhite said. “Greg is such an energetic and enthusiastic guy and that attitude breeds itself. It is an honor to come here to coach a position that has had so much success. Look at the quarterback history in the past 20 years – Don McPherson, Marvin Graves and Donovan McNabb. We are going to take that tradition and build on it. I am excited about the opportunity to come to Syracuse to work with the seniors to help them leave here as winners. This is not about rebuilding. Syracuse is a good team and a good program.”

A native of Baton Rouge, La., Applewhite threw for 50 TDs (and rushed for eight more) against just nine interceptions in two years as a starter at Catholic High School. He was tabbed an honorable mention prep All-American by USA Today after leading Catholic High to a 13-1 record and No. 10 national ranking as a senior. Applewhite was 25-2 as a prep starter.

Applewhite, an active volunteer in the Austin community as a student-athlete and a graduate assistant coach, completed his University of Texas degree in sport management in December of 2002.