Syracuse released its two-deep depth chart for its season opener against Rhode Island on Sept. 4, and walk-on Seamus Shanley turned up as the first-team right guard.

Shanley, a senior who went to nearby West Genesee (New York) High School, currently sits one spot in front of redshirt freshman Aaron Roberts. Roberts started at right guard in Syracuse’s spring game and seemed to be in line to hold the position during training camp.

Then Shanley’s steady play drew the Syracuse coaches’ attention and, for now, trust.

“He played well, he played better than the other guys that were competing at that position,” SU head coach Scott Shafer said at a Saturday press conference. “Early in camp we’re like, ‘Boy he’s playing pretty good.’ And then day, after day, after day his consistency was really high and I’m really, really pleased and proud of the performance he’s put on tape and at practice.

“Nothing more than earning it.”

Shafer maintained that, like all positions, there will be a battle at right guard throughout the season. But Shanley is the Orange’s right guard heading into Week 1, where his fourth career appearance will be a start in front of the Carrier Dome crowd.