Paulus to Play Football in Hometown Again.

The former college basketball point guard has committed to a University in his hope of playing quarterback in Division I-A.

This Thursday morning, former Duke player Greg Paulus told media he had made his decision on where he will pursue a graduate degree in Communications and a college football career. The answer? Syracuse.

Syracuse is Paulus’ hometown, where his friends and family saw him throw over 11,000 yards during high school, and win the 2004 Gatorade National Player of the Year in football.

Syracuse actually offered Paulus a basketball scholarship before he ended up signing with the Blue Devils.

Despite not having played football in the last four years, he had multiple opportunities to return to the game. Michigan invited Paulus to meet in Ann Arbor, and the NFL’s Green Bay Packers had him take a trip to Wisconsin for a workout. The Cornhuskers in Nebraska also invited Paulus for a workout.

Now, he has between today and the Orangemen’s season opener on Sept. 5 to re-learn the quarterback position and the Syracuse offense. Paulus said he is not worried about where his skills are at because of his four-year hiatus.

"There will be a number of challenges along the way," he said. "But I'm confident in myself and believe in myself, and I'm hoping it works out for the best."

Paulus also said that Syracuse’s head coach, Doug Marrone, is not guaranteeing him a starting quarterback position or any other playing time, unless he is the better man.

Paulus has been training for the upcoming football season since Duke lost in the NCAA Tournament. He has also been throwing with his younger brother, who is a quarterback at North Carolina.

Paulus never did redshirt while at Duke, so he still could receive one from Syracuse.

Bottom line, Paulus has an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and is grateful to have it.

"I love two sports, and to be able to play them both at the college level is pretty unique and special," he said. "I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to do it."