Observations from SU’s 1st day of spring ball: Backup QBs see time, fixing injury problem

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While speaking with reporters a few minutes after Syracuse’s first spring practice ended, head coach Dino Babers admitted the Orange were a bit “rusty” coming off last week’s spring break. There were throws slightly beyond or behind wide receivers, offensive lineman not performing the sled drill as expected and a drop in effort by the end of practice.

Babers is confident, though, that the team can get rid of that rust this week, with practices scheduled on Thursday and Saturday to conclude the first of five weeks of spring ball.

“I think they’re in condition. They need to just shake the cobwebs out and get rid of all of the drinks that they had over spring break,” Babers joked. “Once they get that out of their system, they’ll be fine.”

Tuesday morning also presented the first opportunity for backup quarterbacks Carlos Del Rio-Wilson and Justin Lamson to impress in full-team work after returning starter Garrett Shrader was ruled out of spring ball. Babers also provided injury updates and explained what steps SU has taken to avoid the numerous season-ending injuries suffered last season.

Here are some observations from Syracuse’s first day of practice:

No Shrader gives Lamson, Del Rio-Wilson chance to shine

Shrader has started 21 of SU’s 25 games over the last two seasons, cementing himself as an integral component of the offense. But a lingering elbow injury led to surgery this offseason, and physicians told Babers if Shrader took this spring off, he would come back in comparable or better condition. Shrader wants to play in the NFL, and getting the injury fixed will help him pursue that goal, Babers said.

“We can give up 15 practices to have someone better, and if he’s not, we’ll get the same guy back out there,” Babers said.

Lamson’s return after missing all of last season with a knee injury had no effect on the decision for Shrader to have surgery, Babers said. Missing all of last season allowed Lamson to watch from a coach’s perspective and apply those observations to his physical abilities, Babers added.

Lamson told Syracuse’s trainers Tuesday morning that they’ve done a great job, allowing him to get back on the field. The quarterback said he feels as healthy as he ever has, and developed strong timing with receivers this offseason. The biggest thing he wants to work on is executing plays better, primarily figuring out what to do as soon as he gets the call.

Lamson and Del Rio-Wilson both expressed their excitement in starting spring practice, and having the opportunity to get first-team reps. Lamson had more first-team snaps than Del Rio-Wilson on Tuesday.

“It’s Christmas. It’s the best day,” Lamson said. “I’m just happy to be back.”

Lamson said Shrader was very vocal in his ear Tuesday. Shrader spent practice talking with other quarterbacks and offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Jason Beck, as well as standing behind the offense during team drills. Early in practice, he yelled out that the offense had run the wrong play after Del Rio-Wilson handed the ball off to LeQuint Allen.

Del Rio-Wilson said the main thing he worked on during the offseason was his stability and footwork. He watched a lot of film to find that perfect form, and regularly came to Ensley by himself or worked with a few receivers — including Oronde Gadsden II, D’Marcus Adams and Damien Alford — and assistant quarterbacks coach Manny Harris to improve.

In practice, Del Rio-Wilson overthrew Trebor Pena on one play — but connected on throws over the middle — while Lamson hit Adams in stride on a deep pass down the left sideline.

“I thought both the quarterbacks did a nice job out there today,” Babers said. “They’re all working hard.”

The same offense, with some small tweaks

Beck said before the Pinstripe Bowl that Syracuse’s offense will stay mostly the same after Robert Anae’s departure. Lamson noted that Beck is creative and will introduce some different stuff, and Del Rio-Wilson said there’s slightly more passing in Beck’s offense.

Allen, who had 11 receptions for 60 yards in the bowl game, was used as a receiving target out of the backfield on hot routes and out routes Tuesday. Allen’s strong hands make him a valuable option in the passing game, Del Rio-Wilson said.

Del Rio-Wilson added that options and quarterback runs — something SU’s quarterbacks worked on Tuesday, and a strength of Shrader’s — will remain an important piece of the offense.

Other notes

Syracuse lost six starters to season-ending injuries last season, and its defensive depth was depleted as a result. Babers said SU investigated the issue in the offseason, and tried to figure out if there were any potential solutions. Babers wouldn’t give any specifics on the implementations the Orange have put into place beyond the fact that they made changes in how they work in the weight room.

“We’re not quite sure what happened last year,” Babers said. “I’ve been around a long time. I’ve never had a year like that. And sometimes it’s just a happening. But if it happens twice, it’s not.”

Linebackers Marlowe Wax, Derek McDonald, Austin Roon and Anwar Sparrow were all either limited participants or didn’t practice on Tuesday. Babers didn’t provide details on their injuries, though suggested keeping them out was more of a preventive measure. Tight end Dan Villari is also injured and sat out, Babers said.

Syracuse updated its roster as spring practice began, revealing a few notable departures, including quarterback JaCobian Morgan, safety Rob Hanna and defensive back Neil Nunn. Morgan didn’t appear in any games last year, but played in six from 2020-21. Hanna, meanwhile, appeared in 11 games in each of the past two seasons, recording 51 tackles. Nunn played in nine games from 2020-21, but didn’t make an appearance last season.

The Orange lost nine players to the transfer portal after last season, headlined by defensive backs Duce Chestnut — now at LSU — and Ja’Had Carter (Ohio State). SU, though, also added four transfers, including defensive backs Jayden Bellamy and Jaeden Gould. Babers said Syracuse will try to do a better job of keeping players from transferring, but the losses also give other players the chance to step up.