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3 takeaways from Syracuse football's 2023 Spring Game

Dino Babers- The Juice Online/Brett Gustin
Dino Babers- The Juice Online/Brett Gustin
Brett Gustin • The Juice Online
Staff Writer

Syracuse wrapped up its spring practices with its annual Spring Game on Friday night, allowing for a glimpse into the talent shaping up for next season.

Here are the main takeaways from the Orange and Blue matchup in the Dome.

Lamson, Del-Rio Wilson impress in competition for backup QB

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Incumbent starting QB Garrett Shrader didn't appear in the spring practice because he's recovers from offseason surgery.

But Shrader's absence allowed Dino Babers and the Syracuse coaching staff to evaluate Shrader's backup.

Two redshirt sophomores—Justin Lamson and Carlos Del Rio-Wilson—got reps at QB during the spring scrimmage, and both showed off different abilities.

Lamson started the scrimmage with the first team and showed off his accuracy with throws to Oronde Gadsden II and Kendall Long. He demonstrated a strong arm and ability to connect through multiple receivers, throwing for 183 yards and a score.

Del Rio-Wilson, who saw appeared in five games as Shrader’s primary backup, also showed what he was capable of. He made plays with his feet and also through crisp passes on short routes, and threw for 95 yards and two touchdowns.

Both quarterbacks showed the Orange have depth and experience at the position no matter which direction they go at backup.

"I think they both did a good job," Babers said.

Syracuse shows depth at receiver

Oronde Gadsden II is coming off one of the most prolific seasons for a tight end in SU history. He caught 61 passes for 969 yards and six touchdowns, and earned First Team All-ACC Honors.

Gadsden picked up where he left off in 2022, four catches for 46 yards and was, not surprisingly, a favorite target for Lamson.

Kendall Long led all receivers with 65 to go with a touchdown, while Isaiah Jones’ 33-yard touchdown was the lone score in the first half.

Babers said postgame that he expects Damien Alford to become a force in the receiving core.

"He is a big guy and he might have grown since he has been here," Babers said. "When you have someone that big and he has a vertical advantage, you have to see if you can take advantage of that, especially in the red zone.”

With a mix of veteran and young receivers, the Orange continue to build options for Shrader.

The Defensive Line shows dominant athleticism on both squads

Although physicality wasn't an emphasis in the scrimmage, it was clear that the Orange have defensive linemen who can make plays.

Sophomore defensive lineman Denis Jaquez Jr. was explosive during the scrimmage, recording two sacks, and appeared to be fully healthy after an injury that cost him seven games last year.

Kevon Darton and Elijah Fuentes-Cundiff both saw time last year when Terry Lockett was injured and they both moved well in the scrimmage. Alabama transfer Braylen Ingraham, who was medically disqualified by the Crimson Tide, appears ready to be a consistent contributor. Freshman Jalil Smith also showed he could emerge as a two-deep option.

“I think those young guys are starting to make some big plays," Babers said. "Some of them have only been here for half a year, but they are a talented group that will make plays.”


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