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5 storylines heading into Syracuse football's spring practice

Nov 26, 2022; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Dino Babers looks on during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium.
Nov 26, 2022; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Dino Babers looks on during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. (Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports)

Dino Babers and the Syracuse football program endured significant changes this off-season. Sean Tucker, Matthew Bergeron, Garrett Williams, and Mikel Jones declared for the NFL Draft and half the coaching staff left for other opportunities. And of course, the transfer portal continued to cause roster turmoil across the college football landscape.

With spring practice set to commence on March 21, lets take a look at the biggest storylines facing the Orange.

1. Who will emerge as the backup quarterback?

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Syracuse recently announced that Garrett Shrader will miss all of spring practice as he recovers from off-season surgery. That means Carlos Del Rio-Wilson and Justin Lamson will compete for the bulk of the snaps.

Del Rio-Wilson served as the back-up last season and saw action in five games – mostly in losses at Pitt and home versus Notre Dame.

Lamson suffered a season-ending injury last August and has yet to take a college snap. He excelled in the spring and completed 7-of-10 attempts for 151 yards and two touchdowns in the annual spring game. He appeared poised to earn the back-up role prior to getting hurt.

With Shrader out, the extra work will benefit both players as they push each other for the back-up role. The experience also improves the overall QB depth should Shrader suffer an injury like he did last year.

2. Is LeQuint Allen the next great SU running back?


After a successful college career that saw Sean Tucker run around, over, and through opponents, he declared for the draft to no one’s surprise. LeQuint Allen appears set to take the baton from Tucker in the Syracuse backfield.

The true freshman had a successful season playing in nine games (including the bowl game) and flashed skills that made Babers proclaim “he’s got some stuff to him” in the preseason.

Allen had a breakout performance against Minnesota in the Pinstripe Bowl as he rushed for 94 yards on 15 carries. He also caught 11 balls for 60 yards. The New Jersey native is sure to #please Orange fans this season.

3. How will SU's revamped secondary look?


The transfer portal giveth and the transfer portal taketh. The Syracuse secondary is a prime example.

Defensive back is arguably the deepest, and most talented, unit on the team. But the secondary took a big hit when both Duce Chestnut (LSU) and Ja’Had Carter (Ohio State) opted for football royalty.

While there’s no replacing players of that caliber, Syracuse brought in two younger transfers in Jaeden Gould (Nebraska) and Jayden Bellamy (Notre Dame). Both were Class of 2022 graduates who played at Bergen Catholic in New Jersey – a state Syracuse has worked diligently to reestablish recruiting connections.

4. The next leader of Syracuse's D


Syracuse returns its quarterback on offense but that’s not the case on defense.

Linebacker Mikel Jones wrapped up stellar a four-year career and opted for the NFL despite having the COVID year available to return.

The undisputed leader on defense, Jones was a play-making machine. Tackles for losses, sacks, fumbles, interceptions, critical third down stops – Jones did it all exceptionally well.

The good news is his running mate Marlowe Wax chose to return. A fierce, physical tackler, Wax is more than ready to assume the mantle of leader on D.

5. What will emerge from the coaching turnover?

Players weren’t the only ones coming and going in Upstate New York.

Babers suffered significant turnover on his coaching staff. New coaches include Rocky Long (Defensive Coordinator), Nunzio Campanile (Tight Ends), Steve Farmer (Offensive Line), Travis Fisher (Cornerbacks) and Darrell Perkins (Safeties/Rovers).

Nick Monroe, aka The Swag Daddy, was a massive loss to Babers and the staff. Monroe had long been considered Syracuse’s best recruiter. He recruited Florida, and most recently helped the Orange regain traction in New Jersey.

Another key loss was Director of High School Recruiting Khalil Ahmad. Like Monroe, Ahmad was a key component in recruiting the Garden State. Monroe left for his home state and a spot on Minnesota’s staff while Ahmad opted for Penn State.

Babers reacted to Monroe’s departure quickly and decisively with the hiring of Campanile, who has deep New Jersey roots having coached high school football there and previously serving on the staff at Rutgers.

Change is inevitable in college football. Spring practice will provide a glimpse of how well Babers and the team adapt as they look to capitalize on last year’s success.

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