Garrett Shrader saw his statistical production move in opposite ways last season after taking over the starting role in 2021. Shrader came close to doubling his passing yardage, jumping from 1,445 yards to 2,640, in large part due to his completion percentage jumping from 52.6 percent to 64.7 percent. Even better was that his increased accuracy was coupled with a jump in production, as his yards per pass attempt jumped from 6.18 to 8.33, an increase of nearly 35 percent. The senior also had a tidy 17-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Shrader’s production with his legs went in the opposite direction, however, as he slid from 781 rushing yards, 4.5 yards per carry, and 14 touchdowns to 453 yards, 3.0 yards per carry, and nine scores. Part of that was due to suffering a leg injury late in the season. While Shrader only missed one-and-a-half games, the lingering effects submarined his ground game.

In his last five games of the season, including the Notre Dame game in which he was injured, Shrader had 51 carries for 73 yards, averaging 1.4 yards per carry. Prior to the injury, the quarterback toted the ball 99 times for 371 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per rush.

Shrader’s health is paramount for the success of the Orange. In addition to keeping his rushing ability available, Shrader is on a “pitch count” in preseason camp following offseason surgery on his right elbow that shelved him during spring practice. Expect the coaching staff to protect Shrader during practice into the season, as well, to preserve him for games. This is Shrader’s team and its success relies upon his availability.

Carlos Del Rio-Wilson should be the backup again this year after he spelled Shrader last season. Del Rio-Wilson saw action in seven games last season, but the overwhelming majority of his snaps came in the second half against Notre Dame after Shrader’s injury and the following week against Pittsburgh. The redshirt sophomore finished the season 22-of-51 through the air for 342 yards with a touchdown and a pair of interceptions.

Braden Davis, a transfer from South Carolina who redshirted as a freshman last season, slots third on the depth chart. Davis was a top-30 quarterback in the nation as a recruit, adding another talented player to the position for SU.

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