Syracuse Football Training Camp Position Preview: Quarterback
Syracuse football is expected to kick off training camp in the next month or so with the season less than two months away. All Syracuse starts its series previewing each position headed into training camp.
WHAT WE KNOW
Garrett Shrader is the starter. There is no question who will be leading the Orange out of the tunnel in week one and running the offense from the jump. Shrader has been the starter the last two years and got significantly better from year one to year two. Entering year three with Syracuse, another such jump would make him one of the best signal callers in the country. Shrader has always been dynamic with his legs but he took strides as a passer last season, showing improved accuracy in the intermediate and deep passing games. There is still room for more improvement in each area, however, which is what Syracuse is looking for this year. In addition, with the loss of key players from last year's squad on both sides of the ball, look for Shrader to take on even more of a leadership role this year.
WHAT WE DON'T
Who is Shrader's backup? In the spring, there was a strong competition between Carlos Del Rio-Wilson and Justin Lamson. Lamson has since transferred, leaving Del Rio-Wilson as the favorite to be Shrader's understudy. That said, Syracuse did bring in another former four star recruit who transferred in from an SEC program. The same situation as Shrader and Del Rio-Wilson. That would be former South Carolina quarterback Braden Davis. Davis is very talented, has a big frame at 6-5, 205 pounds, and has a strong arm. He is talented enough to push Del Rio-Wilson for the backup spot. Del Rio-Wilson is the favorite as he has been with the program for a full year and started a game, but this will be an open competition.
BIGGEST CONCERN
Garrett Shrader's health. In each of the last two seasons, Shrader has suffered an injury that has impacted Syracuse's season. While he has only missed one total game over the last two seasons, he clearly was not himself down the stretch of either. It cost the Orange a bowl berth in 2021 and at least a win or two in 2022. For Syracuse to be at its best, Shrader has to stay healthy for the entire season.
BIGGEST STRENGTH
Depth. Despite the biggest concern being Shrader's health, Syracuse may be in the best position it has been under Dino Babers to turn to a backup if needed. Having two other former four star recruits that went to SEC programs as backups means the Orange has its most talented quarterback room of the Babers era. Del Rio-Wilson saw time last season including a start at Pittsburgh when Shrader was out. He should be improved with an offseason of development. The aforementioned Davis may be coming in brand new, but is very talented with a lot of upside. Watching those two perform during camp will be one of the top storylines throughout.
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