Week two of training camp is underway for the Syracuse Orange. Tuesday, SU strapping on shoulder pads for the first time this fall camp. The added padding meant some added intensity, as the Orange try to build off of what was largely discussed as a good first couple practices.
Syracuse head football coach, Dino Babers, met with the media for the second time since camp began last Thursday. Babers saying he's liked the approach of his football teams attitude through the first couple of practices. The coach also noted that with today being the first day of shoulder pads, there's a lot more to figure out about with this current football team.
One of the main topics still surrounding the team is the starting quarterback competition "Tommy's got the advantage because he's been in the system the longest... he's making good decisions, Garrett is coming along" said Babers. When asked how he would be dividing the reps amongst the two major contenders for the starting job Babers joked that he needed a mathmatician "we are still early in camp but as we get closer, those reps will get less and less there's no doubt about it... right now we are just dividing it up."
Competition isn't just at the starting quarterback position this season. Coach Babers noting that for the first time in his tenor at SU, the Orange are running first, second, and third team reps. The added depth is part of the NCAA granting extra eligibility to players due to COVID-19. When asked, Babers said the added depth does give the Orange an advantage of giving some players some added work. He also noted that Syracuse isn't unique to this situation. Teams across the country have been able to take advantage of the NCAA's ruling, and are carrying larger rosters than normal "we have a special practice after the practice to make sure these guys get some work. We want to make sure that the three's and some of the guys who aren't with the three's get some time".
The Orange return to the practice field Wednesday for their fifth practice of fall camp. This upcoming Thursday will be the first time select offensive players will get a chance to meet with the media.