After a disappointing debut season as SU's starting quarterback, Tommy DeVito is different this season, audibly different.

"I just feel like he became more vocal," said junior receiver Taj Harris. "He's always been a leader; he's always led by example. But, he's definitely voicing his opinion more and letting us know how he feels."

What You Need To Know

  • SU quarterback Tommy DeVito is becoming a more vocal leader this season

  • The junior struggled to find consistency in his first season as a starter when the Orange posted a 5-7 record

  • DeVito is being joined by senior Airon Servais and junior All-American Andre Cisco in the vocal department

  • Syracuse is scheduled to open the season September 12 at North Carolina

DeVito says last year, when the Orange went 5-7, there were times he and his offensive teammates weren't on the same page, and instead of saying something, he held it in. It's an issue the junior says could have been 'cleaned up' last season, and this year, DeVito is determined to nip it in the bud.

"It's just more communication, just making sure everybody's on the same page," he said. "After the plays, I'm talking to the receivers, the line, running backs, just making sure everything comes together. Because, if there was a fall-off, we want to fix it on the spot."

Tommy has some help in the hollerin' department on the defensive side of the ball, where fellow junior Andre Cisco is speaking up and letting his voice be heard. The preseason All-American says he, DeVito, and senior lineman Airon Servais have all been taking on that role recently, demonstrating why Dino Babers has placed all three on his Leadership Council this season.

"I think it makes guys feel more comfortable, feeling like not everything has to go straight to [Coach] Babers," Cisco said. "We're really trying to be the voice of this team, and bring guys together from a lot of different places."

Both Cisco and DeVito say with the rest of their fellow students joining the players on campus this week, it's starting to feel more like football season is drawing near. The guys are beginning to feel some butterflies, and practices are taking on more purpose.

The fact remains, however, that there are still at least a few Syracuse players who are considering opting out this season because of coronavirus concerns. Babers hinted Monday that the deadline is approaching for when those decisions need to be made, so he can better prepare his team for the first game against North Carolina. DeVito agrees that it's important to know who's "in", and who's "out", as soon as possible.

"Yeah, you want to know, because if somebody major dropped [out], then you would want to have the 'next man up', and be able to get him ready for that game," Devito said. "You wouldn't want to find out the day before a game that one of your potential starters could be opting out. I don't want to use the word 'fair', but it wouldn't feel right."

While some uncertainty remains surrounding the status of a starter or two, SU's team leaders say the locker room feels more settled now than it did a month ago when questions of testing protocols and eligibility issues still needed to be addressed. Now that training camp has come and gone and the opener is just a little more than two weeks away, the focus is finally starting to turn towards the season.

And for Cisco, it's not a moment too soon.

"There was a lot of uncertainty, so, it feels good," he said. "I think guys have really gotten over that hump, and have a lot of confidence."