Tuesday, August 25, 2015
#CuseCamp15: Orange Refines for Rhode Island
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- After a great week at Fort Drum, the Syracuse football team returned to campus to focus in on its season opener at home against Rhode Island on Friday, Sept. 4.
With only 11 days left before the Rams come to town, senior quarterback Terrel Hunt and the Orange are excited to get the season started.
"I'm excited to be back on campus and only be 11 days out," Hunt said. "It's been a long camp, but guys are getting through it, working hard and I'm excited for September 4."
The emphasis at practice is more situational now that the installation phase is complete, according to offensive coordinator Tim Lester. Lester and the rest of the Syracuse coaching staff want to prepare the Orange for times of adversity.
"We are trying to get into more of the unique situations to make sure the guys have the right mentality when to throw it away and when to take a chance," Lester said. "Today was a great day. We struggled because it was third-and-long day, which is a day you never want to be in."
The Syracuse defense has also picked it up by continuing to make the offense work for every yard. With a young defensive unit, new players are expected to to contribute.
"This isn't the same defense from last year and we have to give them an imaginable menu to go off of," assistant head coach and defensive line coach Tim Daoust said. "I like where they are at mentally and that they are hungry to learn. They are getting it.""
For complete coverage of Syracuse University Athletics and Orange football, follow us on Facebook (Syracuse Orange & Syracuse Football), Twitter (@Cuse & @CuseFootball) and watch exclusive video content on Cuse TV.
Terrel Hunt Spots the Camera
Terrel Hunt has a vision 👀 #CuseCamp15 pic.twitter.com/vkk7UNmFEl
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) August 24, 2015Friday, August 21, 2015
#CuseCamp15: Paintball Caps Off Week At Fort Drum
FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- The Syracuse football team spent its final day at Fort Drum Friday morning, competing in its annual paintball tournament that had players, coaches and staff competing against one another in a fun event to cap their week of off-site training.
Blackhawk Company, led by Terrel Hunt, Rob Trudo, Jon Burton and Trey Dunkelberger, defeated Apache in the championship round to win a 105 shell that was fired in Afghanistan. It was the first time the shell was presented to the victors, and much like the Stanley Cup, will be passed on to the winning team each season.
Overall, head coach Scott Shafer was pleased with the interaction between his team and the soldiers and the work that was accomplished while on post.
"Like I've said before, this has been the best week we've ever had at Fort Drum," Shafer said. "We appreciate everything the soldiers did for us while we were here and we will carry the flag on the field for them this season."
After the championship round between Blackhawk Company and Apache, Blackhawk Company had the opportunity to square off against soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division.
Hunt and redshirt freshman Rodney Williams were among the last standing for Blackhawk Company, but the professional training of the soldiers, who were outnumbered by more than 2-to-1, proved to be too much to handle.
At the end, the soldiers and the Orange came together for a group photo.
Syracuse returned to campus and Friday afternoon and has one more week of camp before beginning preparations for the season opener against Rhode Island on Friday, Sept. 4.
For complete coverage of Syracuse University Athletics and Orange football, follow us on Facebook (Syracuse Orange & Syracuse Football), Twitter (@Cuse & @CuseFootball) and watch exclusive video content on Cuse TV.
Paintball: The Champs
Blackhawk Company is the 2015 #PaintBall champion. Receives 105 shell fired in Afghanistan. @drum10thmtn #CuseCamp15 pic.twitter.com/CsDR8RBuGO
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) August 21, 2015Paintball: Time to End this Game
One of the soldiers just went Rambo on everyone 💪 #CuseCamp15 pic.twitter.com/VqWzPdPeAl
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) August 21, 2015
Thursday, August 20, 2015
#CuseCamp15: Fort Drum Scrimmage Notebook
FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- The Syracuse football team held a public scrimmage for 10th Mountain Division soldiers and their families at Sligh Field on Thursday afternoon. Following the approximately hour-long scrimmage, the Orange signed autographs on the field and posed for photos.
With camp at Fort Drum close to being over, it was the second live scrimmage session of this year's preseason camp. Here are some notes and observations:
HUNT SOLID AGAIN, BACKUP QB POSITION UP FOR GRABS
Starting QB Terrel Hunt had a strong day under center, utilizing multiple weapons on offense to keep the chains moving. Hunt threw two separate touchdowns, one to Brisly Estime and the other to sophomore Ervin Philips. While Hunt is entrenched as the starter, head coach Scott Shafer is keeping a close eye on reserves Austin Wilson and Eric Dungey.
"We have a great battle for the No. 2 quarterback position going on right now," Shafer said. "Dungey threw a nice touchdown, made a couple of nice plays and good decisions at the line of scrimmage, which showed some good growth."
RUNNING BACKS DEMONSTRATE BIG-PLAY ABILITY
Junior George Morris had a solid day running the football and broke off a 50-yard touchdown run up the middle. For the second straight scrimmage, freshman Jordan Fredericks impressed. Fredericks ran with authority, made people miss and ripped off a 30-yard gain on one play.
YOUTH ON DEFENSE
Redshirt freshmen Juwan Dowels and Rodney Williams each had pick-six's during Thursday's scrimmage. Dowels came away with an interception and returned it approximately 40 yards for the touchdown. Williams made an interception on the last play of the day and ran down the sideline until the whistles blew to end practice.
Freshman Steven Clark was a force on the defensive line. Clark made several tackles, including a handful in the backfield. Classmate Qaadir Sheppard had a solid showing at defensive end, laying out at one point to bring down Fredericks.
CLINIC TONIGHT
The team will hold an instructional clinic for the children of the military personnel at CYSS Gym adjacent to Sligh Field at 6 p.m.
For complete coverage of Syracuse University Athletics and Orange football, follow us on Facebook (Syracuse Orange & Syracuse Football), Twitter (@Cuse & @CuseFootball) and watch exclusive video content on Cuse TV.
Our Troops Show Support
More and more soldiers are coming out to watch. Thanks for the support @drum10thmtn #CuseCamp15 pic.twitter.com/VwXFmvFNCb
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) August 20, 2015#CuseCamp15: Conquering Fear
FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- The Syracuse football team spent its second day training at Fort Drum on Wednesday. Half of the Orange participated in air assault training in the morning, while the rest of the team completed an obstacle course. Syracuse held practice at Sligh Field in the afternoon and finished their workout with a series of pugil stick bouts.
Members of the Orange rappelled down a 45-foot wall with the help and guidance of the 10th Mountain Division. Soldiers instructed the student-athletes on how to properly tie a Swiss seat, as well as how to maneuver while suspended in the air. The task appeared daunting at first, but many players conquered their nerves and completed the obstacle. Freshman quarterback Zack Mahoney was the first one down the wall.
"Honestly, when you first get up there I was a little nervous, but it was safe like they said," Mahoney said. "When you got up there and felt safe, there were no worries."
The players not involved in air assault training took on Fort Drum's "Confidence Course," a series of obstacles that included a rope swing, balance beams and different climbing challenges. Soldiers were there to help assist the student-athletes, but it was fellow team members who pushed one another to the finish line.
Antwan Cordy, who is not fond of heights, was one of those who faced his fear and overcame it with the help of his teammates.
"I've seen a lot of teamwork come out of working with us," Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey McPherson said. "There was a guy (Cordy) who was really scared and didn't want to go over one of the towers on the course. His teammates came around, huddled up, cheered him on and he completed it."
After the morning activities, the team held its second Fort Drum practice at Sligh Field. A 15-minute instructional session on fighting techniques followed the practice session. The seminar helped prepare the players for a series of pugil stick bouts where one offensive player and defensive player battled using padded jousting sticks. Head coach Scott Shafer picked the matchups and refereed each fight.
The men and women of the 10th Mountain Division enjoyed the pugil stick competitions just as much or more than the players and coaches. For McPherson and the rest of the soldiers it's a great experience just to have the Orange on post.
"This is a pretty awesome interaction because we don't get to see stuff like this every day," McPherson said. "It's cool for the community because more and more people are coming out every day to watch and this is just something we don't always get to usually do."
Repelling Down A 45-ft Wall
Today featured some air assault training! #CuseCamp15 pic.twitter.com/9IrrzkLK7T
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) August 19, 2015
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
#CuseCamp15: Fort Drum Training Takes Off
FORT DRUM, N.Y.
-- Training at Fort Drum began today as the Syracuse
football team met with military personnel before holding practice at Sligh
Field on post.
The Orange started the day by touring various military aircraft, vehicles and receiving a short weapons demonstration at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield. The team explored a Chinook, Apache attack helicopter, and a Black Hawk medevac chopper. Soldiers went through the features of each one before allowing the Orange to explore the interior, including the cockpit.
Players also took the opportunity to bond with the men and women of the 10th Mountain Division, as they shared their real-life experiences of what it means to be in the Army.
"When we lose, it's not as big of a deal because it's just a game," sophomore linebacker Zaire Franklin said. "For them, they talk about losing as never seeing your family again or losing your life."
The weapons display featured a tutorial on long-range sniper rifles accompanied as well as an exclusive look inside a Humvee fitted with artillery.
After the interaction, the team took the field for practice. The second half of the workout was moved indoors due to lightning in the area, but that didn't stop the coaches and players from enjoying their first full day on post.
"Being back at Fort Drum is a pleasure, just being able to mingle with the world's greatest military," head coach Scott Shafer said. "Our goal is to walk out of here as a tighter unit and a tighter team while learning from some of the best people in the world."
The Orange started the day by touring various military aircraft, vehicles and receiving a short weapons demonstration at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield. The team explored a Chinook, Apache attack helicopter, and a Black Hawk medevac chopper. Soldiers went through the features of each one before allowing the Orange to explore the interior, including the cockpit.
Players also took the opportunity to bond with the men and women of the 10th Mountain Division, as they shared their real-life experiences of what it means to be in the Army.
"When we lose, it's not as big of a deal because it's just a game," sophomore linebacker Zaire Franklin said. "For them, they talk about losing as never seeing your family again or losing your life."
The weapons display featured a tutorial on long-range sniper rifles accompanied as well as an exclusive look inside a Humvee fitted with artillery.
After the interaction, the team took the field for practice. The second half of the workout was moved indoors due to lightning in the area, but that didn't stop the coaches and players from enjoying their first full day on post.
"Being back at Fort Drum is a pleasure, just being able to mingle with the world's greatest military," head coach Scott Shafer said. "Our goal is to walk out of here as a tighter unit and a tighter team while learning from some of the best people in the world."
#CuseCamp15: Trey Dunkelberger Flexes
💪 #CuseCamp15 pic.twitter.com/BzWEwgqB8f
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) August 18, 2015#CuseCamp15: Helicopter and Weapons Demo
The defense controls the Chinook.
Steve Ishmael is all aboard the Chinook!
Learning about the Black Hawk.
Just standing on top of an Apache helicopter, no biggie.
Don't shoot!
No seriously, don't shoot!
We have nothing but respect for these soldiers!
#CuseCamp15
Monday, August 17, 2015
#CuseCamp15: Football Heads to Fort Drum
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- For the fourth straight year, the Syracuse football team is heading to Fort Drum to train and learn from the men and women of the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division, while also practicing, holding team meetings and conducting a football clinic for the children of military personnel.
At the conclusion of Monday's morning practice, the Orange packed up and moved its training camp to the military installation about 90 miles north of Syracuse.
The team will sleep in the barracks and eat in the Army dining facilities. The Orange's first full day at Fort Drum is Tuesday and features a morning military interaction. Senior quarterback Terrel Hunt is set to make his fourth training camp trip to Fort Drum and recognizes what a rewarding experience it is for both him and his teammates.
"It's great that we get to bond with the soldiers," Hunt said. "They look at us like we're stars, but we look at them like [stars] because they are risking their life for us to do what we love, so being around them is a great takeaway for us."
Sophomore wide receiver Steve Ishmael is also looking forward to the trip and wants to use it as an opportunity to learn discipline while also helping out the kids.
"It's exciting," Ishmael said. "I love the military guys and everything that they do for us. Without them, we wouldn't be able to play this amazing game."
Throughout the week, the Orange will interact with soldiers through a variety of different activities. In addition to Thursday's children's clinic, the Orange will hold open scrimmage for the soldiers on post and their families.
Syracuse returns to campus on Friday afternoon for the remainder of its fall camp.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
#CuseCamp15: Fan Fest Scrimmage Notebook
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Orange football team held its first public practice and scrimmage in front of approximately 2,900 fans on Saturday, Aug. 15 at the SU Soccer Stadium. The scrimmage was the centerpiece of Syracuse's annual Fan Fest, which included an exhibition men's soccer match between the Orange and Georgetown Hoyas, a barbecue for season ticket holders, selfie stations and more.
Syracuse ran approximately 60 plays with the offense going against the defense live for the first time in preseason camp. Here are some notes and observations:
HUNT FINISHES STRONG
Starting QB Terrel Hunt missed on a couple of passes early, but eventually found his rhythm. The Rosedale, N.Y. product finished the day 10-for-14 with three touchdowns, including two to Sean Avant. Hunt also connected with Steve Ishmael on a 10-yard scoring pass that represented the first points of the scrimmage. A couple of plays after the TD to Ishmael, Hunt showed good poise by picking up a dropped snap and zipping a strike to Avant, who slipped a tackle and took it into the end zone.
YOUNG GUNS
Veterans George Morris and Devante McFarlane figure to get the bulk of the carries in 2015, but running backs coach DeAndre Smith is developing a nice stable of young ball carries. Freshman RBJordan Fredericks, the 2014 Gatorade Player of the Year in New York, is a powerful runner. He scored two touchdowns Saturday, the first from 18 yards out on an option play, and his second was a long sprint down the sideline on the last play of the scrimmage.
Rookie Jacob Hill also showed well. Only 5-foot-6 and 165 pounds, he has great speed and is fearless. He scored a long TD toward the end of the scrimmage, taking a handoff running left then reversing his field and outrunning the defense to the corner of the end zone.
CATCH THIS
Freshman hybrid back Tyrone Perkins should fit nicely in coordinator Tim Lester's offense. The hybrid position requires a bit everything, including being able to catch the ball out of the backfield or when lined up as a receiver. Perkins proved he has a reliable set of hands Saturday, making two nice catches during the 7-on-7 period before the scrimmage. The first was a tough grab in traffic over the middle. The second was on a go route down the sideline. Perkins also had a reception in the early portion of the scrimmage.
WILLIAMS HAS NOSE FOR THE FOOTBALL
Redshirt freshman S Rodney Williams turned heads during last year's preseason camp by making an interception and breaking up several passes in the team's scrimmage at Fort Drum. After being injured early in 2014 and missing the rest of the year, Williams appears to be back to his old self. The Cherry Hill, N.J. native intercepted a pair of passes Saturday. On the first, Williams read quarterback Austin Wilson the whole way and stepped in front of the pass to thwart a potential scoring drive. Later, Williams was in the right place at the right time to intercept a pass after it was deflected by cornerback Julian Whigham.
ODDS AND ENDS
DE Donnie Simmons had 1.5 sacks ... NT Rony Charles forced a fumble that was recovered by freshman S Kielan Whitner ... McFarlane and hybrid Ervin Philips also had touchdown runs for the offense. McFarlane scored from three yards out and Philips took it in from 15 ... Freshman Steven Clark saw the bulk of the first-team reps at nose tackle in place of Kayton Samuels who missed the scrimmage with a lower-body injury.
Syracuse ran approximately 60 plays with the offense going against the defense live for the first time in preseason camp. Here are some notes and observations:
HUNT FINISHES STRONG
Starting QB Terrel Hunt missed on a couple of passes early, but eventually found his rhythm. The Rosedale, N.Y. product finished the day 10-for-14 with three touchdowns, including two to Sean Avant. Hunt also connected with Steve Ishmael on a 10-yard scoring pass that represented the first points of the scrimmage. A couple of plays after the TD to Ishmael, Hunt showed good poise by picking up a dropped snap and zipping a strike to Avant, who slipped a tackle and took it into the end zone.
YOUNG GUNS
Veterans George Morris and Devante McFarlane figure to get the bulk of the carries in 2015, but running backs coach DeAndre Smith is developing a nice stable of young ball carries. Freshman RBJordan Fredericks, the 2014 Gatorade Player of the Year in New York, is a powerful runner. He scored two touchdowns Saturday, the first from 18 yards out on an option play, and his second was a long sprint down the sideline on the last play of the scrimmage.
Rookie Jacob Hill also showed well. Only 5-foot-6 and 165 pounds, he has great speed and is fearless. He scored a long TD toward the end of the scrimmage, taking a handoff running left then reversing his field and outrunning the defense to the corner of the end zone.
CATCH THIS
Freshman hybrid back Tyrone Perkins should fit nicely in coordinator Tim Lester's offense. The hybrid position requires a bit everything, including being able to catch the ball out of the backfield or when lined up as a receiver. Perkins proved he has a reliable set of hands Saturday, making two nice catches during the 7-on-7 period before the scrimmage. The first was a tough grab in traffic over the middle. The second was on a go route down the sideline. Perkins also had a reception in the early portion of the scrimmage.
WILLIAMS HAS NOSE FOR THE FOOTBALL
Redshirt freshman S Rodney Williams turned heads during last year's preseason camp by making an interception and breaking up several passes in the team's scrimmage at Fort Drum. After being injured early in 2014 and missing the rest of the year, Williams appears to be back to his old self. The Cherry Hill, N.J. native intercepted a pair of passes Saturday. On the first, Williams read quarterback Austin Wilson the whole way and stepped in front of the pass to thwart a potential scoring drive. Later, Williams was in the right place at the right time to intercept a pass after it was deflected by cornerback Julian Whigham.
ODDS AND ENDS
DE Donnie Simmons had 1.5 sacks ... NT Rony Charles forced a fumble that was recovered by freshman S Kielan Whitner ... McFarlane and hybrid Ervin Philips also had touchdown runs for the offense. McFarlane scored from three yards out and Philips took it in from 15 ... Freshman Steven Clark saw the bulk of the first-team reps at nose tackle in place of Kayton Samuels who missed the scrimmage with a lower-body injury.
Best Fans in the Game!
Shoutout to the best fans out there! With love, #OrangeNation pic.twitter.com/QaOXUegIym
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) August 16, 2015Take a Knee.
Good work tonight, boys! #CuseFanFest pic.twitter.com/bg2fMJg574
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) August 15, 2015Future Heisman?
A future Heisman in the making. The legend continues... #CuseFanFest pic.twitter.com/ztJ8HgzWQx
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) August 15, 2015
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