Scott Shafer

The QB conundrum: Terrel Hunt versus Drew Allen
By Thomas Rende
August 30, 2013 - 6:27pm
Football beat writer Tom Rende tackles the question on everyone's mind: Will Terrel Hunt or Drew Allen start at quarterback?

Syracuse has had the luxury of avoiding a true quarterback competition for the past three seasons ever since ex-head coach Doug Marrone named Ryan Nassib the starter for the 2010 season. Those two remained at Syracuse for the past three season before departing for greener pastures in the NFL, but now Syracuse has a chance to move on, as well.

Neither Syracuse nor Penn State will say who will start at quarterback on Aug. 31
By Ben Burrows
August 23, 2013 - 11:28am
SU head coach Scott Shafer and PSU coach Bill O'Brien won't choose between each of their respective quarterbacks until just before the first regular season game at MetLife Stadium on Aug. 31.

With the first game of the season a little over a week away, both Syracuse coach Scott Shafer and Penn State coach Bill O’Brien are remaining silent on which quarterback will take the season’s first snap.

So far, it’s been a preseason cloaked in mystery for both the Orange and Nittany Lions.

Orange prepare for the beginning of the Scott Shafer era
By Thomas L. Scott
August 4, 2013 - 6:49pm
A few key starters return, but a fierce five-way quarterback competition headlines the beginning of preseason.

With only 26 days left until the season opener at MetLife Stadium against Penn State, Syracuse’s first football season in the ACC is almost here. This season will also mark Scott Shafer’s first as a head coach. Since 2009, Shafer served as the defensive coordinator for the Orange. And last season, Shafer’s defensive unit ranked seventh in the nation.

“Everyone is going to be excited day one,” Shafer said. “It’s always fun when you open up camp because the kids are fired up and ready to go.”

Orange dominate Blue in SU's annual Spring Game
By Mark Volain
April 20, 2013 - 5:19pm
The combination of Terrel Hunt and Jarrod West proved to be a potent combination, leading to a 27-10 victory for the Orange team.

If the comparison of inter-squad spring football games were a valuable piece of information, this year's Syracuse Orange team is either a team more offensive, or much worse defensively than last year's team. With the offensive firepower of Terrel Hunt and Jarrod West, the Orange team dominated the Blue team, 27-10 during Saturday’s game.

From junior college stand-outs to Division 1 prospects
By Tyler Piccotti
April 16, 2013 - 12:59am
Junior transfer linebackers Josh Kirkland and Luke Arciniega look forward to the challenges of playing football at Division 1 level.

For many collegiate football players, the path to playing for a major program is simple. The most talented prospects are courted by scouts and coaches years ahead of their enrollment dates. Some have literally dozens of scholarship offers by the time they are seniors in high school, and they can pick a school based on their dreams of gridiron stardom. For these athletes, the opportunities seemingly present themselves.

Drew Allen joins a crowded quarterback competition
By Matthew Miselis
April 14, 2013 - 9:20pm
Even with the addition of former Oklahoma Sooner Drew Allen, the quarterback competition is far from over.

When quarterback Drew Allen announced on Friday that he would be joining the Syracuse Orange, the former Sooner made it clear that he’s ready to come in and compete for the starting position.

Veterans embrace leadership role in 2013
By Matthew Miselis
April 8, 2013 - 10:10am
Linebacker Marquis Spruill and wide receiver Jarrod West fill the leadship void on defense and offense.

As the Syracuse Orange took to the Carrier Dome for spring practice on Sunday, the question surrounding the team is which player will elevate his performance as a new era of Syracuse football begins.

In the meantime, head coach Scott Shafer was busy observing his defense handle the offense in stride during the course of the two-hour practice.

Wide receivers show potential early in spring practice
By Tyler Piccotti
April 7, 2013 - 8:52pm
The return of seniors Christopher Clark and Jarrod West, as well as some young talent, give SU some depth at the receiver position.

The philosophy of Orange head football coach Scott Shafer has always been centered on the idea that a hard-nosed defense will trump a talented offense on any occasion. If you need proof, just look at Syracuse’s 2012 Pinstripe Bowl victory over West Virginia. His defensive unit held the ninth-best offensive team in the country to only fourteen points in a dominant triumph over the Mountaineers.

Out with the old, in with the new
By Sean Walker
April 1, 2013 - 8:58am
After losing multiple starters and coaches this offseason, Syracuse football looks to build on last years success with some familiar faces, including a friendly competition at quarterback.