Syracuse football fans got their first look at the 2015 Orange squad at the Carrier Dome on Saturday during the program's annual "spring game."
Although there was no game clock or score kept during the course of the event, more than 4,000 fans were treated to an afternoon of activity, including free hot dogs and post-game "selfie stations" on the field with players and coaches.
Here are a few nuggets from a busy afternoon at the Dome:
Hunt's Catch-up
Orange quarterback Terrel Hunt returned to the field following an injury-laden 2014 season, and the results were less than stellar.
The signal-caller completed only 10-of-30 passes for 145 yards, but still feels he has a firm grip on the starting quarterback role for the upcoming season.
"Definitely," Hunt told Syracuse.com. "... I came in and was able to reclaim my spot. The young guys, I'm still coaching them up. They are good. I love that they really push me."
Hunt fractured his fibula against Louisville last season, ultimately handing the offense to freshman AJ Long. The Orange offense was one of the worst in the Atlantic Coast Conference, averaging only 329.9 yards per game.
Head coach Scott Shafer eventually promoted Tim Lester to serve as offensive coordinator, but Long and fellow underclassman Austin Wilson continued to struggle. However, Lester has simplified the offense to a system that appeals to Hunt's athleticism.
Said Hunt: "We're trying to come back and make everything to where it should be."
Call me Ishmeal?
Only a few weeks after the Syracuse athletic department misspelled basketball great Roosevelt Bouie's last name on a framed commemorative jersey, another blunder has made the rounds on social media.
Wide receiver Steve Ishmael's name was incorrectly spelled "Ishmeal" on the back of his jersey during the game.
The mistake caught the eye of ESPN's Keith Olbermann, who named Syracuse as one of the sports world's worst people and organizations during a nightly segment on his show.
Ishmael, who caught 27 passes for a total of 415 yards last season, is a projected starter for the Orange's receiving corps next seson.
But the rising sophomore took the mistake in stride, telling Syracuse.com, "It's nothing serious."
Other Standouts
Defensive ends Ron Thompson and Donnie Simmons, Jr. combined for five sacks... Sophomore tight end transfer Trey Dunkelberger caught three passes for a total of 34 yards... Ten different receivers recorded a catch.
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