Syracuse Training Camp Notebook 8/15/23

Syracuse football continued training camp on Tuesday with the first portion of practice open to the media. Here are 10 observations from that time period. 

1. The power run game is going to be a mainstay. Including with Oronde Gadsden lined up in the backfield at times. He kicked out as an h-back type in the goal line period. 

2. The offensive line chemistry still needs to come together. There was a bit of braking at each other in individual periods and not generating a lot of power in the run game. No conversions in five runs in goal line. 

3. Two freshmen defensive linemen, Ty Gordon and Rashard Perry, flashed a lot of physicality. Low pad level and consistent get-off could provide some interior pass rush if Lockett or Darton go down. 

4. Did not see Trebor Pena but it is going to be him versus D'Marcus Adams for the main "speedster/slot guy" role. Adams is also working reps as an X or boundary receiver. 

5. It's that time of camp. Decent sized fight between Caleb Okechukwu and Enrique Cruz broke in one on ones. Guys are ready to hit another color. 

6. J'Onre Reed was the most powerful interior guy off the ball. Working mainly at center with Ilaoa kicking out to guard, but he could crack the top five. 

7. Freshman running back Ike Daniels is getting some work with the second team offense. He's a burner that could be a factor int he return game.

8. Not a lot of action from Braden Davis, but he's a tall drink of water. Still a bit of a gap between him and Carlos in terms of continuity with the receivers. 

9. Freshman tight end David Clement is a nice piece of clay to work with. Has to get stronger but has a huge frame to work around in pass protection and as an in-line guy in the run game. Knows how to use his frame to separate as a pass catcher. 

10. Lots of powerful guys rushing the passer. Will a bend/speedy rusher emerge as a consistent threat that can consistently beat the other team's left tackle? If I had to guess, Chase Simmons would be the primary candidate. Motor never turns off and he can consistently beat hands of guards and tackles.

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