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Spring football is finally upon us, and it‚Äôs time to play a game Orange Nation has not had to worry about over the last few seasons: Name That Quarterback. Three seniors and a junior will be battling until Syracuse opens up against Penn State inside Metlife Stadium in August. For now, let’s throw out the incoming freshman as competitors for the slot. What will Scott Shafer do in his first season at the helm, and SU’s debut in the ACC?
Oklahoma transfer¬†Drew Allen has made things much more interesting, and The Fizz breaks down the QB options. Here’s what you should keep an eye on this weekend at the Spring Game.
Charley Loeb SR/ 6’4”/ 215 lbs.
Career Stats: 4-6, 49 yards, 0 TD’s
If Nate Hackett were still here, Loeb certainly would have been the guy heading into the season. The former offensive coordinator told The Fizz after the Pinstripe Bowl the offense would not skip a beat next season with Loeb. Since then, Hackett bolted for Buffalo, and Loeb has struggled to separate himself from the pack this spring. Charley’s biggest enemy is himself, and over the last few weeks he’s looked tight in practice. He got the most practice reps out of any QB last season, but Shafer is going to go with the QB that is competing the hardest right now. At the moment, Loeb needs to step up his game.
Terrel Hunt JR/ 6’3”/ 215 lbs.
Career Stats: N/A
Hunt has definitely improved over the calendar year, and his work ethic has shown the previous few weeks. Unfortunately, Kinder‚Äôs career is still most known for¬†his minor shop lifting incident¬†that happened in January of 2012. Regardless, he is getting the most snaps with the first team than any QB right now, and Shafer seems ready to reward the junior‚Äôs progress. It’s only April, but it seems Shafer is going to go with the hottest hand each week. Whichever QB is producing, he‚Äôll ride him. We may not see just one starting signal caller this fall.
John Kinder SR/ 6’3”/ 190 lbs.
Career Stats: N/A
Right now John is probably last in the race. Kinder has always been in the running but never been able to leap frog other QB’s on the depth chart. His release is still a bit long, and you can make the argument that if SU does go with a one-year starter this season, Loeb or Allen are better senior options.
Drew Allen GR/ 6’5”/ 230 lbs.
Career Stats: 18-30, 160 yards, 0 TD’s
Allen is the biggest wild card. The former Oklahoma gun-slinger will not arrive up in Syracuse until the summer, so he’ll be behind the other signal callers in preparation and reps. He claims Shafer and the coaching staff have given him no indication he would start right away, but why else would a San Antonio native come to the Hill? He only has one more year of playing time left. You’d have to think something is in the works, but he‚Äôs thrown the ball just 30 times in his career. His game though, is tantalizing. His high school reel is reminiscent of Aaron Rodgers. He‚Äôs got a big frame, strong arm, and can get out of the pocket fast. He was also impressive enough to garner a scholarship with the Sooners.
Posted: Kevin Fitzgerald
Who are you most excited to see this Saturday at the Spring Game? Who will be SU’s next starting QB this fall? 
