With an unsettled quarterback position and the unknowns of spring practice looming overhead, it's the perfect storm for Syracuse Orange football fans to take little pieces of information and read into them way too much.
And that's exactly what we're going to do.
There was a feeling before spring ball started, somewhere below the surface in a place we dare not speak of, that Terrel Hunt might be the guy to make a run at being QB1 following Ryan Nassib's departure. Charley Loeb had the upper hand given his seniority and spot but Hunt seemed to have the intangibles that fit the new SU offense a little bit more.
That may or may not be the reason Hunt has been getting most of the first-team reps so far this spring.
"The past week-and-a-half I've been getting most of the reps, I guess because I've been having the hot hand," Hunt said. "I'm not really sure. I guess we're going with the hot hand."
Of course, Loeb also took a few first-team reps during Sunday's open practice as well.
As for John Kinder, he worked exclusively with the second-team offense. It was only one day, but, take it as you will.
As far as Scott Shafer is concerned, the position is still wide open...
"Some days there's a little separation, other days they narrow the gap back in," Shafer said. "Terrel's done some nice things lately, last couple practices, but he also threw the ball to the other team today, which was a real ugly mistake."
The last guy to make an "ugly mistake" around Scott Shafer ended up having an "ugly mistake" before disappearing forever...
Despite Hunt's work, a lot of folks are still working under the assumption that Charley Loeb is in the driver's seat. A recent profile on the quarterbacks showcases what a student he is of the game and of Syracuse.
"If I get the chance to put up great numbers and have a great senior year, that’s a blessing," he said. "I think I have the capabilities of being a good performer. I don’t want to label myself as a Todd Philcox or whoever. I love the opportunity — just get the chance to be out there and play."
We've still got a lot of time before the spring game on April 20 and there's no guarantee we'll know who the starter is by then, especially if Drew Allen makes up his mind and makes it lean towards Syracuse, NY. In the meantime, speculate away!