Syracuse football: Second summer scrimmage recap

The Syracuse Orange held their second scrimmage of summer camp today, running 168 plays over the course of an hour and a half or so. Cuse.com recapped the full action of the day, but we pull out some of the highlights here.

SU’s offense scored six touchdowns on the day, including four total scores from Eric Dungey. Rex Culepper and Austin Wilson each accounted for a touchdown throw as well. Amba Etta-Tawo, Ervin Philips, Scoop Bradshaw, Jordan Fredericks and Jamal Custis all caught touchdowns on the afternoon, and Dungey ran for one himself.

Looking at that list, you start to get a better feel for who’s going to get more involved in the passing game this year. Steve Ishmael’s contributions seemed to set up points during the afternoon, while the names above ultimately crossed the goal line. Etta-Tawo continues to be a focus, and based on the positive feedback heard about his efforts in camp, it would seem he’s close to a spot in the starting lineup. Custis getting red zone work is exactly what you want to hear when his name comes up. Bradshaw could play both ways, or primarily on offense this year, based on his recent work at the receiver position.

Over on the defensive side, the Orange pulled down five interceptions, which explains the lower touchdown total given the amount of plays run on the afternoon. Juwan Dowels reeled in two picks on his own, while Steven Clark, Ted Taylor and Corey Winfield tallied one apiece. Jaquwan Nelson and Jonathan Thomas both had sacks, but it’s unclear if the picks developed from pressure or coverage. Clark’s INT would certainly indicate it being a result of pursuit.

Coach Dino Babers said afterward that this was the final intense scrimmage for the team, and that the final one would be lighter but also geared directly toward the upcoming game vs. Colgate. He also spoke about solidifying depth charts, which may indicate we’re seeing an updated one as soon as this week. If not this coming week, we’ll only be waiting until Tuesday, August 30, however. The last SU depth chart release was after spring practice back in April.

Syracuse heads to Fort Drum tomorrow, then back on campus Monday.