Dino Zoom Conference | March 30 | Syracusefan.com

Dino Zoom Conference | March 30


Dino Babers said Syracuse started meetings at 6 a.m. and hit the field about 45 minutes later: "It's not like Christmas morning, but it's an exciting morning." Said he just got his 35-year AFCA plaque -- something he never envisioned getting into the industry.

Dino Babers said this year feels like the 2019 season in which SU went 5-7. That group went downtown for a party to celebrate a 10-3 mark the year before. This year's group is different than the 1-10 unit from last fall. Said "it's going to have nothing to do" with 2021.

Dino Babers: "The biggest thing about this year is that we didn't have a spring last year. No team did." Guys who got first playing time last year will benefit from skill development. "Some of them were thrown out their out of necessity."

Dino Babers said Syracuse's OL is healthy going into the spring. One undisclosed player is not full-go, others being assessed. "It's good to see that group back up. ... It's going to be the key to our season." Said the group looked good today under new coach Mike Schmidt.

Dino Babers on seniors returning: "I really wish everybody could have this experience because they are totally different. ... Nothing really fazes them." That experience trickles down to developing younger guys. Babers said it's like having extra GAs.

Dino Babers on the team's depth: "There's more people out for spring practice even with the injuries... than we've ever had in my six years."

Dino Babers on players returning from opt out (Abdul Adams, Jarveon Howard): "Those guys are back on the team. When they get back on the team they go to the bottom and work their way back up to the top." Said there are "no handcuffs" on them as far as earning PT again.

Dino Babers said QB Justin Lamson got a taste of college ball today when SU's senior DL got to him in a drill: "All of the sudden these huge bodies came toward him and then he moved and the next thing he was covered up." JL and DB had a funny back-and-forth after on ACC speed.

Dino Babers on having four 2022 commits this early: "I really believe because of the Zoom and the pandemic that we're actually getting kids faster." Those virtual conversations allow coaches to get to know family members better. SU can get a better feel for recruit backgrounds.

Dino Babers says that the staff still has scholarships to use for next year. I count two as far as initial counters go. "Usually there's a reason why someone's in the transfer portal."

Dino Babers wanted to bring in a QB to "really compete" for the starting job and Garrett Shrader checked that box. "We didn't feel like we had enough guys who'd been in a football game for a long period of time."

Dino Babers pointed to Shrader's mobility and toughness as far as what jumped out in evaluating him.

Dino Babers said QB Tommy DeVito is "full go" after a lower-body injury ended his 2020 season early. He emphasized that everyone is getting a chance to compete this spring and that position lines are longer than usual.

Dino Babers on freshman DL Terry Lockett: "He looked like he belonged" in winter workouts. It's all about how he adjusts to the physicality of the college game. "We think he can, but he's got to prove to us that he can."

Dino Babers said he's trying not to cross-train defensive backs during spring ball. The goal is to get a thorough evaluation before re-examining the group at the end of the spring and making adjustments. Redshirt freshman corner Garrett Williams has solidified his place.

Babers declined to say where the rest of the DBs were working, but noted that freshman Duce Chestnut made a nice play during his first college practice.
 
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OrangeXtreme said:
Dino Babers said this year feels like the 2019 season in which SU went 5-7. That group went downtown for a party to celebrate a 10-3 mark the year before. This year's group is different than the 1-10 unit from last fall. Said "it's going to have nothing to do" with 2021.
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I need to see the context of this quote. Is he saying it feels like we're going to be a disorganized mess again because guys are taking stuff for granted?
 
LeMoyneCuse said:
Thanks - makes more sense.
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With last years Covid camp, injuries, opt outs, distractions, and not even knowing if there was a season? Not much reason for optimism.

2019 camp, they were excited and confident. Optimism with Schmidt hopefully breathing new life to the Oline, and that confidence grows. I think he's just saying everyone feels good about their chances this year. Not so much, last year, because it was a covid mess.
 
That's why you burn the shoes, or the Lambo keys.
 
There’s not a complete accounting of the attrition since last season. The school has not released a 2021 roster. One player has been suspended indefinitely. Others have been away from the team for unspecified reasons, moved on or transferred out. The roster churn will continue into the summer, when the freshman class arrives on campus and other players transfer in and out.

Unbridled transfer rules expected to go into effect by the start of next season figure to impact football just as much as basketball. That’s part of the intrigue surrounding these 15 spring practices. Players will be competing for roles knowing that if they don’t like where they stand, they’ll be free to move on and very likely able to suit up next fall.
 
LeMoyneCuse said:
I need to see the context of this quote. Is he saying it feels like we're going to be a disorganized mess again because guys are taking stuff for granted?
Expand...
I thought what Dino meant was actually to encourage his team to a degree. The 2019 team got stroked and parted on the back for a great 2018 season - different season, different team. I think he was saying that 2020 has nothing g to do with 2021 - again, different season different team. It's important for him to work on their heads that 2021 can be a good year regardless of 2020 went. These guys never quit last year so I'm hopeful with a more experienced full squad we will see some real improvement.
 
He referenced the 2019 team’s preseason pep rally on the steps of City Hall on Tuesday, explaining why this year might be different from the forlorn one that ended last December.

“We’re getting awards given to a team that had nothing to do with it,” Babers said. “We understand what happened last year, but that team has nothing to do with what this team is going to do.

“It’s entirely a brand new day.

“Carpe diem. We need to seize the day.”
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From the PS article.
 
Question for those in the know. I thought I read recently that the NCAA was having a meeting this month or next to put the one time transfer without sitting to vote. Did that happen or is it in April? Has anyone heard an update on that?
 
Cusefan69 said:
Question for those in the know. I thought I read recently that the NCAA was having a meeting this month or next to put the one time transfer without sitting to vote. Did that happen or is it in April? Has anyone heard an update on that?
Expand...
ACC approved it. BIG12 was supposed to vote yesterday. Still no NCAA board approval, but seems likely, after March Madness.

Supreme Court is set to hear arguments today, on whether the NCAA can cap education expenses. I believe it also allows $6000 for keeping academic eligibility?
 
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"Babers declined to say where the rest of the DBs were working, but noted that freshman Duce Chestnut made a nice play during his first college practice."

This is a really pleasant surprise given his Nose Tackle-ish level of speed. Must've been a really easy play ;)
 
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