Recap: Spring Scrimmage #2

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse football team held its second spring scrimmage Saturday morning at the Ensley Athletic Center. The Orange ran 134 plays in 1 hour and 36 minutes with the offense squaring off against the defense from various points on the field.

When it was over, head coach Dino Babers told the squad good football teams are heard, not seen, and that he liked the sounds that emanated from the exhibition.

"I thought it was the most physical scrimmage we've had," Babers said. "Pads were popping. I thought the kids took the challenge of hitting one another like they were their brothers, and doing it the correct way – above the knees and below the chin. That's what I loved the most about it."

Senior Eric Dungey and redshirt freshman Tommy DeVito quarterbacked the first-team offense. Dungey helmed the unit's first two series and tossed a 98-yard touchdown pass to junior Sean Riley on the scrimmage's first play. DeVito led the rest of the group's drives and threw three TD passes, all of which covered at least 30 yards.

Redshirt junior Clayton Welch recorded Syracuse's fifth scoring pass, connecting with redshirt sophomore Tyler Gilfus for a touchdown near the end of the scrimmage. Welch and freshman Chance Amie took turns leading the second-team offense.

After not playing in Syracuse's first scrimmage two weeks ago, Dungey started things off with a bang. On first down from the 2-yard line, Riley slipped behind the defense and Dungey hit him in stride for the morning's first score.

The touchdown catch was one of two for Riley, who added a 35-yard TD reception from DeVito later on.

Following the opening touchdown, the defense settled in and kept the offense at bay for several possessions. Senior Dontae Strickland eventually broke the drought with a 25-yard touchdown run.

Strickland's trip to the end zone was one of three rushing touchdowns for the Orange. Junior Moe Neal had the other two, scoring from 17 and six yards out.

Junior Devin C. Butler and senior Ravian Pierce were on the receiving end of DeVito's other two touchdown passes. DeVito teamed with Butler on a 50-yard score and delivered a 30-yard TD strike to Pierce.

In the first spring scrimmage, the Orange defense had 10 sacks. On Saturday, the unit got after the quarterback again, this time finishing with 12 sacks. Junior Alton Robinson and sophomore Kingsley Jonathan combined for six of them, with Robinson carding four and Jonathan two.

Freshman safety Andre Cisco recorded the defense's only takeaway when he intercepted a pass over the middle.

Syracuse kickers were perfect 8-for-8 on extra points. Redshirt junior Sterling Hofrichter made all three of his tries. Freshman Cory Smigel was also 3-for-3 and redshirt freshman Andre Szmyt was 2-for-2.

The Orange attempted two field goals during the scrimmage. Hofrichter's kick from 37 yards was true. Szmyt's try from 60 yards was on line, but fell just short.

The team will hold one more practice before concluding spring drills Friday, April 13 with the Syracuse Football Spring Preview presented by TK 99. The event is free and open to the public. Start time is 7 p.m. at the Carrier Dome.

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Syracuse University Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Chance Amie

Devin C. Butler

Andre Cisco

Tommy DeVito

Eric Dungey

Sterling Hofrichter

Kingsley Jonathan

Moe Neal

Ravian Pierce

Sean Riley

Alton Robinson

Dontae Strickland

Andre Szmyt

Clayton Welch

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