Spring Practice Notebook: Week 3

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Head coach Dino Babers' squad has crossed the halfway point of 2019 spring practice. The Orange have completed nine of their 15 allotted sessions. Syracuse will practice four more times and hold one more scrimmage before making their public debut April 13 during "Spring Football Saturday" presented by AmeriCU.

After three workouts in helmets and shorts the first week of March, Babers said Syracuse would practice 12 consecutive times in full gear. The goal? Instill toughness.

"It's going to be hard," Babers said.

MEET SYRACUSE'S CALIFORNIA KID
Redshirt senior quarterback Clayton Welch is one of the leading candidates to serve as Tommy DeVito's backup this season. The Chico, Calif. native joined the Orange in 2017 and saw his first action in last year's win against Wagner. Syracuse.com's Stephen Bailey recently profiled Welch, who grew up a stone's throw away from NFL All-Pro Aaron Rodgers.

Full story: Syracuse.com/ClaytonWelch

DEFENSE TAKETH AWAY
The Orange enter the 2019 season with a streak of 14 consecutive games with at least one takeaway. The streak dates back to the 2017 finale versus Boston College and represents the fifth-longest streak in the nation and the best in the ACC.

Last season, the Orange tied for third in the FBS with 31 turnovers gained. Only Ohio (32) and Utah State (32) had more.

Of the 15 players responsible for those takeaways, Syracuse returns 12 led by safety Andre Cisco and his nation-best seven interceptions.

DETAILS FOR 'SPRING FOOTBALL SATURDAY' ANNOUNCED
Last Tuesday, Syracuse Athletics released the schedule of events for "Spring Football Saturday" presented by AmeriCU. The extravaganza is set for April 13 at the Carrier Dome and features a youth clinic, autograph sessions with Syracuse legends, members of the current team, and more.

The highlight of the day is expected to be the reunion of Orange greats Floyd Little, Tom Coughlin and Larry Csonka. The three men shared the same backfield for Syracuse's 1966 Gator Bowl team and have not been on campus together since.

Full story: Cuse.com/SpringFootballSaturday
Event Schedule: Cuse.com/SpringFootballSaturday--Schedule

TICKETS, TICKETS, TICKETS
Season tickets for 2019 Syracuse football are on sale now. Tickets start at $125 and can be purchased online (Cuse.com/tickets), by phone (888-DOME-TIX) or in person at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B).

This year's campaign begins Saturday, Aug. 31 on the road against Liberty. The home opener is set for Sept. 14 versus Clemson.

For complete coverage of Syracuse football, follow us on Twitter (@CuseFootball), Instagram (@CuseFootball) and like us on Facebook (Syracuse Football).

Syracuse University Athletics

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