Syracuse’s final preseason practice offered a clear look at a few names worth tracking when the Orange open the season against New Hampshire on Sep. 5.
The biggest theme was continuity, and Steve Angeli made it clear he feels it. Jeff Nixon is back for a third year as Syracuse’s offensive coordinator, giving the Orange a setup that’s rare in college football: the same quarterback and the same playcaller staying together. Angeli said that familiarity has helped sharpen the offense without forcing it to start over.
“The best thing about having familiarity with the coordinator is you know some of the things that are set in stone of what we’re going to do, but then there’s also ways to revise and edit,” Angeli said.
Angeli arrived at Syracuse in April of last year, and this offseason gave him something he didn’t have before: a full run with Nixon. He said that relationship has become even stronger heading into this season.
“Going into year two with coach Nixon is awesome because he’s open, we’re able to have conversations,” Angeli said. “He’s just as committed as I am to winning, making this offense better, and doing whatever we can to put ourselves in a great position this year.”
One of the more intriguing offensive additions is Ju’Juan Johnson, and his background already tells you plenty about how versatile he is. He was a record-breaking quarterback in high school, came to LSU as a cornerback, and spent most of his first year there as a running back before staying at that spot for all of year two. Running backs coach Dennis Thomas called him a leader in the room, and his football IQ is part of why he stands out.
Thomas also pointed out that Johnson’s presence changes what the offense can do when he’s on the field. Even without a depth chart in hand, it would not be surprising if Johnson ends up near the top of the group. At LSU last season, he rushed for 155 yards, caught 17 passes, played in all 13 games, and made one start.
Johnson said Syracuse should expect electricity from him and the offense.
“Big plays. That’s what we strive for, everybody strives to have the ball and make big plays,” Johnson said.
“Excitement. Running through the hole, making people miss, running people over, energy.”
Another transfer who drew attention Friday was Cole Weaver, the redshirt junior wideout who came over from Miami Ohio in January after leading that team with 45 receptions. Angeli described what Weaver brings to the offense, and the quarterback’s read was straightforward: the 6-foot-4 receiver gives Syracuse size, dependable hands, and route-running ability.
“He does a great job of having strong hands at the catch point,” Angeli said. “He’s a bigger guy but runs really good routes too. I think we can use him in a lot of different ways.”
Angeli and Weaver have already built a relationship that extends beyond the field. Weaver talked on Tuesday about how quickly that connection developed, and Angeli said he expects that chemistry to show up this season.
“He’s had a great camp and I’m excited for everyone to see what he’s going to do this year,” Angeli said.
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Tylik Hill, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the more encouraging notes in the group, with Thomas pointing to him as a promising option for the coming season. Even so, the way Syracuse handles the backfield in the days leading up to the opener remains worth watching, because the Orange still appear to be sorting out roles as the new season arrives. [Read more 🡒]