It’s no secret who will be starting at quarterback for Syracuse Football week one against Ohio. Ohio State transfer Kyle McCord was one of the biggest additions for Syracuse this offseason after throwing for over 3,000 yards last season.
But behind McCord? The battle through training camp for the backup position is still going. After up-and-down quarterback play in 2023, the Orange seem headed for more consistency in 2024.
Kyle McCord (Senior)
In episode one of ACC Network’s “All-Access with Syracuse Football,” Syracuse head coach Fran Brown broke up a huddle by saying something to Kyle McCord.
“We’re following you fam," said Brown.
"Even though he's a new transfer guy, [Kyle McCord's] led the team from the day he walked in the door." @CuseFootball's Kyle McCord has taken his game to another level 📈 pic.twitter.com/yOYwivexTJ
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) August 12, 2024
The New Jersey native has already played in some of the toughest environments in football after 13 starts in three years at Ohio State. While not the most versatile runner, McCord makes up for with his arm. Last season he had the top weapon in college football in wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and took advantage, throwing for 3,170 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Unsurprisingly, the coaches have been impressed by McCord’s early returns in training camp.
“From the first day that we’re out here you’re like ‘that’s pretty impressive,’” quarterbacks coach Nunzio Campanile said this week. “You know just how quick his mind works and how well he can get his body to do exactly what he sees.”
Michael Johnson Jr. (Redshirt-Senior)
After McCord is where things get a little less clear. After a couple weeks of fall camp, the front runner for the backup role may be Florida Atlantic transfer Michael Johnosn Jr., the son of Syracuse tight ends coach Michael Johnson Sr.
Johnson’s athleticism is no joke. He was used mainly in a rushing quarterback role last year with the Owls and had seven touchdowns on 23 carries.
His role with the Orange was unclear on commitment, having been listed as an “offensive weapon.” But a strong training camp has shot Johnson up the depth chart.
“Having just stepped into this offense (I’m) really impressed with how intelligent he is,” Campanile said. “Really dynamic athlete.”
Carlos Del Rio-Wilson (Redshirt-Junior)
A familiar name for Syracuse fans, Carlos Del Rio-Wilson finds himself once again competing for the backup position, but with an improved skill set.
“Carlos has taken great strides from the spring,” Campanile said.
Del Rio-Wilson has been the go-to backup for the past two seasons with Syracuse. As starter Garrett Shrader battled injury last year, the Georgia native saw playing time in seven games, including a start against Boston College, before a lower-body injury that game ended his season.
Control was shaky for Del Rio-Wilson last season, including four interceptions in his lone start. He did have some success on the ground that game, running for 67 yards on 12 attempts.
Despite the struggles, he has one clear advantage. Del-Rio Wilson is the only quarterback on the current roster with in-game experience for Syracuse.
Jakhari Williams (Freshman)
Rounding out the backup battle for the Orange is newcomer Jakhari Williams. A three-star freshman out of Macon, Georgia, Williams was one of the last major recruits brought in by former head coach Dino Babers.
While young, Williams may be the most talented dual-threat quarterback the Orange have rostered this season. At First Presbyterian Day School, Williams showed talent on the ground while also showcasing strong throws with a 6-2, 190 frame. Now in training camp, he has impressed.
“He’s done a nice job really just processing, delivering the ball to the right guy. He made some really good plays with his feet,” Campanile said.
There was a chance Williams would redshirt his freshman year to save eligibility. But after impressing in training camp, the door is open for anything heading into 2024.
AJ Miller (Freshman)
A pair of true freshmen unlikely to see the field in 2024 round out the quarterback room for Syracuse.
AJ Miller’s a preferred walk-on who is likely to redshirt after a talented career with Rye High School in New York. For the future, keep an eye on Miller’s arm. The freshman had almost 3,000 passing yards in his senior campaign.
Patrick Grusser (Freshman)
Another true freshman, Patrick Grusser is in a similar position to Miller for his freshman campaign. He showed promise in the air and on the ground in his senior year at St. Joseph’s Regional with Syracuse running back Yasin Willis.
Grusser threw for 2085 yards and ran for 384 in 2023. After a year of development, Grusser will likely look for his first in-game snaps in 2025.