Syracuse quarterback Tommy DeVito has a lot of people talking in the college football world this offseason, some even going as far as naming him a Heisman Trophy dark horse candidate. DeVito has a tough act to follow with the departure of Eric Dungey, but he appears to be up to the task and has turned heads in the process.
Tommy DeVito (redshirt sophomore, 6’2 212lbs) was a three star recruit in high school where he played at Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, NJ. DeVito had offers from schools such as Boston College, Wake Forest, Maryland, Rutgers and Temple. DeVito even picked up more attention after being invited to the Nike Elite 11 QB camp, but remained loyal to the Orange where he committed early on. He eventually ended up as a four star recruit at the end of his senior year of high school.
Last season DeVito played significant minutes in games against Florida State, North Carolina and Notre Dame. In the games against Florida State and UNC, DeVito was 22-35 for 325 yards, 4 touchdowns and only one interception. With Syracuse down 7 late in the fourth quarter, DeVito entered for an injured Eric Dungey and threw the game tying touchdown with 1:39 left, and threw the game winning touchdown in double overtime to lead the Orange to victory over the Tar Heels.
DeVito got national attention on Mondays episode of ESPN’s College Football Live during a segment about underrated players entering camp, where David Pollack spoke very highly of DeVito. Host Peter Burns then went on to mention that last years Heisman Trophy Winner Kyler Murray had 30-1 Heisman odds entering last season.
The 2018 Syracuse Orange team had 10 wins in a season for the first time since 2001. They had back to back winning seasons for the first time since the 2012-2013 season, which was also their last bowl appearance and win, until they beat West Virginia in the Camping World Bowl last season. Last years team was a surprise to most in the country, and this years team is looking to continue that success, and it all begins at the quarterback position with DeVito.
Syracuse has the potential to make a lot of noise in the ACC and the country, but let’s not forget how well the Orange have played Clemson the past two seasons. After an embarrassing 54-0 beating in 2016, Syracuse upset the Tigers 27-24 in the Carrier Dome in 2017. 2018’s matchup in Death Valley saw the Orange come the closest that any team, Alabama included, to beating the eventual National Champions. Syracuse is one of only two teams to beat Clemson in the regular season in the past 4 seasons.
DeVito brings a different dynamic to the table than Eric Dungey did. While Dungey was a dual threat, risk it all type of quarterback, DeVito is a pro-style quarterback with a strong arm. He provides more of a pocket presence than Dungey, but DeVito does have the speed to run the ball if needed. The main concern, if any, will be if DeVito has developed into the leadership role that will be necessary to guide the team to success. Being the backup last year, and getting significant playing time, including a fourth quarter game tying drive, should have people feeling pretty good about him developing into this role seamlessly.
DeVito seems to fit the Dino Babers offense perfectly. He may not be the dual threat option that Dungey was, but his strong arm and accuracy will be more than enough. Veterans and transfers at the running back and wide receiver positions will be a welcome sight. Babers likes to run a fast pace offense, and these veterans will make sure that things keep moving.
Let’s take a look at the offensive pieces that will surround DeVito. The offensive line graduated 3 starters from last years team. They did add Ryan Alexander, a graduate transfer from South Alabama, and also return 4 lineman that have starting experience. With a total of 98 starts between them, the offensive line should not see much of a drop off from last season where they had the best rushing numbers since 2000.
The running back position is set up to produce some great numbers, and provide help for DeVito to open up the field. Senior Mo Neal returns from a 2018 season that saw him lead the team in rushing with 869 yards and 5 touchdowns. Neal also hauled in 13 receptions for 128 yards last season. Competing with Neal for the job will be Oklahoma transfer, redshirt junior, Abdul Adams. Adams played in 19 careers games at Oklahoma and had 825 rushing yards over those games. After sitting out last season, Adams had 8 carries for 19 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Orange 34-18 victory over West Virginia in the Camping World Bowl.
The wide receiving corps will be an experienced group. The only loss from last years team is Jamal Custis, the team leader with 906 yards and 6 touchdowns. Replacing Custis will be Michigan State transfer, redshirt junior, Trishton Jackson. Jackson also played in the Camping World Bowl last season after sitting out the regular season, and scored a touchdown in the win. Jackson’s career stats are 20 catches for 259 yards and two touchdowns, with a 13.0 ypc average. Senior Sean Riley and Sophomore Nykeim Johnson return as slot receivers, and Sophomore Taj Harris will return to line up opposite of Trishton Jackson.
The experience on the offensive side of the ball should be a big confidence boost for DeVito, and should help him feel comfortable sliding into the leadership role. Only time will tell how DeVito’s career will shake out, but from the outside looking in, the future is bright for DeVito and the Orange.
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