Syracuse Football: SU picks up critical 2019 QB David Summers

The Syracuse football squad got a critical pick up this week at the quarterback position. Here’s more on who David Summers is and what he can bring.

A few weeks ago we learned that Chance Amie would be leaving the Syracuse University football program. It came as a bit of surprise given that there had been some talk of Amie’s impressive in-practice performances.

The transfer left Syracuse with Tommy DeVito (the heir to Eric Dungey), former PWO Clayton Welch, and Rex Culpepper (who has split time at tight end). Syracuse was looking extremely thin at quarterback heading into the 2019 season just two weeks ago.

Enter David Summers. A 6-foot-3 205-pound Pro-Style Quarterback from Trumbull, Connecticut. Summers had previously been committed to Maryland, but after former Alabama Offensive Coordinator, Mike Locksley was named Terrapins head coach, Summers reconsidered his commitment.

Credit Syracuse Defensive Coordinator, Brian Ward, who according to 247sports.com, is the primary recruiter for Summers. In addition to his Terps offer, the Connecticut native also had offers from the likes of Pittsburgh and Buffalo. He is rated the 9th best prospect in his state, and the 36th best Pro-Style QB in his class.

Stephen Bailey of Syracuse.com, was able to contact Summers’ trainer Leon Clarke. Clarke stated:

"“I would say his strongest skill set is that he has excellent vision. He anticipates throws very well. He sees somethings that I don’t think most guys see.”"

Big praise from the same guy that trains Tommy DeVito. The article also notes that both Summers and DeVito have trained together and are familiar with each other. The depth addition of Summers cannot be understated. Syracuse would have been in real trouble had Tommy DeVito had to miss any games this season. Now, there are more answers. The 6-foot-3 quarterback will be able to study and learn the system under DeVito.

Let’s take a look at the tape:

At the :45 mark of the tape, Summers shows off his big and accurate arm. His team has a deep play-action pass play called. He recognizes the one-on-one coverage on the outside and delivers a dime of a deep ball to his wide receiver. Not only does Summers do a nice job of throwing an accurate deep ball, but he also leads his receiver in stride perfectly. The ball travels roughly 30-yards in the air, but it looks like Summers has a lot more strength in his arm to throw deeper passes if necessary.

The next play that jumps out to me occurs at the 2:49 mark of the tape. Summers is in the shotgun in the backfield. He looks for a receiver down the field on a Go route. Summers has an edge rusher in his face and he delivers maybe his best throw of the film in what looks to be a really tight window. The receiver is being blanketed in double coverage and he hits him in the end zone for a touchdown.

The very next play on the film is very impressive as well. At the 2:55 mark of the tape, Summers is once again in the shotgun. What makes this play so impressive is that Summers shows off some good scrambling ability in the pocket and still delivers a touchdown strike. The pocket begins to collapse around him and he impressively rolls out to his left, throwing across his body and leading his receiver for a touchdown. There were countless times that Syracuse benefited from Eric Dungey scrambling and tucking to run or still keeping his head up and finding an open receiver. Here, Summers shows a similar ability all while rolling to his non-throwing hand and leading his receiver for a TD.

The last play I want to look at Summers gets it all done with his legs. At the 4:49 mark of the tape, he rolls out to his right as the pocket collapses on him. This is a play that will remind Syracuse fans of Eric Dungey. Summers gets to the edge and throws a mean stiff arm on a linebacker. He then runs over a DB near the goal line, extending and finishing the run as if he were a tight end with a touchdown.

Summers is a very impressive pocket passer and has the ability to lead his receivers. With that being said, he also looks to be an adequate rushing threat. He has a good frame that will only get stronger as he gets in the college weight room.

The St. Joseph’s High School product will be able to sign with the Orange on February 6th. Syracuse saw 17 prospects sign their Letter of Intent in December.