Syracuse Football: Blueprint to Tommy DeVito success in year No. 3

Syracuse football had a shaky year last season and so did their offense. So let’s look at how quarterback Tommy DeVito can improve in 2020.

Last season was a step backward for the Syracuse football program and left a lot of questions going into the offseason.

Many questioned head coach Dino Babers’s faith in starting quarterback Tommy DeVito. Senior Clayton Welch, instead of DeVito, even led the season finale. However, Babers has stood by his quarterback, and he should continue to do so.

Tommy DeVito is hands down the most talented quarterback on the roster, and last year’s problems weren’t all his fault. However, he does hold some responsibility. So let’s look at some negatives and positives and what he can do to change in 2020.

Tommy DeVito 2019 stats:

• 2360 passing yards
• 63% completion percentage
• 19 touchdowns
• 5 interceptions
• 7 yards per attempt

Heading into his third season, there are some questions about the supporting cast for DeVito. His main target last season, Trishton Jackson, left ‘Cuse in favor of the NFL draft. That creates a void that needs to be filled. The obvious answer is Taj Harris. He can be a deep threat for the Orange, and he already has an established relationship with DeVito.

Now Syracuse is a run-heavy team, and that will help the passing game; however, it needs to be successful and without Moe Neal that leaves a new regime in the backfield.

Arguably the biggest concern for Syracuse last season was the offensive line play.

While no recruits were added to make an immediate impact, the Orange are more experienced at the position. The biggest addition is Chris Bleich from Florida. If he is eligible to play this season, then he adds an immediate presence to the offensive line. While the position didn’t see an overhaul this offseason, the group should produce at a much higher level in 2020.

Last year DeVito was one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the entire nation. Syracuse allowed their QB to be brought to the turf on nearly 11% of dropbacks last season. DeVito cannot improve if he’s constantly on the ground.

Offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert needs to incorporate quick passes to get the ball out of DeVito’s hands quickly. Without a top receiving threat, Syracuse needs to get creative. Look for a lot of passes to the running backs and tight ends this season.

On average, DeVito’s attempts only went for seven yards, which is at the bottom of the pack, but if the offense is moving, then that won’t be a concern. If DeVito can avoid pressure, then he will have more time to look downfield.

But if the offensive line doesn’t improve, then the gameplan needs to change and find new weapons. This season Jawhar Jordan should be Tommy DeVito’s best friend. Jordan is a speedy running back that can start in the backfield or the slot. When in doubt, get the ball to Jordan and let him make a play.

A positive is DeVito has limited the turnovers in his career. He only threw five interceptions to 19 touchdowns in 2019. He needs to continue to make smart decisions. However, his biggest problem is he holds onto the ball for too long. While it’s positive, he’s not forcing turnovers; the fact is he’s taking detrimental sacks instead.

Syracuse underperformed last season, and everyone knows that, and a lot of the blame was pointed at DeVito. Some of the blame was warranted, while a lot wasn’t.

It’s tough to play with a struggling offensive line and a shaky run game. With new coaches, Syracuse can focus on developing the young offense into something Dino Babers envisioned when he arrived at Syracuse. And this season Orange will be the new fast.