Syracuse University’s football program held its second-to-last practice of fall camp on Aug. 22, where the team continued to focus on competition and development ahead of the upcoming season. Recent additions to the coaching staff include former National Football League player Muhammad Wilkerson, who was announced as the director of player development with a specific focus on assisting the defensive line. Wilkerson joins a staff that also includes Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee and Syracuse alumnus Dwight Freeney, who began his role in player development in April.
Nick Williams, Syracuse’s edge coach, commented on the impact both Wilkerson and Freeney have had since joining the program. “The guys get a chance to see it (…) They all got dreams and aspirations of going to the next level. It’s different when you can put a guy in the room, right next to you.” Williams said that Wilkerson has played an important role in preparing Syracuse players by sharing insights from his professional career.
Williams described his ongoing relationship with Freeney as a valuable resource for developing players. “He is amazing, and I can call him anytime (…) He built this place and I’m going to listen to his advice and implement some of the things that he wants to do,” Williams said.
The Orange are facing changes on their defense after losing their top three sack leaders from last year. To strengthen their group of edge rushers, Syracuse acquired David Reese from the transfer portal. Williams recalled building a connection with Reese during the recruitment process: “Reese got in the portal, I saw that (and) gave him a call (…) I talked to him, and I quickly realized that this is the type of kid I wanted to coach. I think we both felt that from each other.”
In addition, redshirt sophomore David Omopariola is expected to take on more responsibility within the defensive unit this season. Williams spoke positively about Omopariola’s work ethic: “He comes from humble beginnings, growing up in Baltimore, and he exemplifies who I am as a coach and I love that dude (…) He comes to work every day, he never complains. Whatever I ask him to do, he does it and he does it full speed. Guys like that man, that’s a lifelong relationship.”
On offense, Steve Angeli addressed reporters after being named starting quarterback on Aug. 18. Angeli called it “one of the greatest honors of my life to be named a starting quarterback in Syracuse.” He credited fellow quarterback Rickie Collins for pushing him during camp: “This camp he brought the best out of me, and I brought the best out of him (…) Like I said before, competition breeds excellence, so every single day going at it and making sure that we’re trying to do the best we can, I think overall, is a healthy competition, and we both got better along the way.” Angeli also noted that he has gained strong familiarity with Syracuse’s playbook as they prepare for their week one matchup against Tennessee.
