The Syracuse football team held its first scrimmage of the spring Saturday, and in the process, debuted one of its most talked-about recruits.

True freshman quarterback Joe Fields, who graduated high school in three-and-a-half years and enrolled at Syracuse in January, took part in his first organized scrimmage. Fields is competing with three other quarterbacks for the starting job this fall and it was his first chance to distinguish himself from the pack.

But more importantly, it was a learning experience for the youngest member of the Orangemen. ‘I think I did pretty good,’ Fields said. ‘I got to see the real speed of the game with everybody competing and going full speed.’

Syracuse head coach Paul Pasqualoni and Fields both agreed there was one thing he could definitely improve on after Saturday: his pocket presence.

Pasqualoni felt that Fields needed to be more patient in his drop-back passing. When Fields was pressured, he immediately tried to step out of the pocket and run. It gave Fields a chance to display his great quickness and athleticism, but it also showed his impatience.

‘He’s going to have to learn that he’s going to have sit in there,’ Pasqualoni said, ‘go through the appropriate footwork and execute the play.’

Pasqualoni was also surprised with how quick Fields was. He always knew the Texas recruit had a great 40-yard dash time, but Fields ran even faster under game conditions.

Saturday’s scrimmage was just one part of the learning experience since he first arrived on campus. Learning the offense and all the intricacies remains the biggest task, but initially Fields was worried about being accepted on the team.

‘My confidence has grown since I first got here,’ Fields said. ‘In the scrimmage, I saw I could really play with these guys. They’re starting to respect me as a leader and a quarterback. They want the best man to win. They want to win football games.’

After initially struggling with classes, Fields has adjusted well, making great use of the tutors provided to him to adjust to college classes a semester later than most freshmen.

He’s also been helped out by some other members of the team, including Tommy Harris, Stephen McDonald, Steve Franklin and Breyone Evans.

‘They try to help me out, see if I need anything, look out for me on the weekends and make sure everything is all right,’ Fields said. ‘They keep me on top of my work and they push me. And when I need to talk to somebody, they’re always there.’

Center of attention

This spring, Matt Tarullo hasn’t been able to catch his breath. Not to worry – the senior offensive lineman didn’t develop asthma this winter. And he hasn’t packed on too much weight.

He just has to call the huddle after plays now.

Tarullo, a senior who started every game at guard last fall, has switched to center this spring to replace four-year starter Nick Romeo. To replace Tarullo, Steve Franklin will play left guard, while Jason Greene, who platooned with Franklin last year, will stick at right guard. Quinn Ojinnaka will also replace departed tackle Kevin Sampson. ‘It’s a tough move,’ Tarullo said. ‘It’s no joke, man. I finally sort of mastered the guard spot, and then I got bumped over. It’s just a hard position to play.’

Tarullo has to adjust to making calls, which his smarts and leadership abilities will allow him to do. He’s also learning different footwork, the toughest of which is moving left and snapping at same time.

Tarullo said he misses being able to put his hand down and come off the snap with ‘reckless abandon.’ Instead, he uses his hips and lower back more, which he said is causing more post-practice soreness than usual.

Despite the early bumps and bruises, Pasqualoni thinks Tarullo’s in the right spot.

‘After the first scrimmage, I can say that making Matt move to center was the right move,’ Pasqualoni said. ‘He’s a leader. Very intelligent.’

‘Personally, I’d like him back next to me, because we had really good chemistry,’ senior tackle Adam Terry said. ‘For the best of the team, right now he’s the most capable person to be put in that position.’

Opening day

Saturday’s scrimmage was situational. The coaches determined what situations they wanted to work on and then scripted plays for them. Finally, for the last 30 minutes, the coaches let the players go under more game-like conditions.

The results were mixed, but given there’s only been four practices so far, Pasqualoni was pleased with the results.

‘I think the kids did very well,’ Pasqualoni said. ‘We handled all the installations. The older kids were able to do a little bit more. The younger kids did a little bit less.’

One player who was not surprisingly impressive was junior tailback Walter Reyes. Pasqualoni said Reyes ran ‘recklessly,’ and Reyes particularly impressed Fields.

‘I played with some pretty good backs in high school,’ Fields said. ‘But with how he cuts and starts on the same speed, it’s just crazy. It’s like watching greatness every time.’

Two players who looked especially strong were redshirt freshman linebacker Jerry Mackey and freshman defensive tackle Tony Jenkins.

‘(Mackey) looks really good there (at linebacker),’ Reyes said. ‘He’s a big physical kid and he’s young. He’s going to be a big-time player when he’s all said and done.’

Numbers game

Reports have circulated this spring that Walter Reyes could be bestowed with the legendary No. 44 jersey for the fall season. Reyes wants everyone to know that’s not the case – yet, anyway.

‘Why’s everybody saying that?’ Reyes asked. ‘That’s all speculation. I wear No. 39. Coach P and I haven’t spoke. I don’t know who started that, but right now I’m wearing my number for now.’

That’s not to say he wouldn’t accept the honor, though.

‘If I had an opportunity, I would wear it,’ Reyes said. ‘But if not, I’ve done very well with No. 39.’

This and That…

Some early injuries from camp: Freshman Landel Bembo, attempting to move up the depth chart at wide receiver this spring, pulled his hamstring at practice Monday. Eugene Brown is also suffering from a bruise on his arm…Saturday was the first chance for Steve Gregory to debut at wide receiver. Pasqualoni thought Gregory showcased his speed well, one of the main reasons why he’s been moved to wide receiver for the spring.

 

Published on April 5, 2004 at 12:00 pm