SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Syracuse’s Scott Shafer kept his comments brief as he contemplated the start of his first preseason camp as a head coach. Maybe because he has a lot on his plate.
Sometime in the next three weeks Shafer and quarterbacks coach Tim Lester will huddle and make a very big decision — selecting a starter from among six candidates for the season opener Aug. 31 against Penn State at MetLife Stadium.
Syracuse finished 8-5 in 2012 behind Ryan Nassib, who ranks first in school history in career passing yards (9,190), attempts (1,312) and completions (791), and second in touchdown passes (70). He also led Syracuse to two bowl triumphs in his final three seasons.
Among the candidates to replace Nassib is 6-foot-5 Drew Allen, a backup quarterback at Oklahoma for three seasons. He transferred to Syracuse for his final year of eligibility and already has built a good relationship with his new teammates.
