GREENSBORO, NC — Syracuse head coach Scott Shafer told assembled media on Monday at the Atlantic Coast Conference Kickoff that quarterback Drew Allen is in the mix for the starting job.

Allen, a fifth-year Oklahoma transfer, will take his first snaps for the Orange when the team opens training camp on Aug. 5, two weeks from Monday. As of now, Shafer said the competition is wide open, but sophomore Terrel Hunt is listed No. 1 on SU’s depth chart, which does not list Allen. Shafer said he’s excited to see Allen’s skill set and has gleaned a sense of his character off the field.

“I’ve talked to Drew and seen him passing through the office,” Shafer said. “We’re not allowed to work with him yet, so right now I can’t wait to see him on the field.”

Allen transferred to Syracuse in April after four seasons as a backup with the Sooners. A 6-foot-5 quarterback originally from Texas, Allen didn’t start any games at OU and only threw 30 passes as Landry Jones’ backup.

Shafer said he talked to Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops about Allen. Stoops, who grew up in northeast Ohio like Shafer, told the new Syracuse coach that Allen is unselfish, hardworking and a smart and talented player.

“I mentioned earlier, when a northeast Ohio guy says something to another northeast Ohio guy you kind of believe it,” Shafer said, “unless you play each other every year, which we don’t.”

He added that Allen seems to be getting along with his teammates and that they think positively of him. Shafer said Allen was raised well by great parents.

“We’re looking forward to adding Drew to the mix,” Shafer said. “Talented young man that loves the game.”

Published on July 22, 2013 at 6:55 pm

Contact Trevor: tbhass@syr.edu | @TrevorHass