Syracuse names new freshman backup to Joe Filardi

Syracuse, N.Y. — Freshman quarterback Rich Belin will be Syracuse’s backup Saturday against Boston College, coach Fran Brown said Monday.

Belin joins the list of three true freshmen that have surpassed redshirt sophomore Rickie Collins and redshirt freshman Jakhari Williams, who wore a sling on this throwing arm last week.

Belin will back up walk-on freshman Joe Filardi, who’s expected to make his third start against the Eagles.

“Gotta give Joe a chance to redeem himself,” Brown said.

Filardi threw three interceptions in Saturday’s 63-point loss at No. 9 Notre Dame. Two of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns. He also threw for just 83 yards. Filardi is 18-for-44 as a starter with three interceptions, averaging just 61 yards per game.

Freshman Luke Carney had been serving as Filardi’s backup. However, he will be a healthy scratch against Boston College and intends to take a redshirt and preserve a season of eligibility.

Carney appeared for one play in Syracuse’s Sept. 12 win against Colgate, rushing for his first career touchdown. He played 11 snaps in a 30-13 loss to Pittsburgh Oct. 18, nine in a 27-10 loss to North Carolina on Halloween and 11 snaps in Saturday’s 70-7 loss at Notre Dame.

In those 32 snaps, Carney attempted just seven passes, completing five of them for 22 yards.

Carney was previously open to forgoing his redshirt when Collins was benched after the Pitt loss. He and Brown have since come to an agreement to use his redshirt in 2025.

Now, Belin, the 2023 New York Gatorade Player of the Year, will have the chance to make his college debut. The six-footer from Harlem was a two-time all-state selection at Cardinal Hayes and a city track champion in the 4x100 relay.

Belin’s father, Henry III, was a three-year letterman at Vanderbilt from 1984-86. He falls in line with Brown’s faith-driven approach as a pastor.

Belin’s brother, Henry IV, plays quarterback at Duke and once held an offer from Syracuse.