Syracuse, N.Y. — Before the majority of the Syracuse football team learned the Orange was set to undergo one of the biggest offensive overhauls in program history in 2023, the information made its way to an unaffiliated group from Long Island.

As Syracuse football coach Dino Babers and offensive coordinator Jason Beck found themselves without a quarterback and searching for ways to salvage their season – and their jobs – after a punchless 17-10 home loss to Boston College two years ago, one of their first moves was a phone call to Dan Villari.

The tight end was hanging out with a group from his hometown of Massapequa when Babers’ name flashed across his cell phone.

He signaled to the group to quiet down before he answered, eventually learning that he’d be at the center of a memorable tu

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