Thunder Dan Villari was part of Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines football team in 2020 but he didn’t see any action in his starting year. In 2021, however, he appeared in four games under center and was named the Academic All-Big Ten honoree. But in the spring of 2022, he transferred to Syracuse where he converted to TE with seven starts in 20 games under various positions.
Dan Villari was a multi-purpose player for Syracuse in 2023 starting in 10 games as TE, QB, and RB. He completed 22 of 33 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown, caught 20 passes for 180 yards and three scores, and ran 55 times for 326 yards and led the Orange to the Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida against the South Florida Bulls. But that could be his worst game in his entire career!
Dan Villari reveals a shocking incident in the locker room aside from a blowout loss
In a recent episode on NoDestination on YouTube, Dan Villari makes a shocking revelation that involved a theft in the locker room. He called the whole bowl game “weird” before mentioning what went down behind the scenes. The 21-year-old said, “My jewelry in the locker room, my jewelry got stolen that week, my chains. I don’t know who it was but 20 guys got cut so it’s just a weird vibe.”
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But there is more to lament on that particular bowl week. In the last Syracuse bowl game in 2023, South Florida smashed Syracuse in their first 45-0 bowl blowout defeat, which could be partly because of a roster crisis amid the HC transition when Dino Babers was replaced by Fran Brown. Syracuse managed only nine first downs with four ball turnovers. Villari recalled the game and added, “It was tough, you know, because I really wanted to win that game and I prepared really hard for that game. So it was sad.” But after the rough period, what’s Villari up to now?
Dan Villari is hopeful for Syracuse’s 2024 season
After the sadness of the bowl game, this season could be a turning point for Syracuse as there has been recruiting success this offseason. Villari, who played multiple positions last season, opened up on how he would like to see himself in 2024. He said, “I think more traditional tight end. Blocking a lot, catching passes. So I’m excited to do both of those things.”
The Orange also hired Jeff Nixon as their new OC and he’s already making a big impression on the team. Villari said of Nixon, “Oh, he’s been fantastic. You know, he’s coming from the NFL, very knowledgeable. I really love his scheme so far. He loves to get the tight ends involved, so that’s always a great thing.” With players like Oronde Gadsden and Jamie Tremble set to play in 2024, hopefully, Villari and the Orange can leave their sad bowl history behind and focus on the potential successful season ahead.