Cuse TV: Virtual Reality Enhances QB Training

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Three times a week during spring practice Syracuse's quarterbacks met in co-offensive coordinator Sean Lewis' office to watch film. Typical for most college football teams, right? However, these early-morning gatherings were anything but traditional film study.

Lewis led Orange's signal callers through a unique virtual-reality experience using the XOS ThunderVR system. The goal being to enhance their knowledge by allowing each player take every snap in practice regardless of whether or not they were actually on the field.

"The advantage of this is that the quarterback, and whoever is using the unit, actually gets to be in the pocket," Lewis said. "He gets to the see the game from that perspective, where the old school sideline, end-zone, the coaches copy if you will, it's great for seeing the big picture, but this actually puts the young man who has the headset on into that situation. He gets to see and feel throwing lanes."

During practice, team periods and 7-on-7 sessions were recorded using two opposite-facing, 180-degree cameras. In post-production, Director of Video Operations Austin Beehner combined the two angles to create a full 360-degree experience.

"It's a whole new world basically," junior Eric Dungey said. "It's like going through practice again. I love practicing, so it's basically like doing that all over again, but it's easier on the body.

"It's helped out the other quarterbacks, as well as me, get more reps, so that's been a huge benefit."

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Syracuse University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Eric Dungey

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