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Syracuse Football: 5 takeaways from successful 2018 season

By Connor Muldowney

SYRACUSE, NY - NOVEMBER 09: Dontae Strickland #4 and Moe Neal #21 of the Syracuse Orange celebrate a touchdown run by Neal during the second quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at the Carrier Dome on November 9, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - NOVEMBER 09: Dontae Strickland #4 and Moe Neal #21 of the Syracuse Orange celebrate a touchdown run by Neal during the second quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at the Carrier Dome on November 9, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 28: Trishton Jackson #86 of the Syracuse Orange reacts after a 14-yard touchdown reception against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the fourth quarter of the Camping World Bowl at Camping World Stadium on December 28, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 28: Trishton Jackson #86 of the Syracuse Orange reacts after a 14-yard touchdown reception against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the fourth quarter of the Camping World Bowl at Camping World Stadium on December 28, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

3. Receivers are deep, talented

Eric Dungey was a major reason the Orange were successful on the offensive side of the ball in 2018 and have been for years, but you can’t discredit the work his receivers did. They were arguably the strongest position group on the team with five guys topping the 500-yard mark.

Senior Jamal Custis led the way with 906 yards and six touchdowns on 51 receptions, smashing his previous career-bests. In fact, he had never broken 125 yards receiving or one touchdown in his previous three seasons. He will most certainly be missed in 2019.

Sean Riley should be back as a senior in 2019, also posting career-highs in each category with 64 catches for 756 yards and three scores. He’s also a solid kick and punt returner and could be one of the ACC’s top wide outs next season.

Nykeim Johnson was third with 565 yards and four scores on 41 receptions and he still has two years of eligibility left as a speedy slot-type.

Lastly, Taj Harris had a breakout freshman season with 40 catches for 565 yards and three touchdowns and he’s setting up a stellar Syracuse career for himself.

Don’t forget about Michigan State transfer Trishton Jackson, a former four-star, who scored a touchdown in his first game as an eligible player in the Camping World Bowl.

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