Syracuse Football: Can Orange take that next step in 2019?

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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(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Defense has potential to be special

Alton Robinson will be the anchor of the Orange defense. Robinson is arguably the best pass rusher in the ACC and will be a nightmare for quarterbacks in 2019.

Last season, Robinson burst onto the scene for the Orange. In 2018 the defensive end recorded 10 sacks. A strong senior year could propel Robinson into the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

In the secondary lurks free safety Andre Cisco. He is the ball-hawk of this defense as he led the team last season with seven interceptions.

Robinson and Cisco may be the two stars of this defense, but don’t be fooled there are plenty of great starters as well.

Kendall Coleman returns in 2019 and was second on the team in sacks with seven. Meanwhile cornerback Christopher Fredrick returns and he was second on the team in interceptions with three.

This defense has the potential to be special.

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