Syracuse Football: Final report card for 2020 season

Offensive Grade: D-

If this were a classroom, this would be a “gentlemen’s D.” Syracuse had so many injuries and COVID issues that it was hard to establish any offensive continuity. The Orange played three quarterbacks this season because of injuries and inconsistency.

However, there were some bright spots offensively. Freshman running back Sean Tucker emerged as a solid No. 1 running back, leading the Orange in rushing. Tucker had three 100-yard rushing games. Another freshman, JaCobian Morgan, stepped in and had a solid game against Boston College in a losing effort.

Outstanding players:

• Sean Tucker, RB: 138 carries, 638 yards, 4.6 ypc, 7 touchdowns

With the graduation of Moe Neal, there was a pronounced hole at running back. Without spring or summer practice, it was unclear who would take the role of RB1 in upstate New York. Sean Tucker stepped in and provided stability to an offense that rarely had any this season. Tucker’s numbers might have been better had the Orange not played from behind so often. Tucker showed speed and great vision for a young running back so young. With Tucker in the backfield, head coach Dino Babers has one piece to build around.

• Taj Harris, WR: 58 receptions, 733 yards, 5 touchdowns

In a season where the quarterback play was inconsistent, whoever was behind center could count on junior wide receiver Taj Harris. Harris led the team in receptions by nearly 20 and yards by nearly 400. No matter who was throwing the football, every quarterback was looking for the junior receiver. Harris’ best game of the season was a six catch, 138-yard, and one touchdown game against Duke.

Quarterback: D-

The quarterback position gets a passing grade solely because the offensive line was atrocious last season for Syracuse. There is no quarterback in the history of the sport that can throw while being pressured practically every play. Couple with learning a new offense on the fly; Syracuse had just three spring practices and no summer practice with a new offensive coordinator. The position became a revolving door because of injuries and COVID as well.

Running back: C-

Running back was the lone bright spot for Syracuse football. Specifically, freshman Sean Tucker was the lone bright spot for the Syracuse offense.

Despite marginal play from the offensive line, Tucker ran for over 600 yards, including three 100-yard games. If Syracuse plays close or with a lead, expect Tucker’s numbers to improve. The Orange need another runner to emerge for depth as well. Abdul Adams could use his COVID year to return for the Orange and Jarveon Howard comes back next year as well.

Wide Receivers/Tight End: D+

Syracuse’s wide receivers’ grade would be higher if the offensive line played better. Also, tight ends had little production, with Luke Benson and Aaron Hackett combining for just 12 receptions. Junior receiver Taj Harris led the Orange in receiving; the production at receiver declines sharply after Harris. Syracuse’s second-leading receiver Anthony Queeley had just 37 receptions. Babers and the offense want to play with tempo, but it needs more production from their receivers.

Offensive Line: F

If you need to know just how bad Syracuse’s offensive line was this season, Chris Elmore, a fullback and tight end by trade played guard this season. Dakota Davis was their projected starter at left guard but was hampered by a foot injury. Elmore, who had never played offensive line, was their best linemen midway through the season. That could spin one of two ways. Either Elmore is a great athlete who can quickly pick up the game, or Syracuse has done a poor job of identifying, recruiting, and developing offensive linemen.

There was a lack of depth and poor play at the position last season. Syracuse played three quarterbacks because the offensive line could not keep them healthy. If the Orange expect to compete next season, the offensive line has to get better.