Syracuse Football: Final report card for 2020 season

Overall Defensive Grade: F

It’s hard to pass a unit that only had two losses by one possession. Syracuse gave up 30 points and 250 or more passing yards in seven of ten games last year.  The Orange ranked 112th in total defense this season.

This was a unit that was often overmatched by teams more physical upfront or teams that were dynamic on the perimeter. In defense of, well the defense, this was year one of Tony Elliot and the 3-3-5 defense.

Outstanding defensive players:

• Ja’Had Carter, DB: 65 total tackles, 3 TFL, 2 INT,

Carter was one of many freshmen that saw a lot of the field this season for Syracuse. Carter had a solid first season thriving in Syracuse’s 3-3-5 hybrid defensive scheme. Carter’s was both second on the team in in tackles and second on the team in interceptions this past season.

• Mikel Jones, LB: 68 total tackles, 4 INT, 2 FR

Sophmore weak-side linebacker Mikel Jones was another young player who flashed this past season for the Orange. Though undersized (6-foot-1 and 230 pounds) for a linebacker, Jones was very good in zone coverage leading the team in interceptions and tackles this season.

Defensive line: D

Syracuse was 54th in the country in sacks and 104th in the country in run defense. The pass rush was inconsistent and defensive coordinator Tony White often had to blitz to get any pressure. With a 3-3-5 defense, linemen need to occupy space so the 8 defenders behind them can make plays. The defensive line was often overmatched and offensive linemen spent way too much time at the second level of the defense.

Linebackers: D-

The linebackers often had their hands full trying to shed blocks playing behind a marginal defensive line. This was a young group of linebackers with two sophomores and a true freshman starting this season.  All three of Syracuse’s young linebackers flashed this season. Mikel Jones led the Orange in interceptions, Geoff Cantin-Arku led the team in sacks (4) and Stefon Thompson led the team in tackles for loss (7.5).

Secondary: F

There was no group harder hit by injuries and opt outs than the secondary. Its two best players, Trill Williams and Andre Cisco both sustained injuries and Williams decided to opt out of the rest of the season. Williams decided to shut it down after nagging ankle and hamstring issues.   Cisco, on the other hand, sustained an ACL injury. The only experienced defensive back Syracuse had was Ifeatu Melifonwu. The Orange played five freshman in the secondary this season.

Special Teams: C

The special teams were solid with kicker Andre Szmyt making all of his extra points and 81 percent of field goals. Nolan Cooney was one of the better punters in the ACC averaging 44.8 yards per punt. Returner Nykeim Johnson led the Orange in both kick and punt return yards.