Syracuse Football: 30 things you need to know ahead of the 2019 season
25. Syracuse will have multiple All-Americans
I mean this should be obvious, right? Not only did Andre Szmyt and Andre Cisco both make All-American teams in 2018 – they were both first-year players. Thus, it would only make sense if they repeated, plus the fact that guys like Alton Robinson and Kendall Coleman are returning after 10 sack seasons. Yes, the ‘Cuse will be well represented in offseason awards.
24. Syracuse will have at least one National Award Winner
Okay, there is an easy option here. Kicker Andre Szmyt was the top kicker in college football a season ago, so he should be a favorite to repeat. But why stop there? Multiple Orange players are on award list watches, such as Szmyt himself, Sean Riley (WR), Sterling Hofrichter (P), Andre Cisco (S), and Alton Robinson (DL). Don’t be surprised if at least one, if not multiple, of these guys, take home awards at the end of the season.
23. This team will thrive off turnovers yet again
There’s been talk that the Orange won’t be able to put up the same margin of turnover numbers as they did a season ago. One word – balderdash. This team brings back not only it’s top turnover creator from a year ago in Andre Cisco, but also a veteran corner in Scoop Bradshaw, among others. Not only this but with two defensive linemen who garnered 10 sacks in 2018, this squad has assets all over the defensive side of the field, making it tough for any offense to have a clean sheet.
22. Syracuse will force 15 + interceptions
Staying with the turnover talking point, I see an Orange team that is hungry for picks. In 2018, the Orange forced 18 interceptions alone, and I have reason to believe that 15 and up is not out of reach again. For starters, the Orange bring back Alton Robinson and Kendall Coleman – two experienced defensive linemen who will pressure opposing quarterbacks into rushing their throws. On top of that, Andre Cisco and Trill Williams combined for nine picks a season ago, and they were still only freshmen. The Orange bring back their entire secondary, which means that this team is built for interceptions.
21. Alton Robinson and Kendall Coleman will combine for 25 + sacks
If you didn’t get the gist already, Robinson and Coleman are two experienced defensive linemen who already have proven to be guys that can create pressure and force sacks on opposing teams’ quarterbacks. Last season, the two each came away with 10 sacks, and with the NFL Draft in the back of both of these young men’s minds, I would not be surprised if they combine for 25 or more sacks, one way or another. They have the physicality, strength, and willpower to do so, so it’ll be a game of show and tell from here on out.