Syracuse Football 2020 Positional Preview: Running backs

Jarveon Howard

Syracuse must have multiple threats out of the backfield to keep defenses on their toes. A few years ago, that was easy because Eric Dungey had incredible running capabilities. But Tommy DeVito does not possess those same abilities. So it’s imperative a second running back provides a complement to Abdul Adams.

Jarveon Howard is the guy behind Adams. In fact, he could have an even more significant impact than Adams in 2020.

So far, Howard has been consistently used in goal-line scenarios. The 5-foot-10, nearly 215 pound back, is a strong presence that can bowl his ways through opponents. Not only can he line up in close yard sets but also has speed from the shotgun.

Some of Howard’s highlights so far include dives through the middle from a shotgun set. This variety in his game provides an excellent complement to what Adams will be doing primarily. Let’s look at Howard’s first two seasons with the Orange.

Jarveon Howard career stats:

• 652 rushing yards
• 4.5 yards per carry
• 10 rushing touchdowns

Throughout his two years on the hill, Howard has been used heavily in the red zone and been used sparingly anywhere else on the field. But Dino Babers needs to realize the potential Howard possesses.

Babers needs to allow him to be a larger part of the team. Syracuse needed Howard, and he filled the role. But this season, he needs to take a more prominent role in the offense and he will thrive and excel to heights never thought of before.

Just like Adams, Howard’s downside is his inability to be a receiver from the backfield. He is purely a runner but has enough skill to get by being one dimensional in that aspect. However, Howard is anything but one dimensional.

Howard has a great downhill running ability and can make people miss. He doesn’t try to go east and west to make people miss, but instead, he runs straight through defenders. This fearless quality, paired with his talent, will be imperative for the Orange next season.