Syracuse Football: 3 key players for a successful offense

Syracuse football looks to rebound after going 5-7 last year. We take a look at the potential key contributors for a successful season on offense.

In 2020 Syracuse football looks to turn the tides and return to the form they held two years ago when they finished 10-3. Last season was a disappointment with only five victories, but the Orange look to turn it around this year. One main flaw in 2019 was the lack of support for Tommy DeVito. The offensive line struggled to hold off the pass rush, and that proved too much. When looking ahead to next season, three names stick out as x-factors on the offensive side of the ball. Not only are they essential to success, but they could be at the center of attention if the team falters.

Tommy DeVito

Last season Syracuse fans finally had to say goodbye to Eric Dungey and welcome Tommy DeVito as the full-time starter. At times there were some shaky performances, and at times he shined under pressure. But this year there needs to be more consistency. A lot of the blame lies in the hands of the offensive line. Syracuse quarterbacks were sacked nearly four and a half times a game. Only Akron and Old Dominion held worse numbers in all of FBS. But when DeVito wasn’t under pressure, there was still room for improvement. With a full season plus under his belt now, he needs to take charge as the offensive leader. There is no longer the excuse of being a young quarterback in the system. Now it is time for the four-star QB to flourish.

It would be an understatement to say DeVito’s play is vital to the offense. The fact is the 2020 squad may live or die by the play of its signal-caller. One battle DeVito faces is the loss of some weapons. His leading receiver last season, Trishton Jackson, is now a Los Angeles Ram and no longer on the Hill. Also, his teammate in the backfield, Moe Neal, graduated, so it’s up to DeVito to command his new weapons.

Tommy DeVito 2019 stats:

• 2360 passing yards
• 19 touchdowns
• 63.2 completion percentage
• 5 interceptions

While the offensive line broke down on many occasions, DeVito needs to take responsibility for some of the sacks as well. On plays last season, he tended to hold onto the ball for too long, and that got him into trouble. If DeVito can work on his internal clock, then he can release the ball sooner with more success. DeVito has shown flashes of his potential and his promise for the future. While last season’s record wasn’t as expected, his stats were decent. But if Syracuse looks to return to a bowl game this season, then Tommy DeVito needs to be at the front of that charge.

Taj Harris

Last season the receiving efforts for Syracuse were very top-heavy. Trishton Jackson led the group with over 1,000 yards receiving. Number two was Taj Harris, with nearly half of the production of the team’s number one option. Now with Trishton Jackson gone, some things need to change in the Syracuse passing game.

First, Taj Harris will emerge as the number one option this season, and his production is vital. Also, I’d expect the receiving numbers of the team to reflect the 2018 season where no receiver eclipsed 1,000 yards, but two or three receivers all had solid years. If the Orange can spread the ball around, then they can alleviate the pressure of Harris becoming the number one option.

However, Harris seems to be up for the challenge. He’s started two seasons at Syracuse now, including his true freshman year. In 2018 he set Syracuse records for catches and yards by a freshman receiver. So if history says anything, then Taj Harris is ready to be Tommy DeVito’s primary target.

Taj Harris 2019 stats:

• 37 receptions
• 559 receiving yards
• 2 touchdowns

Look for Harris to be an integral piece in the 2020 Syracuse offense. His abilities to stretch the field will help counterbalance the interior run game for the Orange. In DeVito’s third season, he has already built chemistry with Harris, so look for their connection to improve even further in year three.

Matthew Bergeron

This name may not be as familiar yet for Syracuse fans, but Matthew Bergeron will be an x-factor this season. Last season it was no question that the offensive line was a weakness. While the Orange won’t get much new help when it comes to personnel, they will return its starters with an extra year now under their belt. Bergeron a true freshman last season became a starter amid some changes at the position. Even though he was new to the game and the team, he performed at a high level. And expect Bergeron to anchor the line despite only playing one season so far.

Matthew Bergeron 2019 stats:

• 425 snaps
• 20 knockdown blocks
• Freshman All-America honors

Coming out of high school, Bergeron was ranked the No. 2 Canadian prospect by ESPN and continued the Syracuse pipeline from Canada. It’s evident that Bergeron has a ton of talent and will continue to excel in his collegiate career. When we’re talking about offensive x-factors, it needs to be stated that the entire offensive line needs to protect the quarterback better this season. But Bergeron is a young player with talent who can lead this group to a better season.