Syracuse Football: Top five players to watch in 2020

3. Taj Harris

If there’s one aspect that’s notable in Dino Babers’ system, it’s that one wide receiver usually excels as much as any in the NCAA.

Amba Etta-Tawo, Steve Ishmael, and Jamal Custis all appeared near the top in virtually every NCAA receiving category. Last year, Trishton Jackson proved his worth, and now finds himself in the NFL. Now it’s Taj Harris’ time to shine.

Harris will have to replace Trishton Jackson who was Tommy DeVito’s main target last season, finishing with over 60 receptions and 1,000 yards. Sean Riley was also a main target, hauling in over 30 catches in 2019.

Now Harris, a junior, will have to take over the role of the top target in the pass-heavy Syracuse football offense. Last season, he caught 37 balls for 559 yards and two touchdowns, a very slight down-tick from his 2018 campaign. Part of that had to do with Jackson’s arrival, as he was a transfer and had to sit out the 2018 season.

Harris will look to build on his already reputable numbers and join the laundry list of Syracuse receivers who have thrived under Babers’ system. At 6-foot-2, he is an obvious threat for long ball passes and cross-field routes. He’s fast, has good hands, and hasn’t shown any problems with injury, citing his durability.

Look out for Harris to be a candidate for one of the three All-ACC teams at the end of the season. He’s that good.