Syracuse Football: Orange fans should support Andre Cisco decision

Syracuse football junior safety Andre Cisco plans to enter the 2021 NFL Draft, and why some Orange fans would trash him for this is simply ridiculous.

We’re all entitled to our opinions, and I respect all Syracuse football fans out there even when we agree to disagree, however, it’s appalling to me that even one Orange fan would hate on the decision by star junior safety Andre Cisco to enter the 2021 NFL Draft.

Cisco, a pre-season All-American candidate heading into the 2020 campaign, suffered a lower-body injury when he collided with a ‘Cuse teammate prior to the team’s contest on Sept. 26 versus Georgia Tech inside the Carrier Dome, according to media reports.

Earlier this week, Syracuse football head coach Dino Babers confirmed that Cisco would miss the rest of the fall term. The Orange currently sits at 1-3 after losing to previously winless Duke last weekend on the Hill, and the ‘Cuse will host non-conference foe Liberty this coming Saturday afternoon.

Word came on Tuesday night via Cisco’s Twitter page that he would pass up on his remaining collegiate eligibility and enter into the 2021 NFL Draft.

I saw a lot of positive comments from Orange fans on social media following this announcement, but unfortunately, some ‘Cuse fans voiced their displeasure with Cisco’s decision.

Certainly, if a Syracuse football fan wants Cisco to return to Central New York for another season, because he’s an electric player and can help a struggling Orange group win games, I get that.

But, frankly, there’s nothing left for Cisco on the Hill. He’s best served by rehabbing his injury, preparing for the next draft and moving forward with his professional career.

It’s unclear whether he could improve his draft stock by coming back to the ‘Cuse for another stanza. From my perspective, there isn’t a ton of upside for him to return to the Orange.

Syracuse football junior safety Andre Cisco will enter the 2021 NFL Draft, and it’s absolutely a logical move on his part.

Cisco’s 13 career interceptions, which are presently the most in the FBS, tie him for fourth place in ‘Cuse program history, per Nate Mink of Syracuse.com.

He became a third-team All-American as a true freshman in 2018, when Cisco tied for the lead across the country with seven interceptions.

Recently, we’ve written a handful of stories where experts have discussed Cisco’s NFL Draft prospects. He’s gotten slotted in the first or second round of numerous mock drafts, although how Cisco’s injury could shift analysts’ view of him is something that we’ll continue to monitor.

In any event, I’m wishing Cisco nothing but good health and success at the pro level, and I hope that all Orange fans are thankful for the tremendous accomplishments that he’s attained during his tenure with Syracuse football.