Syracuse Football: My pick 6 players to make an impact in 2021

We’re taking a look at a half-dozen Syracuse football players positioned to do great things in the 2021 campaign.

Recently I wrote a post of 12 reasons why I think the Syracuse football team could go undefeated this season and in the article, I missed a few things and a few names of importance. Instead of going back and editing it later after sharing it and realizing my omissions, I decided to instead make a special post for a few players not listed that I think individually, if healthy, can and likely will make a huge impact on returning the Syracuse football program back to its winning ways.

Below are 6 names I think other than Tommy Devito, Sean Tucker (who is getting his own post soon) and Josh Black (whom I did name in it) will be big-time players next season. Obviously for this team to be successful, there will need to be many players who step up and this is not undermining the value of anyone.

It is possible depending on how closely you follow the team that maybe at least some of these names are familiar or even obvious but not everyone is the same and I will explain my point well enough to support them I hope. This is simply my opinion on who I think could definitely make an impact including one main one (the first one) that I can’t believe I left out of my original post.

• Taj Harris- WR

Yes I know I can’t believe that in my initial post about why this team could go undefeated that I left off one of its best weapons and a guy who could set records for WR if he has a great season. I have to think that Devito being familiar with Taj will help at times especially in a jam. And Taj himself tweeted, “imma light up the ACC this season” and I believe him. And Coach Dino Babers has so much confidence in him and his leadership that Taj was one of the players selected to represent the Orange at the ACC Kickoff. Taj was also just recently named to the 2021 Biletnikoff Award Watch List and I would not be shocked to see him win it this season or maybe even next season if he decides to use his extra season of eligibility.

• Airon Servais- OL

Airon was also selected (along with Josh Black) to represent the Orange at the ACC Kickoff event. He is a team leader in an area many, including myself, believe is crucial for this team to be successful. The guy is a leader not just on the team but on the offensive line that if healthy, I think will be a huge part of the success. Injuries last season played a role in the team’s struggles along with the NCAA denying Chris Bleich a waiver to play, especially in a season where everyone practically got a free season of eligibility due to COVID-19. Airon stated at the ACC Kickoff event that he is returning to get his master’s degree (he is a past All-ACC Academic Team honoree and AD Honor Roll selection as well) and also to rectify the bad taste left in his mouth from last season. In order for Taj to be successful as stated above, the line will need to give the QB time to throw as well as help maintain a good running game so that this team can have multiple threats.

• Chris Elmore- FB

As I write this, my soon-to-be 14-year-old son and SU fan asked why I would want to write about a fullback? Chris Elmore is more than “just a fullback” though and is also an experienced player using that extra season of eligibility to get this team back on the winning track. Chris has even played his share of offensive line due to the injuries that plagued them last season. If I am one of the top-notch RBs in the Syracuse backfield this season, I would love to have Chris in front of me ala Moose Johnston helping to clear out more paths to the end zone. Or maybe even occasionally see him carrying it on a goal-line stance or 3rd and inches kind of play. Fun fact: Chris Elmore has returned 3 kickoffs in his career for a total of 44 YARDS! 

• Kingsley Jonathan- DL

Sometimes when it comes to the DL position, I am blinded by the light…the Black light that is and Josh Black, who along with Sean Tucker, are my favorites on this team. As a fan, I think I have that right but the one problem is that it often means I focus so much on him that I forget a player like Kingsley Jonathan who also deserves my respect, love and fandom. He is a 5th-year defensive lineman who has won multiple awards and been on watch lists who worked his way into more playing time as his career at Syracuse has gone along. I am genuinely excited to see him and Josh lining up to pressure the QB and stop the run as the season progresses and maybe show the NFL why they are names that scouts and executives for NFL teams should remember for next year’s Draft. Fun fact: born in Nigeria, his name actually is Chukwuemeka Kingsley Jonathan, which I think could be interesting to hear by a broadcast team when he makes a play.

• Luke Benson- TE

This one is for you Brent Axe and others who are frustrated at the lack of usage of the tight end position since Coach Babers took over. Just my opinion here and I think this season they will utilize that position more to open up the field and give the quarterback more options and I think the top name in that category is Luke Benson. At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Luke is a former HS track star with good speed and can get open as well as block and even make plays on special teams if necessary. In order for Taj to get open, and other wide receivers as well, I think it would help to take advantage of Luke’s attributes. Just a guess but I think the staff could surprise people thinking they won’t use them effectively by actually doing this, leaving room for Luke to make some big plays.

• Eric Coley- DB

And last but not least, we need to talk about the secondary for Syracuse next season. As most SU fans know, this team lost THREE quality players to the NFL after last season so others will have to step up. Also last season, DB Eric Coley suffered a season-ending injury in the first game at UNC so that did not help the depth but I think if healthy, his leadership will help guide a young core of players to success and I think he and Garrett Williams will be the two they lean on the most to make plays. Eric is also a local product who came to SU from F-M High School. Eric is the stepson of DL coach Vinson Reynolds but has earned his way on to the team with his play on the field.