Syracuse Football: Preseason award watch list of players to watch

We take a look at various Syracuse football players on preseason watch lists.

I could file this under the hashtag I started recently #TheDisrespectIsReal because to hear so many people say this Syracuse football team lacks talent and will be lucky to win 3-4 games is a bit disrespectful at least.

I’d kindly reply that having these names on watch lists is an example that this team does have talent. I know these watch lists feature several names but I think it’s fair to say that if they didn’t deserve it, they wouldn’t just pick a name at random and list them. Below is the list of players and the awards they are preseason watch list recipients of:

Sean Tucker – Doak Walker

Taj Harris – Biletnikoff 

Mikel Jones – Butkus

Andre Szmyt – Lou Groza

 Kingsley Jonathan – Wuerffel Trophy Watch List

Three of the five I’ve written about already so I think I’ll save us all the time and tell you that if you want to read why I think Sean Tucker would be a great 44, click here. If you would like to see Kingsley Jonathan and Taj Harris in my Pick 6 players I think make a big impact this season, click here (you can also read about my Taj Harris Redemption post here as well).

So instead below, I’ll address the other two gentlemen with honors bestowed upon them and wrap it up with more thoughts about why this is a big deal and adds excitement to the season and program.

Mikel Jones is a 2020 honorable mention ALL-ACC talented linebacker who will lead a core filled with hunger and desire to prove this group is ready to make plays. Mikel was definitely a bright spot on a struggling team last season and with any luck will continue that momentum going into the 2021 season.

This is a guy who had an INT, a fumble recovery and five tackles against Pitt and oh by the way, he tied a team-high and career-high with 13 tackles along with one interception against Duke last season. And yet anonymous head coaches think this roster lacks “the talent of other teams.” Mikel Jones is on a trajectory to the NFL if he keeps this up and I wonder how he feels seeing quotes like that or when people pick SU to barely win three games off one awful season.

And the tradition of Punter/Kicker U continues with 2-time ALL-ACC placekicker and favorite name for puns as well at times, Andre Szmyt (Szmyt Happens). With memories of Gary Anderson dancing in my head, this old-time Orange fan is excited when Szmyt does happen to get his number called because the guy was 9-of-11 last season and only missed one extra point (and if you question that “gimme” as some call it, I hope you’re perfect at your job and I’d love to see you line up and be perfect EVERY time).

He will continue to rise up SU record lists as the season goes on and I’m looking forward to seeing him kick those FGs in that awesome newly renovated Dome with the replay being played on the HUGE scoreboard.

Congratulations to all five men…you all worked hard to earn these acknowledgments and I have no doubt will play well enough to be in contention for the awards at the close of the season. Orange fans everywhere are excited to start rooting for you all to win.

You’ve got Harris and Tucker as huge potential playmakers on the offensive side of the ball and Jones and Jonathan both ready to bring the heat on defense along with Szmyt’s happening and Cuse winning games. I’d say these five guys alone make me excited for the season and there are still many talented players not listed whom I bet people will know their names by the end of the season.

I keep hearing from people that this team has to earn respect to get it because of one awful season and I truly believe this team will put respect back on the name of Syracuse Football.

LET’S GO ORANGE!!!!