Syracuse Football: Why I’ll be #pl34sed when Sean Tucker wins Heisman

As we covered here previously, the Syracuse Athletic department launched a campaign they’re referring to as #pl34sed for Syracuse football star running back Sean Tucker. The purpose of the hashtag is to launch a campaign on behalf of Tucker as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

This combines Tucker’s social media posts about whether or not he was “pleased with his performance” after games along with the desire to get fans and media talking about the possibility.

Recently I was listening to On The Block with Brent Axe where he discussed the issue utilizing a clip from a Locked On ACC audio clip minimizing the possibility and then later Brent wrote about it on Syracuse.com.

Brent stated he didn’t think based on past behavior that Tucker was going to win. I respect Brent’s view (though maybe not so much the Locked On ACC commentary) and Brent himself but what if I told you that I don’t think it’s impossible…in fact I think it’s entirely possible Sean Tucker will at least be invited to the Heisman ceremony in NYC. Let me explain why.

I think that Syracuse football running back Sean Tucker has a legit chance to win the 2022 Heisman Trophy.

First, let’s start off with a little trivia. Did you know there is only one player in Heisman history to win one while on a losing team? That player was Notre Dame QB Paul Hornung in 1956. Did you know (you probably do) that 4 years later a Syracuse Orange won the award? Ernie Davis became the first Syracuse football player as well as the first African-American to win the award. Did you know in 1987 Notre Dame’s Tim Brown beat out Syracuse football star Don McPherson for the award?

I say all that to preface that if somehow this year’s team struggles, there is a precedent to award Tucker should he have a phenomenal season again. I also say all that to help understand that it’s not like anyone from Syracuse is unlikely to ever win.

Now briefly I’ll share some bullet points and explain what I think will help Tucker at least be in the conversation and possibly strike the Heisman pose.

– Last season, Sean Tucker set records at the ‘Cuse and at times even led the nation in rushing stats. Syracuse football head coach Dino Babers said recently at the ACC football media event that Tucker looks even better this season. He spent the offseason working with the track team and was impressive there as well.
– “The Rhino” Chris Elmore, if healthy, will provide some pivotal blocking along with the experienced offensive line. Add in the rushing threat of QB Garrett Shrader and transfer RB Juwan Price along with new offensive coaches, and teams will have to game plan for more than just Tucker and sharing the workload could help avoid more hits/risk of injury.
– I truly believe this 2022 Syracuse football team can be and will be a bowl team, possibly winning at least 7-9 games based on returning experienced skill players and Coach Babers hiring coaches in areas of need with a track record of success.
– The #pl34sed movement will help keep his name in voters’ minds who may not always watch the Orange but will know his name and at least consider it. Last season even without it, he caught the attention of former NFL players and hopefully that only grows in 2022.
– What if Sean Tucker is having a phenomenal season and for one game only (perhaps Senior Night against FSU in their final home game of the season), Syracuse football gave him the 44 jersey and made a big production out of it? This is obviously dependent on Tucker’s desire to do it as well but I think the honor of wearing it for one game as well as the publicity you’d get, might put a bigger spotlight on him and give him an added boost of attention…maybe even invite those still alive who wore the number as well as family members of deceased past players who wore it.
– Sean Tucker is a VERY determined and talented young man. When he got a chance due to others sitting out during Covid, Tucker took advantage of it and built a reputation with fans of all kinds and teammates as well. As mentioned above, instead of resting on his laurels, the young man joined the track team to improve his game and his possible draft stock/future. One of my biggest reasons not to doubt his chances isn’t just that I’m a SU fan, but I also love and respect his work ethic and I’d bet on him to be successful at anything he puts his mind to.