Syracuse Orange: CFN College Football Preview 2021

College Football News Preview 2021: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the Syracuse season with what you need to know.

Syracuse Orange College Football Preview 2021: Top Players

Best Syracuse Orange Offensive Player

WR Taj Harris, Jr.
One of the few big playmakers for the offense over the last few years, the 6-2, 172-pounder averaged close to 14 yards per grab with 135 catches for 1,857 yards and ten touchdowns over his three seasons. He’s a true No. 1 target who hit NC State for 13 catches for 146 yards and Duke for 138 yards, but now he needs the ball even more.

2. RB Sean Tucker, Fr.
3. OT Matthew Bergeron, Soph.
4. PK Andre Szmyt, Jr.
5. WR Anthony Queeley, Soph.

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Best Syracuse Orange Defensive Player

LB Mikel Jones, Soph. 
He played last year at around 230 pounds on the weakside, but now he’s listed at 218 pounds on his 6-1 frame. The more he can do to make big things happen for a defense that needs playmakers, the better. He led the team with 68 tackles to go along with four interceptions, and going forward he should be used more as a pass rusher, too.

2. CB Garrett Williams, RFr.
3. LB Geoff Cantin-Arku, Soph.
4. DT McKinley Williams, Sr.
5. S Ja’Had Carter, Fr.

Top Incoming Syracuse Orange Transfer

QB Garrett Shrader, Soph.
The former Mississippi State Bulldog stepped in and got a little work in the 2019 season, throwing for 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns with five picks to go along with 587 rushing yards and six touchdowns. In came Mike Leach, and that was about it.

It’s hardly a guarantee that he gets the starting quarterback job at Syracuse, but at least he’ll provide a 6-4, 221-pound mobile option with SEC experience.

– What You Need To Know: Offense | Defense
Keys To The Season
What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
Syracuse Schedule Analysis

NEXT: Syracuse Orange College Football Preview 2021: Keys To The Season