By
Matthew Gutierrez Sep 9, 2020
With the start of the 2020 season looming, Syracuse has learned it will be without its presumptive one-two punch in the backfield. Running backs Abdul Adams and Jarveon Howard, plus linebacker Tyrell Richards, will sit out the season, a source told The Athletic on Tuesday, joining defensive lineman Cooper Dawson on SU’s list of opt-outs. While Dawson isn’t playing due to the coronavirus pandemic, Adams, Howard and Richards have decided not to play for other reasons.
According to a person familiar with the situation, the running backs are sitting out so they can prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft. The news came as a surprise to those in the program, given that Adams and Howard tallied only 336 and 337 rushing yards, respectively, last season. Richards, meanwhile, is opting out in protest of police brutality and systemic racism, according to a person close to the team. Per ACC policy, players who opt out maintain their year of eligibility and remain on scholarship.