Kingsley Jonathan and Ifeatu Melifonwu Press Conference | Aug 20

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Melifonwu up first. He's asked about All-American S Andre Cisco's leadership and growth. "He has that influence and obviously younger guys are going to look up to him." As far as the secondary goes, communication there is key and the unit being friends helps with that.

Melifonwu says the 3-3-5 "allows us to paly, use our athleticism and put more guys on the field." Reiterates guys can play freely and "care free." When mistakes are made, they're done so at full speed.

Melifonwu believes the D has had enough time to learn the system. Said "guys pretty much know it now."

Melifonwu said the team hasn't discussed the video of students congregating on the quad. He said the situation was "inevitable." "I didn't expect it to happen this early, but I expected it to happen sooner or later."

Melifonwu is asked about UNC's issues: "We haven't really talked about that as a team. I feel like North Carolina, they probably did the best thing in that situation to kind of shut it down and do surveillance."

Melifonwu said playing home games without fans would be "weird." Thinks it'll feel more like a scrimmage than a game, and the Syracuse D will miss fans most on third downs.

Melifonwu is asked about the revised NCAA recommendations re eligibility: "I think that might factor in for some guys' decisions, but it really depends what their decision was for opting out." Notes this isn't relevant for opt-out candidates who have health concerns.

Melifonwu said he hasn't really considered the recommendations for his own situation. Said being on campus six years is a long time. He also doesn't have a feel for how many SU players would change their opt in/out decision based on the recommendations.

Melifonwu said he's under the same impression as Airon Servais -- that the ACC is going to up its mandatory in-season testing to three times per week. That has not been announced publicly.

Melfionwu said HC Dino Babers and his staff told the team about the ACC upping its testing. Again: no announcement has been made on that and no confirmation was given when I reached out to an ACC spokesperson yesterday.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Kingsley Jonathan on now. Asked about the campus gathering on the quad last night. "As a team, we're not happy to see it." Said team plans to take as many online classes as possible to limit in-person interactions.

Jonathan said "the guys love the defense" when asked about Tony White's 3-3-5.

Jonathan said the team has "adjusted well" given the time it's had with new coordinators. Approach regarding Covid-19 is "taking it one day at a time" and staying ready for whatever might happen.

Jonathan said he hasn't had time to consider the NCAA's revised eligibility recommendations. Said coming back next year is a decision he would make after this one, implying that he intends to take the field this fall if there is a season.

Jonathan said he didn't consider opting out. Syracuse has "been taking care of us and giving us the opportunity to be safe while we're here."

Asked Jonathan about how playing during the pandemic may affect amateurism and player compensation. He highlighted the NCAA's eligibility and safety recommendations as means of taking care of players. Noted it's hard to zoom out and think about that w/ everything going on.

Jonathan echoes Melifonwu in saying they have "faith" that other programs are taking the proper measures to best ensure safety during the pandemic.

 

[PhatOrange]

Jonathan said "the guys love the defense" when asked about Tony White's 3-3-5

 

[LeMoyneCuse]

If majors are any indication, Jonathan and Iffy are two of the smartest guys on the team. Glad they're getting a chance to be interviewed.

 

[orangepassion]

Iffy looks much stronger to me.

 

[bigmike]

Seem like fine young men. Thoughtful, intelligent and polite. Much credit to their family and the coaching staff.