SWC75
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Defensive Line
Seniors: Josh Black 6-3-290 (up from 282), Kingsley Jonathan 6-4 260 (was 6-3 264), Cody Roscoe 6-1 275 (was 258), Erik Slater 6-2 230, McKinley Williams 6-4 285 (was 291)
Juniors: Curtis Harper 6-2 285 (was 296), Caleb Okechukwu 6-4 265 (was 257)
Sophomores: none
Freshmen: Patrick Alberga 6-3 250, Kevon Darton 5-11 295 (was 281), Elijah Fuentes-Cundiff 6-4 275, Jatius Greer 6-6 255, Latarie Kinsler 6-3 230 (was 6-2 213), Steve Linton 6-5 225, (was a 224lb linebacker), Terry Lockett 6-3 265, Derek McDonald 6-4 230, Joe Rondi 6-4 260, (was 272); Chase Simmons 6-4 255, Elijah Wright 6-3 260, (was 256)
Gone:
Cooper Dawson transferred to Charleston Southern
Chris Elmore is back to his old role of a lead blocker from the Fb and TE positions.
Zach Morton transferred to Akron
Kevin Lemieux transferred to Endicott College
Leon Lowery is now with the linebackers, (they traded him for Steve Linton)
Jason Muñoz transferred but I don’t know where to.
Drew Tuazama recently left the team
In any sport, big men are available but really good big men are rare and tend to go to the most powerful schools. Even Syracuse’s basketball program, which has a distinguished history, has a hard time getting good big men, as we’ve seen. Most of them go to Duke or Kentucky or Kansas. Syracuse’s football program has the same problem. We will occasionally get a Justin Pugh or an Alton Robinson to come here. Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State or Notre Dame will have a whole line full of players like that and guys just as good backing them up. There are plenty of linebacker-sized talents and even more defensive backs so we do Ok there, but we don’t measure up along the line of scrimmage. I think that’s why Dino Baber brought in a defensive coordinator familiar with the 3-3-5 defense, (which is sometimes 3-4-4) last year. It’s less dependent on having a dominant line and more about getting as many “hats in the picture” as possible, (Scott Shafer used to use pictures of the end of plays and count the Orange helmets). In the old 4-3-4 set up, the tackles would tie up blockers so that the ends, (like Robinson and Kendall Coleman), and the linebackers, (like Zaire Franklin and Parris Bennett) can make the plays. Now all three linemen do the same thing so the linebackers and defensive backs can do their same thing.
Thanks to the extra year of eligibility, we will have as veteran a defesnive line as anyone. Black, Williams and Jonathan have started 75 games between them. But, as with the offensive line, a lot of recruiting has been done here lately and the D-line, despite having 3 positions rather than 5, has almost the same number of players available as the O-line: 18, although several of them could also see time at linebacker. Beyond the projected starters and Roscoe, Harper and Okechukwu, who is ready for the pounding the three up front positions will take? We have a decent two deep but there will be injuries and then we’ll find out what we have beyond that. Lindy’s: ”The front three returns its trio of starters…but the underbelly of the room is developing.“
Black is an “internet sensation” with his videos showing his athletic ability:
insidetheloudhouse.com
That back flip is doubly amazing because of Josh’s size and his early history here of injuries, including a knee. "I'm stronger than I've ever been and I can still move. Football players who can still move after all their injuries are at a premium.“ He was 250 pounds when he came here and is now up to 290. A couple of years ago, when he was 270, I saw this video and was amazed by his upper body development but wondered if his lower body had yet to catch up:
(go to 4:28).
Maybe now it has. He’s played both end and tackle in the 4-3-4 and 3-3-5 and has the best combination of quickness and strength on the team. “In 48 games (36 starts) over five seasons, has 120 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, an interception and two blocked kicks.” (Cuse.com) “Has a nose for the football and is solid against the run.” (Newsbreak) “Black’s been a fixture within this Syracuse defense for a very long time, and now gets one last go-around mostly playing defensive end for the Orange. Despite some struggles for the line overall last year, he was still reasonably effective with four TFLs (two sacks) while being one of the glue guys keeping this team together amid a difficult season. If Syracuse’s run defense shows marked improvement in 2021, he’s at least part of that solution…. A December rumor had Black heading to Indiana to join his brother who is a graduate assistant with the Hoosiers. This is how Josh responded when he announced he was coming back for his sixth year with Syracuse: “It is my duty to lead and get Syracuse back on track. I wouldn’t trade this team for the world, and we will be better. Thanks for all the endless support. I’m Orange for life.”” (Nunes) Steele: #187, 247: #70
In 2018 we had two excellent ends, Alton Robinson and Kendall Coleman who, working out of the 4-3, each totalled 10 sacks. They came back for 2019 but had only 8.5 sacks between them. The problem was that the two tackles, Chris Slayton and McKinley “Bear” Williams were not in between, devouring blockers so Robinson and Coleman could run free. Slayton had graduated and Williams had an injured foot and only able to return, in a limited capacity, late in the season. He was back last year but we had no Robinson or Coleman to take advantage of his presence. Like Black, he’s back for another year due to the Covid decision to wipe the taste of a 1-10 out of everyone’s mouth and to prove to the NFL that he can play this game. Williams was good enough as a true freshman to pass the larger and more senior Kayton Samuels on the depth chart and force him to transfer. He’s also very athletic, (can do a back handspring). “In 50 games (26 starts) over five seasons, has 99 tackles (61 solo), including 18 for a loss, 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery ... 29 multi-tackle games.” (Cuse.com) “Bear was asked to move to the nose tackle position in the newly adopted 3-3-5 Syracuse Orange defense, and he stepped up to the plate; Starting all 11 games, Williams racked up 35 tackles, 8 for a loss, and 1 sack. The Redshirt Senior did exactly what was asked of him, which was to take up as much space as possible in the middle of line and allow for the edge rushers and linebackers to reach the backfield.” (Nunes) He was the #5 ACC lineman against the run last year. His number is ‘0’ and that’s what you’ll get when you run at the ‘Bear’. Steele: #355, (believe it or not), 247 #107
Update: Williams, according to Coach Babers is sick and “We don’t know when the Good Lord will make him well”. But from the way he said it, it’s not that scary: he expects Williams back for the opening game vs. Ohio, “full speed”. Further Update: On 8/24, babers said that it’s up to the doctors if Dakota Davis on the O-line and bear Williams on the D-line can play. When they say they can, they will. The thing is: Davis was injured. Williams was sick: What’s he got?
Kingsley Jonathan, (he’s in his 5th year here but that won’t prevent some pundit from calling him “Jonathan Kingsley”), is the third member of the “Unfinished Business Crew“ along our defensive front. That’s the name the guys who returned for that extra year gave themselves. You think you want to win this year? Meet them. Kendall Coleman: "If he wants to move you, he'll move you." Still, he’s a speed rusher by trade and not as big as Black or Williams. “Has tallied 81 tackles (50 solo), 16.0 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 44 games.” He’s the model of a student-athlete: “2020 Jim Tatum Award Winner as the ACC's top senior football student-athlete…In his second year of a two-year term as one of the ACC’s three representatives with voting power on proposed NCAA rule changes under the Division I autonomy process.” (Cuse.com). “ No, the 3-3-5 doesn’t necessarily put a premium on pass-rushing from the line, but Jonathan would be the most likely source of that should it arrive. He had 5.5 TFLs (three sacks) last year and has consistently been one of SU’s most athletic edge rushers over the course of his career. Personally, I’m intrigued by what he can do following a full offseason adjusting to the new scheme.” (Nunes) He graded out as the ACC’s third best edge defender last year. He was nursing an injury in the spring but hopefully is OK now. Steele: #209, 247: #40
Just as those are the clear starters, Roscoe, Harper and Okechukwu are the most experienced back-ups.
Roscoe was a grad transfer from McNeese State, (no he didn’t play in the 1979 Independence Bowl against Frank Maloney’s team), who gets to hang around here for another year under the Covid rule. He was a bit under-sized last year at 6-1 258 but he’s added on 17 pounds for this year. He played big last year, making a lot of plays and getting his name mentioned on TV. “Played in all-11 games making 20 tackles and tying for third on the team with six tackles for loss. Also had a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.” (Cuse.com) Nunes: “In year one at Syracuse, Roscoe managed to establish himself as a disruptive force up front with six TFLs, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. And like most of the players in this defense, it’ll be interesting to see what happens with an offseason under his belt and more time to process the scheme. One thing that seemed to work well last year was the rotation on the defensive line, though, and Roscoe’s addition was a major part of that….Since the line’s the same as it was last season, we’ll probably see Cody plug in pretty similarly. He’ll play end and serve a crucial role in run-stopping that would really take some onus off the linebackers. With a better group overall on defense, we could see his numbers jump up in his final college season.” Steele: mothing, 247: #129
Harper brings more size, although he’s lost 11 pounds from the 296 he was last year. “Stout inside player who has seen increasing time at defensive line - predominantly nose tackle - as his career has gone on ... In 23 games over the last three seasons, has 28 tackles (16 solo), 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.” (Cuse.com) Nunes: “Harper’s opportunities to contribute have increased over time, but he still hasn’t gotten a ton of chances to play consistently. It’s going to be tough for him to break through a ton, but he’s managed 3.5 tackles for loss over the last couple years despite limited snaps. There’s talent here to develop still… With Bear back for an additional season, there isn’t much reason to expect Harper to start over him. In the same vein, there isn’t much reason to suspect that any other player on the roster right now has taken over Harper’s position as the backup interior defensive lineman. Expect Harper to continue to rotate in when Bear needs a break on the D-Line.” Steele: #179, 247: #109
Okechukwu is a “fourth year defensive lineman, who has appeared in 12 games - including all-11 in 2020 - and has 14 tackles, one TFL and one sack.” (Cuse.com) “With the returns of Josh Black, McKinley Williams, and Kingsley Jonathan (plus Cody Roscoe), there isn’t a ton of space to be part of the starting group. That said, depth at defensive line is probably the weakest spot on this roster, so Okechukwu will feature in the rotation. There’s a very good chance he appears in all 12 games, and should one of the ends get injured, Okechukwu would be in line to step up as starter. You can see Okechukwu in a Twitter video coach Vince Reynolds put out earlier this offseason demonstrating basic drills for defensive lineman.” (I was unable to find it.) Steele: #172, 247: #76
Beyond them are a group of players with lineman size or close to it. It may be hard for them to impact the two-deep but some are interesting prospect for the future. Note that we have no sophomore linemen so those listed as freshman will be taking over in another year or two.
Alberga was a preferred walk-on who redshirted last year. Nunes: “He was a PWO coming out of high school, which says a lot from a Class C school like Saranac Lake… Alberga’s a walk-on, so his chances will be limited at best here, especially early on. He didn’t appear last season, so while special teams could be a stretch goal, it’s more likely he redshirts this year at least.” Steele and 247: nothing
Darton played in 6 games last year. He was a PWO, (preferred walk-on) Nunes: “Darton isn’t on the two-deep at present, with the return of Bear Williams and Curtis Harper, but could challenge for that backup spot as the season progresses. The way the line is rotated, he’ll probably get a few looks in there this season.”. (Nunes) He also went back to his old position, fullback, in some “heavy packages”. Steele and 247: nothing
Fuentes-Cundiff is a 3-star true freshman. Cuse.com: “Rated as a top-five prospect in New York State according to 247 Sports … Three-star prospect by Rivals … 10 sacks and 14 TFLs in his career at Cardinal Hayes “. Nunes: “Given the number of returning players on the line for the Syracuse Orange, it would make some sense to see Fuentes-Cundiff redshirt this season before competing for a spot on the two-deep in 2022. With the top four defensive linemen all graduating, there will be a lot of questions around who takes their place. Fuentes-Cundiff has the size to contribute right away (6-foot-3, 270 pounds, but without the advantage of getting on campus early. There’s plenty of upside here, but like a lot of the younger guys this year, redshirts and/or special teams work may be all that’s available in 2021.” Steele #211, 247 #196.
Geer may be the best of the true freshman. Nunes: “Geer’s new but also 6-foot-6. Combined with his 255 pounds, he already has the size to be able to contribute on the line if there’s room on this year’s depth chart. There may not be, admittedly. But the more he can see the field and gain some valuable experience in 2021, the more likely it is he’s a key contributor after this year.” SI: “Geer is a freak athlete and could be productive in pass rushing situations.” Steele #155, 247 #122
Lockett is the biggest of the freshmen at 265. Cuse.com: “Rated as the No. 3 prospect in Massachusetts by Rivals … 156 tackles, 11 sacks, 34.5 TFLs, four interceptions and a pair of blocked field goals in his career for Springfield Central High School despite not playing a senior season.” Nunes: “Lockett already being on campus is a good sign for his progress up the depth chart. He even appeared in a couple of plays in Syracuse’s spring ball scrimmage. While no new defensive linemen have an above 50-percent chance of jumping the super seniors on the current line, Lockett could easily play himself onto the two-deep.” Steele #179, 247 #134
Rondi is a 3-star who redshirted in 2019 and was injured all last year, so hasn’t played a game yet. Nunes: “Syracuse bringing back their starting defensive line is going to make it difficult for Rondi to see significant time, but if healthy he can provide depth and contribute on special teams before a bigger role in 2022. Having just one tackle spot makes it difficult to break through, but special teams could potentially offer some avenues for him to see the field in the meantime.” Steele nothing, 247 95
Simmons is a 3-star true freshman from South Carolina. Cuse.com: “48 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks as a senior”. Nunes: “Simmons has decent size and speed coming off the edge, and that’s helped by his current weight of 240 pounds. To play defensive end for SU, he probably needs to add a few pounds, but he does present some interesting possibilities after a couple years in the program. Most interestingly, he has long arms and good hands that can be a disruptive force in this scheme. Size-wise, Simmons isn’t too far behind Geer and has the high school production to excite fans, with 13 TFLs and nine sacks at North Myrtle Beach High School. Similar to Geer, he’ll run into the same depth chart issues early on. Syracuse could use the redshirt rules to their advantage here, even if just on special teams duty.” Steele #334 247: #224
Wright is a local kid from Solvay, a PWO, (all of our walk-ons seem to be ‘preferred’). Cuse/com: “As a senior, tallied 46 tackles, 11 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and two interceptions” Nunes: “He likely won’t see time this year, but could pop onto the special teams charts at some point this season. Wright could take a bit of development to work into a first teamer, but he does have some size and frame to add depth after Bear leaves next season.” Steele and 247: nothing
The others are more the size of linebackers. They may grow into defensive linemen but I suspect they might be used more as linebackers at this point. The distinctions between linemen and linebacker and between linebackers and defensive backs are a little fuzzy in the 3-3-5.
Slater is a senior transfer from Lehigh for whom CUSE.com has no bio and Nunes seems not to have heard of him. His Lehigh bio says he played in 28 games for them, started in 13 and “Started all three games at outside linebacker… had at least two tackles in each game… registered tackles for loss in each of Lehigh’s first two games.” They only played three last year. He player the “Hawk” position, which I assume is a roving linebacker. At 6-2 230 he’d be a good-sized linebacker but too small for a 3-3-5 down lineman. Steele and 247: nothing
Kinsler is about the same size as Slater but he was a much more highly regarded recruit – as a 213 pounder. SI: “Kinsler signed with Syracuse as part of the 2020 recruited class as one of its highest ranked players. He did not see action last season but could this year. Kinsler is extremely athletic, quick off the edge and has a knack for getting to the quarterback. Adding weight has been key, but now he needs to make the rotation and gaining experience.“ Steele #68 247: #30
Linton was a linebacker last year and could be again this year but he’s listed as a defensive lineman. Cuse.com: “ Appeared in eight games with one start at linebacker … Made 15 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries and recovered a fumble on the year.” Nunes: “Linton made the switch from defensive end to linebacker for the Syracuse Orange, and spent 2020 in the linebacker rotation that was expanded due to injuries. He finished the season with one start, 15 total tackles, and a fumble recovery. 2021 projections: Linton is going to remain a part of the linebacker rotation that is still a bit thin as the Lee Kpogba situation resolves itself. Linton will be considered for the two deep, and should appear on special teams as well.” Kpogba left, so that sounds like Linton will be a linebacker again. SI: “Steve Linton: Linton spent the 2020 season at linebacker, where he proved to be a skilled pass rusher. He transitions to defensive end this season and should see the field to take advantage of his skill set.” His high school coach: “He has the ability to do either, but obviously if he’s going to consistently put his hand on the ground then he’s got to put on some mass. ... I think everybody’s in agreement that if you give this kid one year, you’ll see him at 245 (pounds).” Steele #258 247: #60
McDonald is a 3-star for Atlanta who as a senior “had 70 tackles, 22 TFLs, five sacks and four forced fumbles in his senior season”. (Cuse.com) Nunes: “McDonald’s on the lighter side for a defensive end and the top of the Syracuse Orange line depth chart’s already pretty veteran-laden. So expect a redshirt season.” Steele #225 247: #77
Seniors: Josh Black 6-3-290 (up from 282), Kingsley Jonathan 6-4 260 (was 6-3 264), Cody Roscoe 6-1 275 (was 258), Erik Slater 6-2 230, McKinley Williams 6-4 285 (was 291)
Juniors: Curtis Harper 6-2 285 (was 296), Caleb Okechukwu 6-4 265 (was 257)
Sophomores: none
Freshmen: Patrick Alberga 6-3 250, Kevon Darton 5-11 295 (was 281), Elijah Fuentes-Cundiff 6-4 275, Jatius Greer 6-6 255, Latarie Kinsler 6-3 230 (was 6-2 213), Steve Linton 6-5 225, (was a 224lb linebacker), Terry Lockett 6-3 265, Derek McDonald 6-4 230, Joe Rondi 6-4 260, (was 272); Chase Simmons 6-4 255, Elijah Wright 6-3 260, (was 256)
Gone:
Cooper Dawson transferred to Charleston Southern
Chris Elmore is back to his old role of a lead blocker from the Fb and TE positions.
Zach Morton transferred to Akron
Kevin Lemieux transferred to Endicott College
Leon Lowery is now with the linebackers, (they traded him for Steve Linton)
Jason Muñoz transferred but I don’t know where to.
Drew Tuazama recently left the team
In any sport, big men are available but really good big men are rare and tend to go to the most powerful schools. Even Syracuse’s basketball program, which has a distinguished history, has a hard time getting good big men, as we’ve seen. Most of them go to Duke or Kentucky or Kansas. Syracuse’s football program has the same problem. We will occasionally get a Justin Pugh or an Alton Robinson to come here. Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State or Notre Dame will have a whole line full of players like that and guys just as good backing them up. There are plenty of linebacker-sized talents and even more defensive backs so we do Ok there, but we don’t measure up along the line of scrimmage. I think that’s why Dino Baber brought in a defensive coordinator familiar with the 3-3-5 defense, (which is sometimes 3-4-4) last year. It’s less dependent on having a dominant line and more about getting as many “hats in the picture” as possible, (Scott Shafer used to use pictures of the end of plays and count the Orange helmets). In the old 4-3-4 set up, the tackles would tie up blockers so that the ends, (like Robinson and Kendall Coleman), and the linebackers, (like Zaire Franklin and Parris Bennett) can make the plays. Now all three linemen do the same thing so the linebackers and defensive backs can do their same thing.
Thanks to the extra year of eligibility, we will have as veteran a defesnive line as anyone. Black, Williams and Jonathan have started 75 games between them. But, as with the offensive line, a lot of recruiting has been done here lately and the D-line, despite having 3 positions rather than 5, has almost the same number of players available as the O-line: 18, although several of them could also see time at linebacker. Beyond the projected starters and Roscoe, Harper and Okechukwu, who is ready for the pounding the three up front positions will take? We have a decent two deep but there will be injuries and then we’ll find out what we have beyond that. Lindy’s: ”The front three returns its trio of starters…but the underbelly of the room is developing.“
Black is an “internet sensation” with his videos showing his athletic ability:
Syracuse Football: Joshua Black and The Rock should have a squats clash
Mega-star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson gave a shout-out to Syracuse football player Joshua Black on social media. Joshua Black, a 6-foot-3, 277-pound defe...
insidetheloudhouse.com
(go to 4:28).
Maybe now it has. He’s played both end and tackle in the 4-3-4 and 3-3-5 and has the best combination of quickness and strength on the team. “In 48 games (36 starts) over five seasons, has 120 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, an interception and two blocked kicks.” (Cuse.com) “Has a nose for the football and is solid against the run.” (Newsbreak) “Black’s been a fixture within this Syracuse defense for a very long time, and now gets one last go-around mostly playing defensive end for the Orange. Despite some struggles for the line overall last year, he was still reasonably effective with four TFLs (two sacks) while being one of the glue guys keeping this team together amid a difficult season. If Syracuse’s run defense shows marked improvement in 2021, he’s at least part of that solution…. A December rumor had Black heading to Indiana to join his brother who is a graduate assistant with the Hoosiers. This is how Josh responded when he announced he was coming back for his sixth year with Syracuse: “It is my duty to lead and get Syracuse back on track. I wouldn’t trade this team for the world, and we will be better. Thanks for all the endless support. I’m Orange for life.”” (Nunes) Steele: #187, 247: #70
In 2018 we had two excellent ends, Alton Robinson and Kendall Coleman who, working out of the 4-3, each totalled 10 sacks. They came back for 2019 but had only 8.5 sacks between them. The problem was that the two tackles, Chris Slayton and McKinley “Bear” Williams were not in between, devouring blockers so Robinson and Coleman could run free. Slayton had graduated and Williams had an injured foot and only able to return, in a limited capacity, late in the season. He was back last year but we had no Robinson or Coleman to take advantage of his presence. Like Black, he’s back for another year due to the Covid decision to wipe the taste of a 1-10 out of everyone’s mouth and to prove to the NFL that he can play this game. Williams was good enough as a true freshman to pass the larger and more senior Kayton Samuels on the depth chart and force him to transfer. He’s also very athletic, (can do a back handspring). “In 50 games (26 starts) over five seasons, has 99 tackles (61 solo), including 18 for a loss, 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery ... 29 multi-tackle games.” (Cuse.com) “Bear was asked to move to the nose tackle position in the newly adopted 3-3-5 Syracuse Orange defense, and he stepped up to the plate; Starting all 11 games, Williams racked up 35 tackles, 8 for a loss, and 1 sack. The Redshirt Senior did exactly what was asked of him, which was to take up as much space as possible in the middle of line and allow for the edge rushers and linebackers to reach the backfield.” (Nunes) He was the #5 ACC lineman against the run last year. His number is ‘0’ and that’s what you’ll get when you run at the ‘Bear’. Steele: #355, (believe it or not), 247 #107
Update: Williams, according to Coach Babers is sick and “We don’t know when the Good Lord will make him well”. But from the way he said it, it’s not that scary: he expects Williams back for the opening game vs. Ohio, “full speed”. Further Update: On 8/24, babers said that it’s up to the doctors if Dakota Davis on the O-line and bear Williams on the D-line can play. When they say they can, they will. The thing is: Davis was injured. Williams was sick: What’s he got?
Kingsley Jonathan, (he’s in his 5th year here but that won’t prevent some pundit from calling him “Jonathan Kingsley”), is the third member of the “Unfinished Business Crew“ along our defensive front. That’s the name the guys who returned for that extra year gave themselves. You think you want to win this year? Meet them. Kendall Coleman: "If he wants to move you, he'll move you." Still, he’s a speed rusher by trade and not as big as Black or Williams. “Has tallied 81 tackles (50 solo), 16.0 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 44 games.” He’s the model of a student-athlete: “2020 Jim Tatum Award Winner as the ACC's top senior football student-athlete…In his second year of a two-year term as one of the ACC’s three representatives with voting power on proposed NCAA rule changes under the Division I autonomy process.” (Cuse.com). “ No, the 3-3-5 doesn’t necessarily put a premium on pass-rushing from the line, but Jonathan would be the most likely source of that should it arrive. He had 5.5 TFLs (three sacks) last year and has consistently been one of SU’s most athletic edge rushers over the course of his career. Personally, I’m intrigued by what he can do following a full offseason adjusting to the new scheme.” (Nunes) He graded out as the ACC’s third best edge defender last year. He was nursing an injury in the spring but hopefully is OK now. Steele: #209, 247: #40
Just as those are the clear starters, Roscoe, Harper and Okechukwu are the most experienced back-ups.
Roscoe was a grad transfer from McNeese State, (no he didn’t play in the 1979 Independence Bowl against Frank Maloney’s team), who gets to hang around here for another year under the Covid rule. He was a bit under-sized last year at 6-1 258 but he’s added on 17 pounds for this year. He played big last year, making a lot of plays and getting his name mentioned on TV. “Played in all-11 games making 20 tackles and tying for third on the team with six tackles for loss. Also had a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.” (Cuse.com) Nunes: “In year one at Syracuse, Roscoe managed to establish himself as a disruptive force up front with six TFLs, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. And like most of the players in this defense, it’ll be interesting to see what happens with an offseason under his belt and more time to process the scheme. One thing that seemed to work well last year was the rotation on the defensive line, though, and Roscoe’s addition was a major part of that….Since the line’s the same as it was last season, we’ll probably see Cody plug in pretty similarly. He’ll play end and serve a crucial role in run-stopping that would really take some onus off the linebackers. With a better group overall on defense, we could see his numbers jump up in his final college season.” Steele: mothing, 247: #129
Harper brings more size, although he’s lost 11 pounds from the 296 he was last year. “Stout inside player who has seen increasing time at defensive line - predominantly nose tackle - as his career has gone on ... In 23 games over the last three seasons, has 28 tackles (16 solo), 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.” (Cuse.com) Nunes: “Harper’s opportunities to contribute have increased over time, but he still hasn’t gotten a ton of chances to play consistently. It’s going to be tough for him to break through a ton, but he’s managed 3.5 tackles for loss over the last couple years despite limited snaps. There’s talent here to develop still… With Bear back for an additional season, there isn’t much reason to expect Harper to start over him. In the same vein, there isn’t much reason to suspect that any other player on the roster right now has taken over Harper’s position as the backup interior defensive lineman. Expect Harper to continue to rotate in when Bear needs a break on the D-Line.” Steele: #179, 247: #109
Okechukwu is a “fourth year defensive lineman, who has appeared in 12 games - including all-11 in 2020 - and has 14 tackles, one TFL and one sack.” (Cuse.com) “With the returns of Josh Black, McKinley Williams, and Kingsley Jonathan (plus Cody Roscoe), there isn’t a ton of space to be part of the starting group. That said, depth at defensive line is probably the weakest spot on this roster, so Okechukwu will feature in the rotation. There’s a very good chance he appears in all 12 games, and should one of the ends get injured, Okechukwu would be in line to step up as starter. You can see Okechukwu in a Twitter video coach Vince Reynolds put out earlier this offseason demonstrating basic drills for defensive lineman.” (I was unable to find it.) Steele: #172, 247: #76
Beyond them are a group of players with lineman size or close to it. It may be hard for them to impact the two-deep but some are interesting prospect for the future. Note that we have no sophomore linemen so those listed as freshman will be taking over in another year or two.
Alberga was a preferred walk-on who redshirted last year. Nunes: “He was a PWO coming out of high school, which says a lot from a Class C school like Saranac Lake… Alberga’s a walk-on, so his chances will be limited at best here, especially early on. He didn’t appear last season, so while special teams could be a stretch goal, it’s more likely he redshirts this year at least.” Steele and 247: nothing
Darton played in 6 games last year. He was a PWO, (preferred walk-on) Nunes: “Darton isn’t on the two-deep at present, with the return of Bear Williams and Curtis Harper, but could challenge for that backup spot as the season progresses. The way the line is rotated, he’ll probably get a few looks in there this season.”. (Nunes) He also went back to his old position, fullback, in some “heavy packages”. Steele and 247: nothing
Fuentes-Cundiff is a 3-star true freshman. Cuse.com: “Rated as a top-five prospect in New York State according to 247 Sports … Three-star prospect by Rivals … 10 sacks and 14 TFLs in his career at Cardinal Hayes “. Nunes: “Given the number of returning players on the line for the Syracuse Orange, it would make some sense to see Fuentes-Cundiff redshirt this season before competing for a spot on the two-deep in 2022. With the top four defensive linemen all graduating, there will be a lot of questions around who takes their place. Fuentes-Cundiff has the size to contribute right away (6-foot-3, 270 pounds, but without the advantage of getting on campus early. There’s plenty of upside here, but like a lot of the younger guys this year, redshirts and/or special teams work may be all that’s available in 2021.” Steele #211, 247 #196.
Geer may be the best of the true freshman. Nunes: “Geer’s new but also 6-foot-6. Combined with his 255 pounds, he already has the size to be able to contribute on the line if there’s room on this year’s depth chart. There may not be, admittedly. But the more he can see the field and gain some valuable experience in 2021, the more likely it is he’s a key contributor after this year.” SI: “Geer is a freak athlete and could be productive in pass rushing situations.” Steele #155, 247 #122
Lockett is the biggest of the freshmen at 265. Cuse.com: “Rated as the No. 3 prospect in Massachusetts by Rivals … 156 tackles, 11 sacks, 34.5 TFLs, four interceptions and a pair of blocked field goals in his career for Springfield Central High School despite not playing a senior season.” Nunes: “Lockett already being on campus is a good sign for his progress up the depth chart. He even appeared in a couple of plays in Syracuse’s spring ball scrimmage. While no new defensive linemen have an above 50-percent chance of jumping the super seniors on the current line, Lockett could easily play himself onto the two-deep.” Steele #179, 247 #134
Rondi is a 3-star who redshirted in 2019 and was injured all last year, so hasn’t played a game yet. Nunes: “Syracuse bringing back their starting defensive line is going to make it difficult for Rondi to see significant time, but if healthy he can provide depth and contribute on special teams before a bigger role in 2022. Having just one tackle spot makes it difficult to break through, but special teams could potentially offer some avenues for him to see the field in the meantime.” Steele nothing, 247 95
Simmons is a 3-star true freshman from South Carolina. Cuse.com: “48 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks as a senior”. Nunes: “Simmons has decent size and speed coming off the edge, and that’s helped by his current weight of 240 pounds. To play defensive end for SU, he probably needs to add a few pounds, but he does present some interesting possibilities after a couple years in the program. Most interestingly, he has long arms and good hands that can be a disruptive force in this scheme. Size-wise, Simmons isn’t too far behind Geer and has the high school production to excite fans, with 13 TFLs and nine sacks at North Myrtle Beach High School. Similar to Geer, he’ll run into the same depth chart issues early on. Syracuse could use the redshirt rules to their advantage here, even if just on special teams duty.” Steele #334 247: #224
Wright is a local kid from Solvay, a PWO, (all of our walk-ons seem to be ‘preferred’). Cuse/com: “As a senior, tallied 46 tackles, 11 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and two interceptions” Nunes: “He likely won’t see time this year, but could pop onto the special teams charts at some point this season. Wright could take a bit of development to work into a first teamer, but he does have some size and frame to add depth after Bear leaves next season.” Steele and 247: nothing
The others are more the size of linebackers. They may grow into defensive linemen but I suspect they might be used more as linebackers at this point. The distinctions between linemen and linebacker and between linebackers and defensive backs are a little fuzzy in the 3-3-5.
Slater is a senior transfer from Lehigh for whom CUSE.com has no bio and Nunes seems not to have heard of him. His Lehigh bio says he played in 28 games for them, started in 13 and “Started all three games at outside linebacker… had at least two tackles in each game… registered tackles for loss in each of Lehigh’s first two games.” They only played three last year. He player the “Hawk” position, which I assume is a roving linebacker. At 6-2 230 he’d be a good-sized linebacker but too small for a 3-3-5 down lineman. Steele and 247: nothing
Kinsler is about the same size as Slater but he was a much more highly regarded recruit – as a 213 pounder. SI: “Kinsler signed with Syracuse as part of the 2020 recruited class as one of its highest ranked players. He did not see action last season but could this year. Kinsler is extremely athletic, quick off the edge and has a knack for getting to the quarterback. Adding weight has been key, but now he needs to make the rotation and gaining experience.“ Steele #68 247: #30
Linton was a linebacker last year and could be again this year but he’s listed as a defensive lineman. Cuse.com: “ Appeared in eight games with one start at linebacker … Made 15 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries and recovered a fumble on the year.” Nunes: “Linton made the switch from defensive end to linebacker for the Syracuse Orange, and spent 2020 in the linebacker rotation that was expanded due to injuries. He finished the season with one start, 15 total tackles, and a fumble recovery. 2021 projections: Linton is going to remain a part of the linebacker rotation that is still a bit thin as the Lee Kpogba situation resolves itself. Linton will be considered for the two deep, and should appear on special teams as well.” Kpogba left, so that sounds like Linton will be a linebacker again. SI: “Steve Linton: Linton spent the 2020 season at linebacker, where he proved to be a skilled pass rusher. He transitions to defensive end this season and should see the field to take advantage of his skill set.” His high school coach: “He has the ability to do either, but obviously if he’s going to consistently put his hand on the ground then he’s got to put on some mass. ... I think everybody’s in agreement that if you give this kid one year, you’ll see him at 245 (pounds).” Steele #258 247: #60
McDonald is a 3-star for Atlanta who as a senior “had 70 tackles, 22 TFLs, five sacks and four forced fumbles in his senior season”. (Cuse.com) Nunes: “McDonald’s on the lighter side for a defensive end and the top of the Syracuse Orange line depth chart’s already pretty veteran-laden. So expect a redshirt season.” Steele #225 247: #77
