Syracuse football projected depth chart (defense): who will seize 7 starting jobs on defense? | Page 3 | Syracusefan.com

Syracuse football projected depth chart (defense): who will seize 7 starting jobs on defense?

No matter what we are going to play better week 1 than we did last year vs that team.
 
I'm hoping Cam Jonas is healthy and gets a shot at showing what he can do during Spring Ball. He was highly recruited but has not played yet. His size at 6' 1" and 210 would lead you to believe he is tailor made for the 3-3-5. Good luck to him and Neil Nunn and Go Orange!!!!!!!!
 
I'm hoping Cam Jonas is healthy and gets a shot at showing what he can do during Spring Ball. He was highly recruited but has not played yet. His size at 6' 1" and 210 would lead you to believe he is tailor made for the 3-3-5. Good luck to him and Neil Nunn and Go Orange!!!
Me too. Cam has been a mystery. I hope Nunn has added some weight. He can play that position as well.
 
Me too. Cam has been a mystery. I hope Nunn has added some weight. He can play that position as well.
I think the staff took him in knowing it’d be over a year of recovery. His injury to my understanding was fairly substantial.

I get the feeling that if he was ready last year, we would have seen him play. Coley’s a similar build but healthy.
 
I think the staff took him in knowing it’d be over a year of recovery. His injury to my understanding was fairly substantial.

I get the feeling that if he was ready last year, we would have seen him play. Coley’s a similar build but healthy.
Good point. I would imagine Cam would have been on kick offs and punt coverage teams as a physical presence.
 
Seems pretty straightforward that up front will be Kingsley, Bear and Black. Other than Harper, depth behind them will be interesting to see what happens.
It also seems certain that the back five will be the returning core of Cisco, Iffy and Trill and I think the only variable will be where Cisco and Trill line up. Iffy seems a lock at boundary corner. Can see either Cisco or Trill at the hybrid/star position. Can see Cisco staying at safety and Trill at field corner, but have no idea how it will shake out. Who fills the other two spots and where will be interesting to see. Depth behind those guys is also a toss up, and there's virtually no scenario where we dont have some really young guys in the two-deep.
The most intriguing question, to me, is what happens at linebacker. Jones seems the only certainty, but what role in the stack is anyone's guess if you ask me. I also think they've got to get Richards on the field, the kid is just too dynamic of an athlete to use in the limited role he had as a third down specialist under Ward. I think he would be perfect to use as a strong side backer that would rotate down to the edge and bring pressure or have edge responsibilities against the run. Who fills the third spot and in what role? No idea. Do we see any rotations or different packages where we have two rush ends in and a five down front or swap an lb for a db in a traditional dime look? Will be interesting to see.
My picks for the LB stack are Jones (6-0 212), Wallace (6-2 223) and Richards (6-4 230). All got PT last year (esp Jones) and showed promise. Wallace played spot minutes and has a ways to go, but Jones played well 4 of the last 5 games (bad game against LV). Kpogba and C-A add depth. I agree with you on Richards, an athletic gem who can rush, run support and even cover ... ideal versatility for the 335. He could also line up at DE, of course.

As to DL, on the interior it seems like Bear (6'4 285) and Black (6-3 270-75) are the obvious choices to start. Size-wise they're not the iron curtain, so hopefully the element of 'chaos' in the new scheme will help. Harper (6-2 300), Darton (5-11 285) and Elmore (6-0 295) add depth but this remains an area of concern.

At DE, KJ (6-3, 255-60) seems like a lock. My pick for the other starter, assuming Richards winds up at LB, is Tauzama (6-5 250). But there's a raft of guys in the 250-260 range that could get snaps here or elsewhere, including: Morton (6-4 250); Munoz (6-3 255); Okechuckwu (6-4 260); and Rondi (6-4 255). The next bunch is undersized: Dawson (6-5 237); Linton (6-5 215), Goldbourne (6-3, 196) and the three frosh - Kinsler (6-3 215); Lowery (6-4 225) and Lemieux (6-4 235).
 
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My picks for the LB stack are Jones, Wallace and Richards. All got PT last year (esp Jones) and showed promise. Wallace has a way to go but Jones played well 4 of the last 5 games (bad game against LV). Kpogba and C-A add depth. I agree with you on Richards, an athletic gem who can rush, run support and even cover ... ideal versatility for the 335. He could also line up at DE, of course.

As to DL, on the interior it seems like Bear (6'4 285) and Black (6-3 270-75) are the obvious choices to start. Size-wise they're not the iron curtain, so hopefully the element of chaos' in the new scheme will help. Harper (6-2 300), Darton (5-11 285) and Elmore (6-0 295) add depth but this remains an area of concern.

At DE, KJ (6-3, 255-60) seems like a lock. My pick for the other starter, assuming Richards winds up at LB, is Tauzama (6-5 250), but there's a raft of guys in the 250-260 range that could get snaps here or elsewhere, including: Morton (6-4 250); Munoz (6-3 255); Okechuckwu (6-4 260); and Rondi (6-4 255). The next bunch is undersized: Dawson (6-5 237); Linton (6-5 215), Goldbourne (6-3, 196) and the three frosh - Kinsler (6-3 215); Lowery (6-4 225) and Lemieux (6-4 235).
I will feel better with a transfer DE. Another big athletic body in the range of 6'3 280. Bear Harper and Elmore should be enough rotating at DT
 
My picks for the LB stack are Jones, Wallace and Richards. All got PT last year (esp Jones) and showed promise. Wallace has a way to go but Jones played well 4 of the last 5 games (bad game against LV). Kpogba and C-A add depth. I agree with you on Richards, an athletic gem who can rush, run support and even cover ... ideal versatility for the 335. He could also line up at DE, of course.

As to DL, on the interior it seems like Bear (6'4 285) and Black (6-3 270-75) are the obvious choices to start. Size-wise they're not the iron curtain, so hopefully the element of 'chaos' in the new scheme will help. Harper (6-2 300), Darton (5-11 285) and Elmore (6-0 295) add depth but this remains an area of concern.

At DE, KJ (6-3, 255-60) seems like a lock. My pick for the other starter, assuming Richards winds up at LB, is Tauzama (6-5 250). But there's a raft of guys in the 250-260 range that could get snaps here or elsewhere, including: Morton (6-4 250); Munoz (6-3 255); Okechuckwu (6-4 260); and Rondi (6-4 255). The next bunch is undersized: Dawson (6-5 237); Linton (6-5 215), Goldbourne (6-3, 196) and the three frosh - Kinsler (6-3 215); Lowery (6-4 225) and Lemieux (6-4 235).
I'm guessing with all his experience, it's more likely that Black kicks out to DE (along with KJ). I also wonder if Wallace and Jones are too small to play together at LB. One light LB should be okay, two might be pushing it, based on ASU's lineup last year. The less D-Linemen, the stronger the LB's have to be to compensate for it.
 
I'm guessing with all his experience, it's more likely that Black kicks out to DE (along with KJ). I also wonder if Wallace and Jones are too small to play together at LB. One light LB should be okay, two might be pushing it, based on ASU's lineup last year. The less D-Linemen, the stronger the LB's have to be to compensate for it.
Wallace is 230/plus I believe.
 
Wallace is 230/plus I believe.
He looked more like a Safety to me when i saw him on the field last year, though he could have gained weight since the season ended
 
My picks for the LB stack are Jones, Wallace and Richards. All got PT last year (esp Jones) and showed promise. Wallace has a way to go but Jones played well 4 of the last 5 games (bad game against LV). Kpogba and C-A add depth. I agree with you on Richards, an athletic gem who can rush, run support and even cover ... ideal versatility for the 335. He could also line up at DE, of course.

As to DL, on the interior it seems like Bear (6'4 285) and Black (6-3 270-75) are the obvious choices to start. Size-wise they're not the iron curtain, so hopefully the element of 'chaos' in the new scheme will help. Harper (6-2 300), Darton (5-11 285) and Elmore (6-0 295) add depth but this remains an area of concern.

At DE, KJ (6-3, 255-60) seems like a lock. My pick for the other starter, assuming Richards winds up at LB, is Tauzama (6-5 250). But there's a raft of guys in the 250-260 range that could get snaps here or elsewhere, including: Morton (6-4 250); Munoz (6-3 255); Okechuckwu (6-4 260); and Rondi (6-4 255). The next bunch is undersized: Dawson (6-5 237); Linton (6-5 215), Goldbourne (6-3, 196) and the three frosh - Kinsler (6-3 215); Lowery (6-4 225) and Lemieux (6-4 235).
Linton will get a lot of reps here. Have been told a gazillion times he is uber athletic and has warp speed. I have never seen him but let’s hope sooo.
 
My picks for the LB stack are Jones, Wallace and Richards. All got PT last year (esp Jones) and showed promise. Wallace has a way to go but Jones played well 4 of the last 5 games (bad game against LV). Kpogba and C-A add depth. I agree with you on Richards, an athletic gem who can rush, run support and even cover ... ideal versatility for the 335. He could also line up at DE, of course.

As to DL, on the interior it seems like Bear (6'4 285) and Black (6-3 270-75) are the obvious choices to start. Size-wise they're not the iron curtain, so hopefully the element of 'chaos' in the new scheme will help. Harper (6-2 300), Darton (5-11 285) and Elmore (6-0 295) add depth but this remains an area of concern.

At DE, KJ (6-3, 255-60) seems like a lock. My pick for the other starter, assuming Richards winds up at LB, is Tauzama (6-5 250). But there's a raft of guys in the 250-260 range that could get snaps here or elsewhere, including: Morton (6-4 250); Munoz (6-3 255); Okechuckwu (6-4 260); and Rondi (6-4 255). The next bunch is undersized: Dawson (6-5 237); Linton (6-5 215), Goldbourne (6-3, 196) and the three frosh - Kinsler (6-3 215); Lowery (6-4 225) and Lemieux (6-4 235).
Jones, Wallace and Richards is a good bet.
 
He looked more like a Safety to me when i saw him on the field last year, though he could have gained weight since the season ended
I quit being lazy and looked it up...he's listed at 6'2" and 223lbs.
 
I will feel better with a transfer DE. Another big athletic body in the range of 6'3 280. Bear Harper and Elmore should be enough rotating at DT

I guess the 3-3-5 confuses me a little, they would have to have that kind of size at DE? Or as a buffer guy vs the power teams is why you want that? Please let me ask what the sizes for the DT and 2 DE's do you think would be perfect in this system once they start recruiting for them.

Also....what is the role of the DT, is he a plugger and takes on 2 blockers if possible or does he get a bit of freedom on how he penetrates? I'm just simply talking about vs first and 10. Thanks ahead of time money or anyone else that knows this.
 
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I guess the 3-3-5 confuses me a little, they would have to have that kind of size at DE? Or as a buffer guy vs the power teams is why you want that? Please let me ask what the sizes for the DT and 2 DE's do you think would be perfect in this system once they start recruiting for them.

Also,,,,what is the role of the DT, is he a plugger and takes on 2 blockers if possible or does he get a bit of freedom on how he penetrates? I'm just simply talking about vs first and 10. Thanks ahead of time money.
It's my thoughts after watching a lot of ASU tape. San Diego state was able to get away with leaner quicker guys up front. I dont think we can get away with that in the ACC. I think our frontage guys will be similar to what ASU has. Just watch their games. You need guys that can move and attack different gaps but it needs to be guys with bigger bodies. DT, which can line head up on center, shaded on center or guards. They have to be able to stunt from those alignments. You don't want slow guys. DE's have to be able to shade the guards, play head up on the tackle or shaded. Teams are playing 4 tech a lot more ( head up on tackle) The DE is responsible for two gaps (B&C). Our frontage guys have to be able to play from all these alignments and be able to stunt from there. Opponents tendencies will dictate what they do on 1st downs.
 
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It's my thoughts after watching a lot of ASU tape. San Diego state was able to get away with leaner quicker guys up front. I dont think we can get away with that in the ACC. I think our frontage guys will be similar to what ASU has. Just watch their games. You need guys that can move and attack different gaps but it needs to be guys with bigger bodies. DT, which can line head up on center or shaded, shaded on the guards. They have to be able to stunt from those alignment. You don't want slow guys. DE's have to be able to shade the guards, play head up on the tackle or shaded. Teams are playing 4 tech a lot more ( head up on tackle) The DE is responsible for two gaps (B&C). Our frontage guys have to be able to play from all these alignments and be able to stunt from there. Opponents tendencies will dictate what they do on 1st downs.

So is the 3-3-5 more attractive to recruits who play DT or less?

Will they cross train Black and Bear to play DT/DE and I assume that it might be a pug and play on situations and tendencies? I do love the stunts and the different angles the LB's can attack from too and it seems like the DB's better be able to tackle and take good angles on run plays.
Playing BC first should be interesting. Thanks again and just trying to picture this stuff in my head. Might watch some ASU games, thanks again for the info.
 
So is the 3-3-5 more attractive to recruits who play DT or less?

Will they cross train Black and Bear to play DT/DE and I assume that it might be a pug and play on situations and tendencies? I do love the stunts and the different angles the LB's can attack from too and it seems like the DB's better be able to tackle and take good angles on run plays.
Playing BC first should be interesting. Thanks again and just trying to picture this stuff in my head. Might watch some ASU games, thanks again for the info.
Maybe he will cross train them all. Im sure there will be a strong end and a weakside end. Yes, its very important that the DB's take good angles. The STAR Safety is free at times. He has to be a sure tackler especially when he's unblocked.
 
He looked more like a Safety to me when i saw him on the field last year, though he could have gained weight since the season ended

That was not the impression I had when he played against Wake. He looked like a LB.
 
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It seems counter-intuitive that we need to be even bigger at DEnd. I don't know how true that is. I'd suspect that Coleman and Robinson would've been great in the 3-3-5 and they weighed 255 and 260. So I'm going to assume that's more or less fine for the D. Add in 3 good downhill tackling LBs.

We should primarily be OK against against our schedule except Clemson, and even BC might shift away from being a power run team. That leaves Pitt. FSU, LVille, NCSt, Wake our defensive personnel matches up good enough.
 
It seems counter-intuitive that we need to be even bigger at DEnd. I don't know how true that is. I'd suspect that Coleman and Robinson would've been great in the 3-3-5 and they weighed 255 and 260. So I'm going to assume that's more or less fine for the D. Add in 3 good downhill tackling LBs.

We should primarily be OK against against our schedule except Clemson, and even BC might shift away from being a power run team. That leaves Pitt. FSU, LVille, NCSt, Wake our defensive personnel matches up good enough.
Man those guys are light for 3-4 defensive ends. 5 techs are ideally bigger. Coleman and Robinson are explosive. They could probably get away with playing there but their strengths would be hindered in this new scheme. DE's primary job is not to rush up the field, but to tie up blockers so the linebackers and safeties can fill the gaps and make tackles. They wouldnt be free to just come off the edge as much.
 
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It's my thoughts after watching a lot of ASU tape. San Diego state was able to get away with leaner quicker guys up front. I dont think we can get away with that in the ACC. I think our frontage guys will be similar to what ASU has. Just watch their games. You need guys that can move and attack different gaps but it needs to be guys with bigger bodies. DT, which can line head up on center, shaded on center or guards. They have to be able to stunt from those alignments. You don't want slow guys. DE's have to be able to shade the guards, play head up on the tackle or shaded. Teams are playing 4 tech a lot more ( head up on tackle) The DE is responsible for two gaps (B&C). Our frontage guys have to be able to play from all these alignments and be able to stunt from there. Opponents tendencies will dictate what they do on 1st downs.
I'm still figuring out the 335 but it seems like, even with undersized personnel in the front 6, the stunting and unpredictability might help us avoid blowouts against speed/RPO teams like Maryland (63 pts) and LV (56 pts). The concern is power running teams like BC (58 pts and 500 yards rushing). We ran the 4-3 the last two years, but were undersized and overmatched this past year without Slayton. Sack totals went down significantly (30 in 2019 versus 43 in 2018) and opponent's rushing average went from 4.3 (162 yards per game) to 4.9 (201 yards per game).

I'm optimistic about the 335, but we'll be even smaller up front without Ruff. We don't have anyone close to Slayton's ability or size. That could put a lot of pressure on our LB's and safeties again ... which hurt us this past year. So my hope is we can bring in more size for the DL interior.
 
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