Some players we’ve got eyes on
Syracuse Orange football will look a lot differently in 2025, so as we get closer to spring practice, we’ll look at some players to watch.
A lot of focus has been on the offense, but Syracuse has some big holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball. Here are players on the defense and special teams we’re watching for this spring:
Mike:
- Demetres Samuel Jr. and Kaylib Singleton – 4-star corners who could compete for immediate starting jobs
- Derek McDonald – fell out of favor last season when Barron shifted to LB and Wax came back; now one of the vets on defense
- Anwar Sparrow – withdrew from transfer portal after bowl game; declining numbers the last two years
- New main pass rusher? Chris Thomas Jr. (Marshall) or in house?
- Tripp Woody – Kicker challenger for Jackson Kennedy, but don’t know how much we’d realistically see in camp
Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Dom:
- KingJoseph Edwards – how much of a leap can this promising young pass rusher make?
- Defensive line depth – the one position group that was decimated by injuries last year and arguably the biggest need from 2024 that has to be filled, what does the final starting group ultimately look like (one player to watch for Rashard Perry)?
- Coverage spots after Duce Chestnut – similar story with the linebackers where there are several key departures, but for this position specifically, way more room to grow considering the inconsistencies from 2024. Keeping an extra eye on Davien Kerr.
- Berry Buxton III – played 10 games last year and had some moments, but now projects as one of the veteran options in coverage.
- The entire punting unit – after the handful of really bad mistakes trying to get the kick away on 4th down, what’s the solution(s) to getting that solved?
Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
Kevin:
- Duce Chestnut and Devin Grant are experienced players, but I’m curious to see where they line up. Could we see Duce move back to corner to add some experience on the outside?
- Zyian Moultrie-Goddard stood out in last year’s spring game. With the departure of Marlowe Wax and Justin Barron, there are a lot of questions among the linebacker group, so there is opportunity available there.
- David Ompoariola started seeing more time as the 2024 season went on and I’m wondering if this will be his breakout.
- The long snapper battle between Ethan Stangle and Jacob Zuhr isn’t a headline-grabber, but it will be an important competition. Tom Callahan was very consistent and the Syracuse special teams could have been a lot worse without that dependability at the position.
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Who are some players on the defense and special teams you’re looking to watch this spring?