With the news this week that the beloved NCAA football game from EA Sports might make a comeback, let’s have some fun. Say the game magically returned in time for next season: who would be the top rated Syracuse players and what would they be ranked?
K Andre Szmyt: 95
You could honestly make the case for Szmyt being higher based on his numbers from last season (30-34 FG’s), but then EA might get letters about him being a cheat code, which he kinda already is. He’s undoubtedly the best kicker in the country and would be the highest rated kicker in this hypothetical game.
S Andre Cisco: 89
The interception numbers are going to be tough to back up this year, but as a preseason All-American, Cisco would be right behind his fellow Andre and second on the team.
DE Alton Robinson: 88
With another strong year, Alton Robinson is approaching Chandler Jones territory. He is one of the best pass-rushers in the ACC.
P Sterling Hofrichter: 88
The more you do this, the more you realize Syracuse’s overall special teams rating maybe would be one of the highest in the history of EA Sports NCAA Football.
DE Kendall Coleman: 87
Doesn’t generate a ton of buzz, but you can pretty much go-ahead and sign him up for 10 sacks or more again this year. An unheralded and uber-consistent leader.
OL Airon Servais: 86
Preseason Second Team All-ACC, according to multiple outlets. He’s the steady veteran presence the line needs to rely on this year.
QB Tommy DeVito: 86
One of the hardest guys to rank. All the other categories that make up a quarterback in these games–arm strength, deep ball, pocket presence– would be sky high. It’s tough to put him in the 89 range with no full games under his belt though. ¬†
DB Christopher Fredrick: 85
See ACC number 1 wide receiver. Minimize ACC number 1 wide receiver.
OG Evan Adams: 85
Adams is the other returning starter on the line that brings stability.
WR/PR Sean Riley: 84
This 84 has a lot to do with Riley’s special teams presence. He’s the best punt returner in the conference.
So there’s the top 10 Syracuse players. Disagree with any of them? Comment below why someone is rated wrong. Since it’s the offseason and I’m bored and miss football, I went ahead and did the rest of the projected starters too. I promise I have stuff to do with my life.
RB
Abdul Adams 83
Moe Neal 81
Jarveon Howard 78
WR
Taj Harris 82
Trishton Jackson 82
Nykeim Johnson 81
TE
Chris Elmore 76
Aaron Hackett 74
OL
Ryan Alexander 80
Dakota Davis 79
Sam Heckel 79
DL
McKinley Williams 76
Josh Black 75
LB
Andrew Armstrong 78
Lakiem Williams 75
Juan Wallace 75
DB
Trill Williams 83
Ifeatu Melifonwu 79
Scoop Bradshaw 78
Carl Jones 77
S
Evan Foster 81
Cornelius Nunn 77
Devon Clarke 77
