Our No. 42 is without a doubt, one of the best defensive backs to ever take the field for SU. Kevin Abrams first emerged onto the scene in 1994, leading the Big East in pass break-ups as a sophomore. However, things only got better from there.
The Tampa Bay native followed up a strong ’94 campaign with his first of two consecutive All-American seasons. As a junior, Abrams led the entire conference in interceptions, but that’s not even the most impressive part. After injuring his elbow in the second-to-last game of the regular season, Abrams would go on to return for SU’s blowout Gator Bowl victory over Clemson – while notching two interceptions in the process.
As a senior in 1996, Abrams finished off his Orange career in the same fashion he did the previous season‚Ķ strong. And, by strong, I mean a second straight year with All-American honors. Behind the All-American campaigns of both Abrams and linebacker Antwuane Ponds, Syracuse‚Äôs defense ‚Äì ranked second in the Big East in opponent points per game ‚Äì certainly played an instrumental role in the team’s success. That 1996 squad enjoyed a 9-3 season (6-1 in the conference), topped off with a win over Houston in the Liberty Bowl. In addition to its second consecutive season ending with a bowl game victory (after a brief two-year bowl game hiatus), 1996 also marked the program‚Äôs tenth straight winning season ‚Äì in a streak that on to reach 15.
Nevertheless, following his decorated career on The Hill, Abrams was selected in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. Two years later, he was named to SU’s All-Century Team, voted on by the fans.
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