We’ve documented the issues along the Syracuse defensive front extensively this offseason. Yeah, the unit looked halfway decent in the SU spring game two weeks ago, but there are some caveats. Su’s starting d-line was running against the second team offense and its front five. So while there is reason for optimism after the three men in the trenches got the upper hand, there is still reason to be pumping the brakes. Even with the first phase of the offseason done and over with, the Orange can quell some of our questions by reeling in a big transfer.
Cam Goode
This guy is exactly what Syracuse is missing up front: a big dude that can move people. SU’s projected starting d-line following the spring is Caleb Okechukwu and Jatius Geer on the edges with Terry Lockett filling the middle. Lockett has had his moments at tackle but he’s just 6’3, 264. Ton be lining up over the center and guards who usually are 275+ pounds is a daunting task. The sophomore is essentially at a disadvantage before every play.
Now let us introduce you to a man named Cam Goode. He’s a transfer from UCF who started his career in the ACC with Virginia Tech in 2018. The defensive tackle is a former borderline top 550 recruit via 247sports.com. The former Black Knight played his high school ball at St. Johns in Washington D.C. This is interesting because its actually the same school that both Okechukwu and SU defensive back Aman Greenwood played at.
Why is Goode such a big deal? Well for one he has more experience than anybody else on Syracuse’s roster at the defensive tackle spot. The D.C. native has appeared in 33 games with five starts in the defensive trenches. On top of the experience, the rising redshirt-senior stands 6’3, 315 pounds. So essentially the UCF transfer is the same height as Lockett but holds 50 more pounds. This is size that SU can only dream of having in its defensive locker room. If Goode were to pick the Orange in the transfer portal, this defense would instantly elevate and so would the team’s potential.
This recruiting battle is still ongoing but should reach a summation pretty soon. Goode is also being heavily recruited by Michigan, Notre Dame, and Vanderbilt . The tea leaves make it seem as though the Wolverines are the leader in the clubhouse at this juncture. However, what Syracuse can offer is both immediate playing time and the connections to some of Goode’s former teammates to help him settle in. What’s big is that the former Under Armour All-American has already visited campus and received the pitch from Dino Babers and Tony White. Keep it locked to @OrangeFizz on Twitter for continued coverage of Goode’s recruitment.
