After taking a look at the ACC as a whole and the offensive side of the ball, we wrap up our Polling the Fizz series talking about Syracuse’s defense. Rocky Long’s unit has some tremendous upside, but really struggled down the stretch in 2022. Here’s what to look out for in 2023.
BREAKOUT PLAYER
Derek McDonald- 1 vote
Jeremiah Wilson- 1 vote
Braylen Ingraham- 1 vote
Chase Simmons- 1 vote
Jaeden Gould- 1 vote
Adam: A player who has the background like Jaeden Gould has too much talent and potential to not be put in this spot. The New Jersey native was one of the top defensive back recruits in the country in the class of 2022. Out of high school he had offers from Alabama, USC and Penn State among others. In almost the exactly same spot Alijah Clark was in last year, a NJ native who transferred to the 315 after one season, Gould has everything it takes to be one of the best DBs in the ACC.
DISAPPOINTMENT
Alijah Clark- 2 votes
Ethan: Alijah Clark was brought in as a transfer before the 2022 season billed as Duce Chestnut’s friend to play in the secondary with his buddy from New Jersey. Chestnut has since moved to greener pastures at LSU, and Clark is left with a likely starting role in the five-man secondary. Last season, Clark played in 12 games, and did not record a single interception and only had two passes defended. So, while it would be harder to be more disappointing from a statistical perspective, a season of similar accomplishments would be a disappointment, and that’s what I think is in store for Clark and the SU defense.
Jaeden Gould- 1 vote
Jayden Bellamy- 1 vote
Stefon Thompson- 1 vote
MVP
Marlowe Wax- 4 votes
Stefon Thompson- 1 vote
Francesco: It’s ambitious, I know. When healthy, Thompson is a dynamic pass rusher with elite burst off the edge. On top of his ability to rush the quarterback, which is what he does best, he has a nose for the football in the run game as well. If he’s healthy and plays a full season, there’s no reason why he can’t get to double digit sacks. The only thing standing in his way is the torn ACL he suffered in last season’s opener against Louisville. Is he back at 100%? Who knows, but if he is, he can be the most dynamic player on this defense.
SACK LEADER
Caleb Okechukwu- 4 votes
Liam: In a defensive line that looked putrid at times last season, particularly near the end, Okechukwu provided reason for hope. He’s coming off a season in which he had 10 tackles for loss and seven sacks, he was undisputedly the alpha of the pass rush. Additionally, the departure of Steve Linton, who emerged as Okechukwu’s right-hand man following Terry Lockett’s injury, puts even more of a spotlight on him. Yes, it’s a chalk pick, but if the Orange defensive line is going to be more formidable in 2023, it starts and ends with Okechukwu.
Stefon Thompson- 1 vote
INT LEADER
Jason Simmons Jr.- 2 votes
Tyler: With so many departures on defense, Simmons provides stability for Rocky Long’s 3-3-5. He made a few starts last year, but was on the field a lot regardless. Simmons led the Orange with seven pass breakups last season. Even though he only had one interception in that campaign, his knack for finding the ball will result in more picks this year.
Jeremiah Wilson- 1 vote
Jaeden Gould- 1 vote
Justin Barron- 1 vote
