LSU vs. Syracuse Preview: Orangemen Defense and Special Teams

A matchup with Syracuse this weekend is a bit of a puzzle for most LSU fans. Syracuse is a familiar program, after all they are a traditional power with an alumni list that includes all time greats like Jim Brown, Ernie Banks and Donovan Mcnabb.

The tradition is there, but most LSU fans probably have not seen enough Syracuse Football to name a single player on their current roster. Don’t worry, the Big Easy Believer has your back on that.

Syracuse D Line

Sep 12, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange nose tackle John Raymon (50) and safety Antwan Cordy (8) react following a sack on Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback John Wolford (10) during the fourth quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The Syracuse D Line features starters Donnie Simmons and Ron Thompson at Defensive End, John Raymond at Defensive Tackle and Kayton Samuels at Nose Tackle.

Donnie Simmons is a 6’2″ 242 lbs. Senior from White Plans, NY. He was lightly recruited, listed as a 2 or 3 star athlete coming out of high school.

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Ron Thompson is a 6’3″ 255 lbs. JR from Detroit. He was rated as a 4 star athlete by Scout as a Tight End coming out of Detroit.

Defensive Tackle John Raymon is a 6’5″ 300 lbs. transfer from Iowa. He was a highly rated recruit out of high school in Penssylvania and transferred from Iowa without playing a down there.

Kayton Samuels is a 6’1″ 310 lbs. Nose Tackle from Stone Mountain, Georgia. He was a 2/3 Star recruit who originally committed to Georgia State before backing out when they decided to redshirt him.

Syracuse has good size inside but light ends. Against a very large athletic LSU Offensive Line this is probably a matter of some concern for the Orangemen.

Syracuse Linebackers

Sep 19, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange linebacker Parris Bennett (30) tackles Central Michigan Chippewas running back Jahray Hayes (11) during the third quarter at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse won 30-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Parris Bennet, Marqez Hodge and Zaire Franklin are Syracuse’ Linebacking corps.

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OLB Parris Bennet is a 6’0″ 216 lbs. Sophomore out of Detroit. He was a 3 Star athlete in the 2014 class.

The other OLB is Marqez Hodge, a 5’11” 221 lbs. JR from Miami. Hodge was a 3 Star athlete coming out of High School.

Zaire Franklin lines up at MLB for Syracuse. The 6’0″ 230 lbs. Sophomore from Philadelphia was a 3 star recruit coming out of high school.

When looking over the Syracuse linebackers the trend that stands out is that they are a little undersized. With all of them listed as three star athletes coming out of high school they won’t have the speed to chase LSU’s RB’s so winning battles with blockers at the point of attack is their best shot at success.

Syracuse DB’s

Sep 12, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange cornerback Juwan Dowels (15) dives over the top of Wake Forest Demon Deacons wide receiver Cortez Lewis (15) and Syracuse Orange safety Ritchy Desir (6) during the second quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Syracuse lines up Corey Winfield and Julian Whigham at CB and Rodney Williams and Antwan Cordy at Safety.

Corey Winfield was listed as a 3 Star WR coming out of high school in St. Louis. Listed at 6’2″ 185 lbs with a 4.47 40 as a recruit he has legit NFL size and speed.

Julian Whigham is a 6’1″ 180 lbs. CB from West Palm Beach FL. He was listed as a three star athlete coming out of high school.

Rodney Williams is a 5’10 180 lbs. Redshirt Freshman who was listed as a 2 Star athlete coming out of High School in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Antwan Cordy is a 5’08” 175 lbs. Sophomore from Homestead Florida. He didn’t receive a “star” rating coming out of High School.

The Syracuse starting DB’s are an odd group. The corners have the size and speed to compete with SEC level receivers, the safeties are undersized and had very low ratings coming out.

Syracuse Special Teams

Sep 4, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange wide receiver Brisly Estime (9) attempts to run with the ball after a catch against the Rhode Island Rams during the second quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The top Special Teamers for the Orangemen are Punter Riley Dixon, Kicker Cole Murphy and Brisly Estime is the top returner for both Kickoffs and Punts.

Punter Riley Dixon wasn’t highly recruited out of high school. He had to walk on to make the Syracuse squad but he came into this season ranking 4th all time for punting average at 42.2 yards per punt.

Sophomore Cole Murphy was a Lou Groza Award Semifinalist as a Freshman. He is an accurate kicker with the range to attempt 50 yard field goals.

Return Man Brisly Estime is a 5’09” 178 lbs. Junior Wide Receiver. He was a 3 Star recruit who came to Syracuse by way of Atlantic Community College in Delray Florida. His recruiting profile lists him as having run a 4.3 40, an outstanding time.

As far as the specialists go Syracuse has a group that is as good as just about any school in the country. Their punter and kicker both have great power and accuracy and their top returner has blazing speed.

Next: The Fournette Show: Why LSU is a Favorite to Win the SEC