Defense Showcases Depth, Athleticism Throughout Spring Game

   

By:  Joshua Carney

 Syracuse, N.Y. -- Despite a new-look offense featuring more downfield shots and an emphasis on power running, the Syracuse Orange offense struggled to punch the ball into the end zone Saturday during the annual spring game scrimmage at the Carrier Dome. In three trips into the red zone, the Orange offense – wearing blue uniforms – failed to score. However, Austin Wilson hit Adly Enoicy down the middle for a 36-yard touchdown to get the offense on the board. That was the only touchdown on the day.

A large part of the struggles offensively had to do with shaky quarterback play, notably from Terrel Hunt who continues to work his way back from a broken leg that ended his season in 2014. Taking all of his snaps with the first team offense, Hunt finished 10-for-30 for 145 yards.

Receivers dropped a few of Hunt's passes (Ben Lewis dropped a sure touchdown on a crossing route), but Hunt missed long on deep throws and was largely inaccurate. Top receiver Steve Ishmael said he isn't concerned with the accuracy and timing issues with Hunt.

"We'll work on that this summer," Ishmael said. "We're going to be real good for the season. I'm really excited for the offense this season. We worked on a lot this spring, but now we have a whole entire summer to perfect things.

"Those issues won't pop up during the season, I can guarantee that."

Wilson finished a respectable 7-for-10 for 103 yards and the lone touchdown, while AJ Long finished 4-of-8 for 72 yards in limited snaps considering he'll redshirt in '15.

Although he struggled with timing and accuracy, Hunt made it very clear (during the chaotic scene on the field following the game) that he is healthy and gearing up for a big year in Orange.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SobuS6-D85Q&feature=youtu.be

For all of the negatives that surrounded the offense's failure to score with consistency, there were a few good takeaways from the spring game, namely on defense which should be the strength of the 2015 version of the Orange.

Young LB depth steps up:

With the loss of seniors Cameron Lynch and DyShawn Davis to graduation, a lot of pressure and responsibility will fall directly on the shoulders of sophomore linebacker Zaire Franklin to be a leader in the defensive huddle. Following up a strong spring, Franklin continued his impressive play Saturday, recording six tackles against the second team offense while playing behind a new-look defensive line.

Sophomore linebacker Parris Bennett may have locked up a starting role at outside linebacker as he played a majority of the snaps with the first team defense alongside Franklin and junior linebacker Marqez Hodge. Bennett showed some athleticism and ability in coverage late in the spring game as he undercut a post route and nearly intercepted the ball.

“Parris had some nice plays today and Zaire made – what looked like – a lot of tackles today,” head coach Scott Shafer said. “For the most part they’ve played some really good football all spring. They made a lot of plays today, so that’s good in the spring, especially for those bigger guys who are getting a lot of reps.

“Zaire has a few things he needs to continue to improve on, namely is drops in coverage,” Shafer said. “But he’s a good, young, tough, physical football player who’s going to have a good career here.”

As for the second team defense, sophomore linebacker Johnathan Thomas recorded six tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss against the first team offense as he roamed sideline to sideline making plays. Sophomore linebacker Colton Moskal had three tackles, including one for loss against the first team offense.

While it is just a scrimmage, the linebacking corps looks set for the next few years with a bunch of sophomores that appear to be key factors moving forward.

Thompson and Simmons apply pressure:

Working on his technique all off-season as a 4-3 left defensive end seems to be paying off for redshirt senior Donnie Simmons Jr. Against redshirt sophomore right tackle Jamar McGloster, Simmons  recorded two non-contact sacks (QBs were allowed to be touched) in the spring game. He showed some burst around the edge penetrating into the backfield with surprising consistency.

As for Thompson, the senior picked up right where he left off last season. Thompson recorded five tackles – including three sacks – and found himself in the backfield on the majority of snaps. Although much of his damage was done against the second unit, Shafer said that it’s all about Thompson keeping things simple defensively.

“Right now we’re focused on Ron being Ron,” Shafer said. “He’s done a good job of controlling the things that he’s been working on. He played inside and outside last year, so playing strictly the edge this season has been a good thing for him.

“He’s got an opportunity to become a master of his craft on the edge.”

Defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough loves to blitz early and often but if Thompson and Simmons apply pressure like they did today he might not have to dial up as many blitzes as usual.

 Hudson, Scissum steal the show in secondary:

With Durell Eskridge headed to the NFL and a host of cornerbacks departing Syracuse due to graduation, there are multiple spots open for competition in the secondary. Following the final burst of the air horn Saturday, Chauncey Scissum and Cordell Hudson look like they’ve solidified themselves as starters.

Scissum laid some big hits over the middle of the field and showed some range in coverage, especially when the Orange took shots deep down the field.

But it was Hudson who was the star of the secondary for Syracuse. Credited with two official pass breakups (but he affected far more than just two passes), Hudson was solid in coverage all day long against receivers including Brisly Estime, Ashton Broyld and Alvin Cornelius II.

“I thought he [Hudson] played real well along the sideline,” Shafer said. “He had some big pass break-ups for us, which was nice to see.”

Hudson showed some physicality against the bigger receivers and was rarely caught out of position, which is a big stepping stone for young corners in Bullough’s defense.

“It was my first time out there getting a chance to showcase my talents to the coaching staff,” said Hudson, who redshirted last season.“I just wanted to show what I could do.

"I feel like today was a step in the right direction."

The defense doesn’t appear to be an area of concern – much like last season – moving forward for the ’15 Orange, but the offense under Tim Lester will have to work on accuracy and consistency heading into the opener Sept. 5 against Rhode Island.

Notes:

- Senior offensive tackle Michael Lasker left the game early with a left shoulder injury. He came back out for the second half in sweatpants and his game jersey. He was the only player who suffered an injury on the day.

- JUCO transfer tight end Trey Dunkelberger showed some athleticism down the seam while working with the second unit and quarterbacks Austin Wilson and AJ Long. On four targets, Dunkelberger hauled in three passes for 34 yards, including a 24-yard strike from Long down the right sideline in the first half.

- According to football Sports Information Director Sue Edson, more than 4,000 fans attended the 2015 Spring Game at the Carrier Dome.