Syracuse Football Training Camp Position Preview: Safety

The Orange has a lot returning at safety.

Syracuse football is expected to kick off training camp in the next few weeks or so with the season less than two months away. All Syracuse continues its series previewing each position headed into training camp with the safety position.

PREVIOUS POSITION PREVIEWS

Quarterback

Running Back

Tight End

Wide Receiver

Offensive Line

Defensive Tackle

Defensive End

Linebacker

Cornerback

WHAT WE KNOW

Syracuse returns multiple starters. Alijah Clark, Justin Barron and Jason Simmons are all back. That gives Syracuse three experienced starters who are talented, have been in the program and know the system well. Clark started 11 games last season and recorded 55 tackles, flashing his supreme athleticism and big hitting ability. Barron has been a starter for two years, racking up 65 tackles with five tackles for loss in 2022. Simmons had a solid year with 38 tackles and an interception. They give the Orange a lot of continuity at the back end of the secondary. 

WHAT WE DON'T

Who replaces Ja'Had Carter? Carter was one of Syracuse's top defensive playmakers last season but entered the transfer portal in the offseason and is off to Ohio State. He led the Orange with three interceptions and six passes defensed to go along with 36 tackles and a fumble recovery. With him gone, that leaves a big playmaking void in the secondary. Will it simply be a committee approach with Clark, Barron and Simmons collectively making up for his absence? Will one step up to be the primary playmaker? Is there another youngster ready for a larger role? 

BIGGEST CONCERN

Lack of forcing turnovers. Clark, Barron and Simmons combined last year for one interception and one fumble recovery. Carter had three interceptions himself along with the fumble recovery he returned for a touchdown against Clemson. Without Carter, Syracuse needs someone else to step into the role of playmaker and create turnover opportunities. Simmons showed the ability to make plays in coverage last season, so another year under his belt and he could step up. Clark was in his first year at Syracuse last year, transitioning after a year at Rutgers. Now comfortable with the program and system, expectations are high for him. Clark will be viewed as the primary option to replace Carter's production and perhaps even exceed it. Still, it is a question mark entering camp. 

BIGGEST STRENGTH

Depth. Not only does Syracuse return three starters at safety from last year, but the Orange has solid depth behind them as well even without Carter. Bralyn Oliver transferred in from Louisville, and appeared in nine games last season as a reserve. Aman Greenwood has started in years past and has been a key reserve as well. He comes back from injury after missing all of 2022. Malcolm Folk redshirted in 2021 and appeared in three games last season. He could be ready to take on a larger role. Then you have an incoming player like Jaeden Gould who can play corner or safety. Jalil Martin transferred in from Nebraska and will compete for playing time. Junior college transfer Jakobie Seabourn will as well. The Orange's safety position, on paper, is deep and talented.  

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