Trio of Defensive Backs Have a Chance to Set a Program Record

With three defensive backs in the NFL Draft, Syracuse could have a program first in the near future.

Mike McAllister | Dec 19, 2020

Trio of Defensive Backs Have a Chance to Set a Program Record /

Ifeatu Melifonwu declared he was turning pro on Friday, giving the Orange three defensive backs in the 2021 NFL Draft. Melifonwu joined Andre Cisco and Trill Williams as Syracuse defensive backs leaving the program early to pursue their professional dreams. With three talented players who have a legitimate shot to be selected, it gives the trio the chance to set a record at Syracuse.

The Orange has never had three defensive backs selected in the same NFL Draft. This, obviously, does not include undrafted free agents, but only those actually selected by a team in one of the available rounds.

Syracuse has had two defensive backs taken in an NFL Draft twice. The first time it happened was in 1989 when David Holmes was selected by the Miami Dolphins and Markus Paul by the Chicago Bears. It happened again in 1998 when safeties Tebucky Jones (New England Patriots) and Donovin Darius (Jacksonville Jaguars) were both selected in the first round.

Each has flashed pro potential during their Syracuse careers. Andre Cisco led the nation in interceptions as a true freshman on his way to being named an All-American. Trill Williams has put together some of the most exciting highlight reel plays across the country, including the strip six to end the 2019 season against Wake Forest. Ifeatu Melifonwu has been exceptional in coverage and was rated as one of the better cover corners in college football by Pro Football Focus.

If all three are in fact selected, it would be a huge boost for the program in terms of perception and also on the recruiting trail. Syracuse has two more extremely talented defensive backs coming in as part of their 2021 class in Duce Chestnut and Malcolm Folk.

Published Dec 19, 2020

MIKE MCALLISTER

Title: Publisher All Syracuse Education: Roberts Wesleyan College Location: Syracuse, New York Expertise: Syracuse basketball, football and recruiting. EXPERIENCE Mike McAllister has been covering Syracuse basketball, football and recruiting for more than a decade. Mike's career started with his own free blog as a way to vent following sporting events. Shortly thereafter, a network of basketball sites called Coast 2 Coast Hoops asked him to run their Syracuse site. That site was called Nation of Orange, and Mike quickly established it as a go-to for Syracuse fans. After running Nation of Orange for several months, a position with the Syracuse site on the Scout network became available. After one year as the recruiting expert with Cuse Nation, he was named the publisher. Mike oversaw the transition from Scout to 247Sports, and ran the site on that network for years. Presented with the opportunity to join one of the biggest names in the sports journalism industry, Sports Illustrated, Mike jumped at the chance. All Syracuse was started from scratch by Mike and the Fan Nation team. It has now become a staple for Orange fans of various sports. Mike has broken news on recruiting, Syracuse basketball and football team information and has established himself as the top recruiting inside in the market. He has appeared on local radio shows, television broadcasts, national radio shows and much more. Mr. McAllister has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Information Management from Roberts Wesleyan College.