Syracuse Football Breakout Candidates

Which Orange players will make a name for themselves in 2023?

Mike McAllister | Aug 28, 2023

Syracuse Football Breakout Candidates /

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With Syracuse football set to embark on the 2023 season beginning on Saturday, here are five players who could breakout this year.

1. LeQuint Allen

The man taking over for Sean Tucker showed flashes of dynamic ability in the Pinstripe Bowl. Now as the full time starter, he could become one of the Orange's most reliable weapons. Expecting a 1,000 yard season may be a bit much as Syracuse is looking to use more of a rotation this season, but he should still be a very productive back who can impact the game on the ground or as a receiver.

2. Damien Alford

I feel like Alford has been a breakout candidate for the last couple of years, but it has not happened yet. If he is going to become a big time receiving threat, as his physique and talent suggests he is capable of being, now is the time. With a veteran quarterback and elite receiving threat that should leave him with single coverage quite a bit, this is the year Alford needs to step up.

3. Alijah Clark

The former four star recruit got his feet wet last year as a starter still adjusting to being at Syracuse and playing in the 3-3-5. With a year under his belt after a solid debut in 2022, Clark is poised for a big season as a leader in the secondary. With Ja'Had Carter gone via the transfer portal, the Orange needs someone to step up as a playmaking safety. Clark has the talent to do just that.

4. Jeremiah Wilson/Isaiah Johnson

Syracuse lost its starting cornerback duo from last season as Garrett Williams turned pro and Duce Chestnut transferred to LSU. Insert Isaiah Johnson and Jeremiah Wilson. Johnson is a big, long corner at 6-3 and was very good last season replacing Williams after injury. Wilson rotated in during the season and started in the Pinstripe Bowl, where he flashed strong coverage ability. Both have been really good in training camp as well. Look for this tandem to be discussed as one of the ACC's best by season's end.

5. Jack Stonehouse

It is kind of funny to think of a punter as a breakout candidate, as even the best punters generally do not receive much attention. Syracuse, however, is a bit different in this area. Punters have been fan favorites in the past and the Orange has been used to having good players at the position. The last couple of years were steps backwards, and fans are ready for a return to quality punting. Enter Jack Stonehouse, who started for Missouri last season and recorded nine punts of at least 50 yards as a freshman. Punting is in Stonehouse's blood, too, as his father punted at USC and for the New York Giants. His cousin, Ryan, is currently the punter for the Tennessee Titans.

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Published Aug 28, 2023

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.