Syracuse Football Training Camp Position Preview: Wide Receiver
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 wide receiver position.
PREVIOUS POSITION PREVIEWS
WHAT WE KNOW
Experience. Syracuse has a lot of experience at wide receiver, with players such as Damien Alford, Isaiah Jones, Trebor Pena and D'Marcus Adams playing quite a bit over the last season or two. Alford has started nearly every game over the last two years. Jones began last season as the starter before an injury prematurely ended his season. Pena has played a lot of snaps over the last two seasons. Adams showed flashes of being a deep threat towards the end of the 2022 campaign.
WHAT WE DON'T
Who will be a consistent compliment to Oronde Gadsden? As much as Syracuse has had multiple guys with a lot of playing time under their belts, they are still looking for that consistent outside threat to compliment tight end Oronde Gadsden. Last season, Alford had 429 yards receiving, Pena 203, Adams 180. They lost Devaughn Cooper, who was a solid contributor. Could Damien Alford take that next step? Is Isaiah Jones ready to emerge if he can stay healthy? Will Adams be more consistent in year two at SU? What about a youngster like Donovan Brown or Kendall Long? Could either step into a role this season? It will be interesting to see how this group rounds out during camp, especially with how new offensive coordinator Jason Beck will change things from previous years.
BIGGEST CONCERN
No one steps up to answer those questions. More of the same, which is Gadsden and then a bunch of average or less production, would be a detriment to the offense. Syracuse's offense took a step back when teams figured out they could double Gadsden and take away a huge part of the passing attack. Someone needs to step up to be a consistent threat and take some of that pressure off of the All-American. Without that, the offense will be inconsistent in 2023.
BIGGEST STRENGTH
Depth. While Syracuse wants at least one to step up and be a consistent, dynamic weapon to compliment tight end Oronde Gadsden, the Orange does possess a lot of experienced depth. On the outside, players like Damien Alford, Isaiah Jones returning from injury, Umari Hatcher showing flashes in the past, Trebor Pena and D'Marcus Adams in the slot have both played quite a bit. On top of that, you have a youngster like Donovan Brown who had a strong spring and is looking to continue his development. Syracuse has solid depth at the position.
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