Deacons Daily

Wake Forest Football: Syracuse Players to Watch

Sean Tucker is one of the best running backs in the ACC, and will present a tough challenge on Saturday
Sam Rausch|
Wake Forest Football: Syracuse Players to Watch
Wake Forest Football: Syracuse Players to Watch

After suffering their third consecutive loss, the Deacs will look to bounce back against the Syracuse Orange in their final home contest of the 2022 season.

The Deacs will face a struggling Syracuse team at home, as both teams seek their first win in the month of November

Let's take a look at Syracuse’s players to watch below.

RB Sean Tucker

Sophomore running back Sean Tucker is among the elite backs in the nation. On 246 attempts last season, Tucker ran for 1496 yards (6.1 YPC) and 12 touchdowns. Tucker’s 1496 yards set the Syracuse program record for single-season rushing yards.

READ: Series History - Wake Forest Football vs Syracuse

A reliable receiving option out of the backfield, Tucker has hauled in 63 catches for 618 yards and four touchdowns in his collegiate career.

Rushing for the sixth-most yards in college football last season, Tucker was honored as an AP second-team All-American and a first-team All-ACC selection.

As quarterback Garrett Shrader has played sparingly due to an injury, Tucker’s production has dropped during Syracuse’s losing streak.

In Syracuse’s last four games, Tucker has tallied 45 carries for 185 yards and just one touchdown. Syracuse will need to find a way to get Tucker involved, as he had a big day in last year’s game against Wake Forest, totaling 26 carries for 153 yards and two touchdowns.

Expect Tucker to have a larger role in the Syracuse game plan this week as he looks to get back on track.

WR Oronde Gadsden II

In his sophomore season, Oronde Gadsden II has emerged as the No. 1 receiving option for the Syracuse offense. On 42 catches this season, Gadsden has notched 700 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

After only catching two passes for 24 yards in his freshman season, Gadsden is sixth in the ACC in receiving yards this season.

READ: Syracuse head coach Dino Babers on season, upcoming game against Wake Forest

Gadsden had a career-high in catches (8) and receiving yards (141) in Syracuse’s win over NC State on Oct. 15.

The 6’5” receiving talent from Fort Lauderdale, Fl. will be a mismatch for any Wake Forest defensive back, but if the Deacs can effectively pressure Shrader in the pocket, the big-play potential of Gadsden can be neutralized.

LB Mikel Jones

Mikel Jones has had a remarkable career at Syracuse. In his first year (2019), Jones earned third-team freshman All-American honors. The next season, he led the ACC in interceptions (4) and the nation in takeaways (8).

Last season, Jones was elected a captain, and rightfully so, as he led the Orange in tackles with 109 (59 solo). Earning first-team All-ACC honors last season, Jones opted to forego the NFL draft to return for his fourth season at Syracuse.

Currently sixth in the ACC in tackles, Jones has tallied 81 (47 solo), four sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery this season. With two games to go in the regular season, look for Jones to have a big impact if Cuse is to get back in the win column.

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Sam Rausch
SAM RAUSCH

Sam is a contributing football writer for Deacons Daily

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