The youth movement is coming to Central New York.
The evidence is not just in the amount of players that featured in Syracuse’s win over Colgate. It’s the amount of true freshmen that are getting significant playing time for the Orange.
It’s apparent on the defensive side of the ball immediately. Demetres Samuel Jr. is tied for the most snaps on the defensive side of the ball. Antoine Deslauriers has the highest defensive grade of a 75.6 of players who have featured for at least 80 snaps, according
to Pro Football Focus. Samuel is right behind him with a 75.2.
The theory of playing young players is one that Fran Brown has constantly preached. He doesn’t care about their age. If his players are good enough, they’ll see the field.
Some of Syracuse’s youngest are already seeing the field. There seem to be more coming down the line.
“When all of them get on the field and they are mentally and physically developed enough and ready to play ball, they won’t be stopped.” said Brown.
It seemed destined that Samuel would be a day one starter for Syracuse at cornerback. What surprised Syracuse fans was seeing Deslauriers getting a starting nod at linebacker on Syracuse’s opening day depth chart. Both have held their positions on the depth chart since.
Deslauriers continues to practice with the starters, but he knows to not take anything for granted. He knows that many other young players like himself are getting better every day in practice.
“Coaches are doing a great job of preparing players to get on the field early,” said Deslauriers.
On the offensive side of the ball, not as many younger players have started to crack the rotation. Jaylan Hornsby is seeing regular play as a redshirt freshman. True freshmen like Darien Williams, Daunte Bacheyie and Gabe Daniels got their chance to play against Colgate.
The biggest, in more ways than one, true freshman that is looking to get into the rotation with more consistency is Byron Washington. Brown continuously talks about how important his presence will be on the offensive line.
“Knowing that he depends on me that much at such a young age, it makes me have a bigger goal each week,” said Washington.
But it’s not just in the trenches where Washington’s impact is felt. He’s become the leader of the Orange freshman class. Washington created a group chat for his class once he committed to Syracuse. He took an “Alpha” role with the class and has stuck with it.
“Those guys understand it and look up to him because he works,” said Brown.
With many young players getting experience for the Orange immediately, it makes sense that Brown is excited for the entire class to get on the field and make their presence felt.
